Cerebral Palsy Benefits in Indiana: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with Cerebral Palsy, you must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability, considering your ability to do previous work and any other work in the national economy based on your age, education, and work experience. For children, SSI eligibility is based on functional limitations and family income.

Cerebral Palsy is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under neurological disorders (Section 11.07). If your condition meets or equals the criteria, you may qualify for benefits. Even if not listed, you may still qualify if your symptoms are severe enough to prevent work or age-appropriate activities.

For SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits. For SSI, you must meet strict income and resource limits. Both programs require detailed medical documentation.

SSA Disability Qualification (accessed 2025-11-05)

In Indiana, the Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) works with the SSA to evaluate medical evidence for disability claims. Indiana follows federal guidelines for SSI and SSDI eligibility, but also offers state-specific programs like Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS). These waivers can provide additional support for people with Cerebral Palsy, such as personal care, therapy, and assistive technology.

Indiana’s Medicaid waivers have limited slots and may have waiting lists. Eligibility for waivers is based on functional need, not just diagnosis. You must also meet financial criteria. The state may refer adults to Vocational Rehabilitation Services through the SSA’s “Ticket to Work” program.

Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (accessed 2025-11-05)

Indiana Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau or your local SSA office.
• Complete the application for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid waivers.
• Submit all required forms and documentation.
• Follow up on your application status.

Indiana DDB Contact (accessed 2025-11-05)

SSA Apply Online (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, including doctor’s reports, therapy notes, and test results related to Cerebral Palsy.
• Step 2: Gather proof of income, assets, and work history.
• Step 3: Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) or your local SSA office for guidance.
• Step 4: Complete the application for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid waivers. You can apply online, by phone, or in person.
• Step 5: Submit all required forms and documentation. For Medicaid waivers, you may need to complete a separate application.
• Step 6: Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or medical exams.
• Step 7: Follow up on your application status regularly.
• Step 8: If denied, you have the right to appeal. Consider seeking help from a disability advocate.

Indiana DDB Contact (accessed 2025-11-05)

SSA Apply Online (accessed 2025-11-05)

Indiana Medicaid Waivers Application (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to adults who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources, including children with Cerebral Palsy.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage for people with disabilities, including those receiving SSI.
• Medicare: Provides health coverage for people receiving SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Ticket to Work: Helps people with disabilities return to work without losing benefits.

SSA Benefits (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Indiana Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provides home and community-based services for people with Cerebral Palsy, such as personal care, therapy, and assistive technology. Waivers have limited slots and may have waiting lists.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Helps adults with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment.
• State Disability Program: Provides short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees.
• Children’s Special Health Care Services: Provides medical and support services for children with Cerebral Palsy.

Indiana Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2025-11-05)

Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation (accessed 2025-11-05)

Indiana State Disability Program (accessed 2025-11-05)

Children’s Special Health Care Services (accessed 2025-11-05)

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Indiana offers the INvestABLE program. You can save up to $16,000 per year, and the account can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation.

INvestABLE (accessed 2025-11-05)

• SSI: In 2025, the federal SSI income limit is $943 per month for an individual. Indiana may have a higher limit due to state supplements.
• SSDI: There is 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.
• Medicaid: Income limits vary by program and household size.

SSA SSI Limits (accessed 2025-11-05)

SSA SGA Limits (accessed 2025-11-05)

You must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to the SSA. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan.

SSA Overpayments (accessed 2025-11-05)

Indiana Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-05)

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

  Website

  Ask for the examiner assigned to your claim.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 800-772-1213

  TTY: 800-325-0778

  Website

  For federal disability benefits.

• What is Cerebral Palsy and how does it affect eligibility for disability benefits?

  Cerebral Palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone. It is recognized as a qualifying disability for SSI and SSDI if it prevents substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least 12 months. Medical documentation is required.

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI in Indiana?

  You can apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. You will need to provide medical records, proof of income, and other documentation. The Indiana Disability Determination Bureau will review your medical evidence.

• What are Indiana Medicaid waivers and how do I apply?

  Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. You must meet functional and financial criteria. Apply through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration or your local SSA office.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits for Cerebral Palsy?

  Yes, you can work and still receive benefits, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals. Work incentives may allow you to earn more without losing benefits.

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

  An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Indiana offers the INvestABLE program. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation.

• What happens if my disability application is denied?