Spinal Cord Injury Benefits in Illinois

To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources. Both programs require proof of disability from the Social Security Administration (SSA). In 2025, the SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals. If you earn above this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI unless you use work incentives.

• SSI maximum benefit: $967/month (individual), $1,450/month (couple) as of January 2025.
• SSDI payment varies by work history.
• You can use work incentives like the Trial Work Period and Expedited Reinstatement if you want to work.

[Source: SSA.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html; https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf; https://il.db101.org/il/programs/income_support/ssdi2/program2e.htm; https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/disabilities-guidebook-social-security-disability-benefits)

In Illinois, people with spinal cord injuries can get extra help through state programs. The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program lets you keep Medicaid while working, with income limits up to $4,393/month (single) or $5,962/month (couple). You can have up to $25,000 in assets. To qualify, you must be 16–64, working, and have a disability proven by SSA, VA, or a doctor's statement. Eligibility lasts for two years, and you can reapply 90 days before it expires.

• HBWD covers full Medicaid benefits, including doctor visits, hospital care, and long-term services.
• You may pay a small monthly premium based on income.
• Other state programs include Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services.

[Source: HFS.illinois.gov, 2025; ILAging.illinois.gov, 2025](https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalprograms/hbwd.html; https://ilaging.illinois.gov/benefitsaccess/eligibility-20and-20frequently-asked-questions.html)

• Check if you meet federal and state eligibility rules.
• Gather proof of disability (SSA letter, doctor's statement, etc.).
• Download and fill out the application for SSI/SSDI or HBWD.
• Submit your application online, by mail, or in person.
• Keep copies of all documents and follow up if needed.
• Report any changes in income or living situation.

• Step 1: Get proof of disability. This can be a letter from the Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, or a completed Attachment A Physician's Statement.
• Step 2: Check your income and assets. For SSI, your income must be below $967/month (individual). For HBWD, your countable income must be below $4,393/month (single).
• Step 3: Download the application. For SSI/SSDI, use the SSA website. For HBWD, use the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services website.
• Step 4: Fill out the application. Be honest and complete. Include all required documents.
• Step 5: Submit your application. You can apply online, by mail, or in person at a local office.
• Step 6: Wait for a decision. You may be asked for more information.
• Step 7: If approved, keep records and report any changes.
• Step 8: Reapply 90 days before your eligibility expires if needed.

[Source: SSA.gov, HFS.illinois.gov, ILAging.illinois.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/apply.html; https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalprograms/hbwd.html; https://ilaging.illinois.gov/benefitsaccess/eligibility-20and-20frequently-asked-questions.html)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments based on your work history. You can work and use work incentives like the Trial Work Period and Expedited Reinstatement.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with low income and resources. Maximum is $967/month (individual) in 2025.
• Medicare: Health coverage after 24 months of SSDI.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and resources.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Food assistance for low-income individuals.

[Source: SSA.gov, CMS.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html; https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf; https://il.db101.org/nav/p.htm)

• Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD): Medicaid coverage for workers with disabilities. Income limit: $4,393/month (single), $5,962/month (couple). Asset limit: $25,000. Eligibility lasts 2 years.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and community-based services for people with disabilities. Covers personal care, therapy, and more.
• Benefit Access Program: Helps with property tax relief and other benefits for people with disabilities.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. You can save up to $100,000 without losing SSI.

[Source: HFS.illinois.gov, ILAging.illinois.gov, 2025](https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalprograms/hbwd.html; https://ilaging.illinois.gov/benefitsaccess/eligibility-20and-20frequently-asked-questions.html; https://il.db101.org/nav/p.htm)

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $100,000 in an ABLE account and still get SSI. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, and housing. Illinois offers the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) program.

Source: IL.DB101.org, 2025

• SSI: $967/month (individual), $1,450/month (couple) as of January 2025.
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but earnings above SGA ($1,620/month for non-blind) may affect benefits.
• HBWD: $4,393/month (single), $5,962/month (couple).
• SNAP: Varies by household size and income.

[Source: SSA.gov, HFS.illinois.gov, 2025](https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/disabilities-guidebook-social-security-disability-benefits; https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalprograms/hbwd.html)

You must report changes in income, living situation, or work status to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes as soon as possible to SSA and Illinois agencies. Keep records of all reports and payments.

[Source: SSA.gov, HFS.illinois.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/reporting.html; https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalprograms/hbwd.html)

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Monday–Friday

  Website

  For federal disability benefits.
• Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
  Phone: 1-800-843-6154

  TTY: 1-800-447-6404

  Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday–Friday

  Website

  For Medicaid and HBWD.

• What is the income limit for SSI in Illinois in 2025?

  The maximum SSI benefit in Illinois is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple in 2025. Your actual payment may be lower based on other income.

• Can I work and still get disability benefits in Illinois?

  Yes, you can work and keep disability benefits in Illinois. Programs like HBWD and SSDI work incentives let you earn income while keeping Medicaid and cash benefits.

• How do I prove I have a disability for Illinois benefits?

  You can prove disability with a letter from SSA, VA, or a completed Attachment A Physician's Statement. You must be 16–64 and totally and permanently disabled.

• What is the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program?

  HBWD is an Illinois program that lets workers with disabilities keep Medicaid while earning up to $4,393/month (single). You can have up to $25,000 in assets.

• How long does eligibility last for HBWD in Illinois?

  HBWD eligibility lasts for two years from the date of approval. You can reapply 90 days before it expires.

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

  An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $100,000 and use funds for disability-related expenses.

• Do I have to report changes in income or living situation?