If you or a loved one has cystic fibrosis in Indiana, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and state disability programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with cystic fibrosis, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your condition must prevent you from doing any substantial gainful activity (SGA) and must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For 2025, the SGA limit is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,550 for blind individuals. If your cystic fibrosis is severe enough to meet these criteria, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. SSDI requires a work history and payment of Social Security taxes, while SSI is based on financial need and does not require work history. Both programs have strict medical and financial requirements.
In Indiana, eligibility for disability benefits is determined by both federal and state agencies. The Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) works with the SSA to review medical evidence and decide if your cystic fibrosis meets the legal definition of disability. Indiana also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can provide extra support for home and community-based services. To qualify for state programs, you must meet both medical and financial criteria. The DDB may ask for medical exams or tests to confirm your disability. Indiana’s Ticket to Work program helps adults with disabilities find jobs and keep their benefits while working.
Step 1: Collect all medical records related to your cystic fibrosis, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans.
Step 2: Review your work history and Social Security tax payments to see if you qualify for SSDI.
Step 3: Go to the SSA website and fill out the online application for SSDI or SSI. You can also apply by phone or in person at a local SSA office.
Step 4: The Indiana Disability Determination Bureau will review your medical evidence and may ask for additional tests or exams.
Step 5: If approved, you will receive a notice of award and information about your benefits.
Step 6: If denied, you can appeal the decision within 60 days.
Step 7: Once approved, report any changes in your income or health to avoid overpayments.
SSA: How to Apply for Disability (2025-11-05)
Indiana DDB Contact Info (2025-11-05)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays benefits to adults with a disability who have a work history and paid Social Security taxes.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits.
Medicare: Available to some people with disabilities after receiving SSDI for 24 months.
SSA: Disability Benefits (2025-11-05)
Medicaid.gov (2025-11-05)
Medicare.gov (2025-11-05)
Indiana offers several programs for people with cystic fibrosis:
Indiana Medicaid Waivers: These waivers provide extra support for home and community-based services, such as personal care, respite care, and therapy.
State Disability Program: Provides short-term and long-term disability benefits to state employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury.
Ticket to Work Program: Helps adults with disabilities find jobs and keep their benefits while working.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Offers job training, counseling, and support for people with disabilities.
Indiana Medicaid Waivers (2025-11-05)
Indiana State Disability Program (2025-11-05)
Indiana Ticket to Work (2025-11-05)
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Indiana, you can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses, such as medical care, education, and housing. Contributions to an ABLE account are not taxed, and the account does not count toward SSI or Medicaid resource limits.
For 2025, the SGA limit for SSDI is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,550 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may lose your SSDI benefits. SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Indiana may add a small state supplement.
If your income or health changes, you must report it to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much or if your condition improves. If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Always report changes as soon as possible to avoid penalties.
Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau for help with your disability claim. They can answer questions and guide you through the process.
Yes, you may qualify for both SSI and SSDI if you meet the medical and financial requirements for each program. SSI is based on financial need, while SSDI requires a work history. You can apply for both at the same time.
The SGA limit for SSDI in 2025 is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,550 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may lose your SSDI benefits.
You can apply for disability benefits online at the SSA website, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. You will need to provide medical records and work history. The Indiana Disability Determination Bureau will review your claim.
Indiana Medicaid waivers provide extra support for home and community-based services, such as personal care, respite care, and therapy. These waivers help people with cystic fibrosis live independently and get the care they need.
Yes, you can work while receiving SSDI, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. If you earn more than the limit, you may lose your benefits. The Ticket to Work program can help you test your ability to work.
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Indiana, you can use an ABLE account for medical care, education, housing, and more.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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The Indiana Disability Determination Bureau may take 6 to 8 months to decide on your claim. For some conditions, they may make immediate payments while they review your case.
If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision within 60 days. You can request a reconsideration, a hearing, or review by the Appeals Council.
Yes, children with cystic fibrosis may qualify for SSI if they meet the medical and financial criteria. The state agency may make immediate payments for some conditions while they review the case.
You must report changes in your income or health to the SSA as soon as possible to avoid overpayments. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office.
