Cancer Benefits in Indiana: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a disability that stops you from working for at least 12 months, and meet the work credit requirement (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years)[^1]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and be unable to work due to your disability[^2]. Cancer is listed in the Social Security Blue Book under Section 13.00, and certain types or stages may qualify automatically if they meet the criteria[^3].

In Indiana, eligibility for disability programs is determined by the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) in coordination with the Social Security Administration (SSA)[^4]. The DDB reviews medical evidence to decide if your cancer meets the federal definition of disability. Indiana also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including those with cancer, which can provide home and community-based services[^5]. State employees may qualify for Short-Term and Long-Term Disability benefits if cancer prevents them from working[^6].

• Gather medical records and work history.
• Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau for help.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or at a local SSA office.
• Submit all required forms and documentation.
• Follow up on your application status regularly.

• Step 1: Collect medical records, including diagnosis, treatment plans, and doctor’s notes.
• Step 2: Review eligibility for SSDI or SSI using the SSA’s online tools[^7].
• Step 3: Call the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau at 800-622-4968 for guidance and to ask for your assigned examiner[^4].
• Step 4: Apply online at SSA.gov or visit your local SSA office. You can also apply by phone.
• Step 5: Complete and submit all required forms, including the Adult Disability Report and medical release forms.
• Step 6: Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or medical exams.
• Step 7: Track your application status online or by phone.
• Step 8: If denied, you can appeal within 60 days of the decision.
• Step 9: If approved, you may also apply for Medicaid and other state benefits[^5].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for workers with a qualifying disability, including cancer[^1].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for low-income individuals with disabilities[^2].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities and low income[^8].
• Medicare: Health coverage after 24 months of SSDI eligibility[^9].
• Ticket to Work: Vocational rehabilitation and employment support[^10].

• Indiana Medicaid Waivers: Home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including cancer[^5].
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD/LTD): Income replacement for state employees unable to work due to cancer[^6].
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Job training and support for adults with disabilities[^4].
• Worker’s Compensation: Benefits for state employees injured on the job[^6].
• Medicaid Buy-In: Allows people with disabilities to work and still get Medicaid coverage[^5].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Indiana residents can open an ABLE account to pay for disability-related expenses like medical care, housing, and education[^11].

• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,550 for blind individuals[^12].
• SSI: Income and resource limits apply. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual, with strict limits on countable income and resources[^2].

You must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much, you may have to pay it back. Report changes promptly to the SSA and Indiana DDB[^13].

• Indiana Disability Determination Bureau
  Phone: 800-622-4968

  Website

  Ask for your assigned examiner.

• Can I get disability benefits for cancer in Indiana?

  Yes, if your cancer prevents you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Indiana also offers Medicaid waivers and state disability programs for people with cancer.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Indiana?

  Gather medical records, contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau, and apply online at SSA.gov or at a local SSA office. Submit all required forms and documentation.

• What is the income limit for disability benefits in Indiana?

  For SSDI, you cannot earn more than the SGA limit, which is expected to be $1,530 per month in 2025. For SSI, there are strict income and resource limits.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Indiana?

  Yes, you can work during a trial work period and still get full benefits. After that, you can earn up to the SGA limit without losing benefits.

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help me?

  An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Indiana residents can open an ABLE account for medical, housing, and education costs.

• What is the difference between SSDI and SSI in Indiana?

  SSDI is for workers with a qualifying disability, while SSI is for low-income individuals with disabilities. Both can provide monthly payments for people with cancer.