Stuttering Benefits in Illinois: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), your stuttering must cause marked and severe functional limitations that prevent you from working at the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level.
• For 2025, SGA is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above this may affect eligibility.
• SSI also has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the maximum SSI benefit is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple if both are eligible.
• Children with stuttering may qualify for SSI if their condition causes marked and severe limitations and their family meets income/resource rules.
• All applicants must provide medical evidence showing how stuttering affects daily life and work.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Disability Qualifications [Accessed: 2025-11-05]

• Illinois residents with stuttering may qualify for Medicaid, including the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program if they are working.
• HBWD is for people aged 16-64 with disabilities who work. Income limits are $4,393/month for a single person and $5,962/month for a couple. Enrollees can have up to $25,000 in assets.
• HBWD allows you to keep Medicaid while working, which is important for those whose stuttering affects employment but not to the point of total disability.
• Illinois also offers ABLE accounts, which let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• Other state programs include SNAP, TANF, and housing assistance, which may be available based on income and household size.

Source: HFS Illinois, HBWD Program [Accessed: 2025-11-05]

• Gather medical records showing how stuttering affects your daily life and work.
• Check if you meet SSI/SSDI income and work limits.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
• For Medicaid or HBWD, apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) or online at the Illinois Benefits Portal.
• Report any changes in income or work status to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Get a medical evaluation from a speech-language pathologist or doctor. Document how stuttering limits your ability to work, communicate, and perform daily tasks.
• Step 2: Review federal SSI/SSDI eligibility rules. Make sure your income and resources are within limits.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. You may need to complete an Adult Disability Report.
• Step 4: If you work, check if you qualify for HBWD or other Medicaid programs. Apply through the Illinois Benefits Portal or contact IDHS.
• Step 5: If approved, report any changes in income, work, or medical status to Social Security and IDHS.
• Step 6: Explore ABLE accounts for saving money without losing benefits.
• Step 7: Use work incentives and planning services to keep benefits while working.

Source: SSA.gov, HFS Illinois, DB101 Illinois [Accessed: 2025-11-05]

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Stuttering must cause marked and severe limitations.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Benefits for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. Stuttering must prevent substantial work.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income people with disabilities. Eligibility may change if you work.
• Medicare: Health coverage for those on SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Work Incentives: Programs like Ticket to Work help you keep benefits while working.

Source: SSA.gov, Medicare.gov [Accessed: 2025-11-05]

• Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD): Medicaid for workers with disabilities aged 16-64. Income limits: $4,393/month (single), $5,962/month (couple). Up to $25,000 in assets allowed.
• Medicaid (AABD): Regular Medicaid for people with disabilities who meet income and asset rules.
• SNAP (Food Stamps): Food assistance for low-income households.
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): Cash assistance for families with children.
• Housing Programs: Rental assistance for low-income families.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses.
• Benefit Access Program: Free transit and license plate discounts for seniors and disabled individuals (16+).

Source: HFS Illinois, DB101 Illinois, Illinois Department on Aging [Accessed: 2025-11-05]

• IL ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like therapy, education, housing, and transportation.
• To open an account, visit the IL ABLE website and provide proof of disability.

Source: IL ABLE Accounts [Accessed: 2025-11-05]

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

Source: SSA.gov, HFS Illinois [Accessed: 2025-11-05]

• Report any changes in income, work, or medical status to Social Security and IDHS within 10 days.
• Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits.
• If you get an overpayment notice, contact the agency to set up a repayment plan.
• Use work incentives and planning services to avoid overpayments.

Source: SSA.gov, DB101 Illinois [Accessed: 2025-11-05]

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  Apply for SSI/SSDI, get help with work incentives.
• Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
  Phone: 1-800-843-6154

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid, HBWD, SNAP, TANF.
• Work Incentives Planning Assistance
  Phone: 1-866-968-7842

  Website

  Get help keeping benefits while working.

• Can stuttering qualify for SSI or SSDI?

  Yes, if stuttering causes marked and severe functional limitations that prevent you from working at the SGA level. You must provide medical evidence showing how it affects daily life and work.

• What is the SGA limit for 2025?

  For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above this may affect disability benefits.

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

  Yes, Illinois offers HBWD and work incentives that let you keep Medicaid and other benefits while working, as long as you meet income and asset rules.

• How do I apply for HBWD in Illinois?

  Apply through the Illinois Benefits Portal or contact IDHS. You must be aged 16-64, have a disability, work, and meet income and asset limits.

• What is an ABLE account?

  An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $18,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.

• Do I need to report changes in income?

  Yes, report any changes in income, work, or medical status to Social Security and IDHS within 10 days to avoid overpayments and loss of benefits.

• Can children with stuttering get SSI?

  Yes, if their stuttering causes marked and severe limitations and their family meets income and resource rules. Family income and resources are considered.