Short Stature Benefits in Illinois: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your condition must prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If your Short Stature causes marked and severe functional limitations, you may be eligible for SSI or SSDI. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security[2][3][5].

In Illinois, people with Short Stature may qualify for Medicaid through the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program if they are between ages 16 and 64, working, and have countable income up to $4,393 per month for a single person or $5,962 for a couple. HBWD allows up to $25,000 in assets, which is higher than most Medicaid programs. You must also meet SSA’s disability definition. Other state programs include Medicaid waivers for adults with developmental disabilities and support waivers for children and young adults[1][8].

• Check if your Short Stature meets SSA’s disability definition.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or at a local SSA office.
• If eligible, apply for Medicaid or HBWD through the Illinois Department of Human Services.
• Explore ABLE accounts for saving without losing benefits.

• Step 1: Review SSA’s disability criteria. Short Stature must cause marked and severe functional limitations to qualify for SSI/SSDI[3][5].
• Step 2: Collect medical records, proof of income, and work history.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office[4][5].
• Step 4: If approved, apply for Medicaid or HBWD through the Illinois Department of Human Services. You can apply online or by phone at 1-800-843-6154[1][4].
• Step 5: If you want to save for disability expenses, open an IL ABLE account at ilable.com[9].
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments[4].

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash payments for people with limited income and resources. For 2025, the maximum SSI benefit is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple[6].
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. Payment amounts vary based on work history[5].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities. Eligibility depends on income and resources[5].

• Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD): Medicaid for workers with disabilities. Income limit is $4,393/month for singles and $5,962/month for couples. Asset limit is $25,000[1].
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs for adults with developmental disabilities and support waivers for children and young adults[8].
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability expenses. Illinois residents can open an account at ilable.com[9].
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Food assistance for low-income individuals[4].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Illinois residents can open an IL ABLE account at ilable.com. The account can hold up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility[9].

• SSI: $967/month for individuals, $1,450/month for couples (2025)[6].
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but earnings must be below SGA ($1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700/month for blind in 2025)[2][3].
• HBWD: $4,393/month for singles, $5,962/month for couples[1].

You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Use the SSA website or call 1-800-772-1213 to report changes[4].

• Illinois Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-843-6154

  Website

  For Medicaid, HBWD, and SNAP applications.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and disability eligibility questions.
• Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program
  Phone: 1-217-588-6326

  Website

  For help with work incentives and reporting changes.

• Can Short Stature qualify for SSI or SSDI?

  Yes, if Short Stature causes marked and severe functional limitations that prevent you from working at the substantial gainful activity level. You must meet SSA’s disability definition and income/resource limits[3][5].

• What is the income limit for SSI in Illinois?

  For 2025, the maximum SSI benefit is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. Income and resources are counted, and some exclusions apply[6].

• How does work affect my disability benefits?

  Working can affect SSI and SSDI. Earnings above the SGA limit ($1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700/month for blind in 2025) may reduce or stop benefits. Work incentives allow some earnings without losing coverage[2][3].

• Can I get Medicaid if I work with a disability in Illinois?

  Yes, through the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program. Income limits are $4,393/month for singles and $5,962/month for couples. Asset limit is $25,000[1].

• What is an ABLE account and how does it help?

  An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save for qualified expenses without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Illinois residents can open an account at ilable.com[9].

• Do I need to report changes in my situation?

  Yes, you must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits[4].