People in Indiana with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources for Indiana residents.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents you from engaging in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For Deaf-Blindness, this means severe vision and hearing loss that significantly limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability and evaluates each case based on medical evidence, work history, and financial need. You may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you have a qualifying work history, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you have limited income and resources. Both programs have specific rules for children and adults with disabilities.
For 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to increase to $1,530 per month, and for blind individuals to $2,550 per month. This means you can earn more while still receiving benefits, which is helpful if you are testing your ability to work. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 is 2.5%, which will increase benefit amounts to keep pace with inflation.
[Source: SSA.gov, DisabilityLawGroup.com, ParmeleDisability.com]
In Indiana, people with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for state disability programs and Medicaid waivers. The Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) works with the SSA to make medical determinations for disability benefits. Indiana also offers the Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (S/LTD) programs for state employees, which provide income replacement for those unable to work due to illness or injury. These programs can be a bridge to Social Security benefits.
Indiana has specific Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including those with Deaf-Blindness. These waivers provide services such as personal care, assistive technology, and home modifications. To qualify, you must meet both medical and financial criteria. The state agency may request additional medical exams or tests to determine eligibility. Indiana also participates in the SSA's "Ticket to Work" program, which helps adults with disabilities return to work while maintaining benefits.
[Source: IN.gov, SSA.gov]
[Source: IN.gov, SSA.gov, DisabilityLawGroup.com]
[Source: SSA.gov, Medicaid.gov]
[Source: IN.gov, SSA.gov]
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and other benefits. Indiana residents can open an ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses. Contributions to ABLE accounts are not counted as income for SSI purposes, and earnings grow tax-free. For more information, visit the ABLE National Resource Center.
[Source: ABLE National Resource Center]
[Source: SSA.gov, IN.gov]
It is important to report any changes in your condition, income, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the excess. Report changes to the SSA as soon as possible. For more information, see the SSA's guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.
[Source: SSA.gov]
Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau for personalized help with your disability claim. They can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
Deaf-Blindness is a combination of severe vision and hearing loss that significantly limits a person's ability to communicate, access information, and perform daily activities. It can be congenital or acquired and varies in severity.
You must have a medically determinable impairment that prevents substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least 12 months. You need to provide medical evidence and meet financial criteria for SSI or SSDI.
For 2025, the federal SSI benefit rate is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. Indiana may have additional state supplements. Income limits vary by program.
Yes, you can work and earn up to the SGA limit ($1,530/month for non-blind, $2,550/month for blind in 2025) without losing benefits. Work incentives help you maintain benefits while testing your ability to work.
The Ticket to Work program helps adults with disabilities return to work while maintaining benefits. It provides support services and vocational rehabilitation to help you succeed in the workforce.
Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau for guidance. You will need to provide medical and financial documentation. The state agency may request additional medical exams or tests.
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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An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and other benefits. Contributions are not counted as income for SSI purposes, and earnings grow tax-free.
You can appeal the decision. Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau for help with the appeals process. You may need to provide additional medical evidence or attend a hearing.
The process can take 6 to 8 months. For some conditions, immediate SSI payments may be made for up to 6 months while the decision is pending.
Yes, depending on your eligibility, you may be able to collect both SSI and SSDI benefits at the same time. This is known as receiving "concurrent" benefits.
