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Indiana • Speech/Language
If you have aphasia in Indiana, you may be eligible for federal Social Security (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, and Indiana-specific programs. These benefits provide income, healthcare coverage, and support services. Learn about eligibility, how to apply, and what to expect from Indiana’s disability system.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability: your impairment (such as aphasia) must be severe enough to prevent “substantial gainful activity”—basically, the ability to work—for at least 12 months or be terminal[3][7]. For SSDI, you also need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years, while SSI has income and resource limits and does not require a work history[7]. The severity of your aphasia will be evaluated based on medical evidence, including speech-language tests, doctor’s notes, and records of how the condition affects your daily life[3].
Indiana uses the same federal rules for SSI and SSDI eligibility as outlined above, but all applications from Indiana residents are processed by the state’s Disability Determination Bureau (DDB), which works closely with the Social Security Administration[3]. There are no unique Indiana-only programs for aphasia as a specific diagnosis—eligibility is determined by the severity of disability and, for SSI, your income and resources. Indiana offers Medicaid for low-income individuals with disabilities, and you may qualify for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers if you need in-home support, though these programs have their own qualifying criteria separate from SSI/SSDI. If you are a state employee, you may also be eligible for Indiana’s Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Program for non-work-related illness, but this is different from SSI/SSDI and Aphasia must significantly impair your job performance[4].
Applying for Indiana aphasia benefits is a step-by-step process:
1. Collect Documentation
2. Prepare Personal Information
3. Apply Online or By Phone
4. Complete Any Required Forms
5. Follow Up
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the main federal programs for people with disabilities like aphasia. SSDI is for those with a work history, while SSI is for low-income individuals regardless of work history. Both programs provide monthly cash benefits if your aphasia prevents you from working for at least 12 months[7]. Medicaid and Medicare are also available based on disability status and income. In 2025, benefits increase due to a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), and income limits for working while on benefits (SGA) are expected to rise slightly[1][2]. SSI recipients are usually eligible for Medicaid, and SSDI recipients may qualify for Medicare after a waiting period.
State-specific information is limited; start here: Indiana administers federal SSI/SSDI through its Disability Determination Bureau[3]. Indiana Medicaid offers coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities, and you may qualify for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers for in-home support. State employees can access Indiana’s Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Program for non-work-related illness, but this is separate from SSI/SSDI[4]. There are no unique Indiana programs targeting aphasia specifically—eligibility is based on disability severity and, for Medicaid/SSI, income and resources.
Medicaid Waivers: Indiana Medicaid offers several waivers that can pay for home care, respite, and therapies, though availability and eligibility vary. Caregiver and Respite Programs: Some local Area Agencies on Aging or nonprofits offer additional support services for people with communication disabilities like aphasia, but these are not statewide entitlement programs.
Indiana ABLE Accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested programs. These accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses like medical care, housing, and assistive technology. Learn more at the state ABLE program website or our ABLE Accounts guide.
SSI income and resource limits are strict and updated annually. For 2025, the federal benefit rate increases by 2.5%[2]. For SSDI, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit (how much you can earn and still get benefits) is also rising, projected at $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025[1]. These limits apply nationally, including in Indiana.
Always report changes in income, living situation, or medical improvement to the SSA promptly to avoid overpayments, which you may have to pay backsee our guide. Keep records of all changes and correspondence. If you receive too much in benefits, the SSA will notify you and explain repayment options.
If you have aphasia and cannot communicate over the phone, ask a family member or advocate to help you apply for benefits. Many Indiana nonprofits and legal aid groups offer free help with applications and appeals.
Keep all medical paperwork—speech therapy notes, neurology reports, and communication assessments strengthen your Indiana disability claim for aphasia.
Report any income or living situation changes promptly to the SSA to avoid overpayments and benefit interruptions.
No. Aphasia must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. Social Security reviews all medical evidence, including speech therapy records and doctor’s notes, to decide if you meet their strict definition of disability[3][7].
SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security tax payments. SSI is for low-income individuals who are disabled, blind, or aged, without regard to work history. See our [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi) guide for details.
Yes, but there are strict limits on how much you can earn. For 2025, the SSDI SGA limit is about $1,530/month for non-blind individuals[1]. SSI has both income and resource limits. See our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) guide for details.
Processing times can range from three to seven months. Some conditions qualify for fast-track approval, but aphasia is not on the immediate payment list[5].
Indiana offers several Medicaid HCBS waivers for in-home care and support services. Eligibility depends on your care needs, income, and resources. Visit in.gov/FSSA to learn more about waiver availability and waiting lists.
Disclaimer: *This guide provides general information about Indiana disability benefits for aphasia. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee benefit eligibility. Always consult official government websites and a qualified disability advocate or attorney for your personal situation.*
6. Explore Additional Support
Tip: Keep copies of everything you submit. Consider working with a disability advocate or attorney if your claim is denied.
Indiana administers federal SSI/SSDI through its Disability Determination Bureau. For state employees, there is a separate Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Program, but no statewide program specifically for aphasia outside of these[3][4].
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility, as long as the funds are used for qualified disability expenses. This is separate from regular bank accounts, which can affect your benefit eligibility[see our ABLE Accounts guide](/guides/able-accounts).
You have the right to appeal within 60 days of the denial notice. Request a review of your case, and consider getting help from a disability advocate or attorney.
