Deaf-Blindness Benefits in Indiana: 2025 Guide

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]

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau for help with your claim.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office.
• Submit required forms and documentation.
• Follow up on your application status regularly.

• Step 1: Collect all necessary documents, including medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 2: Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) for guidance and to request an examiner assigned to your claim. Call 800-622-4968 and ask for the examiner.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI benefits online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. You can also apply for both SSI and SSDI at the same time.
• Step 4: Complete and submit all required forms, including the Employee's Statement of Claim, Employee's Authorization for Release of Medical Information, and Options Statement. These forms can be completed electronically or on paper.
• Step 5: The state agency may request additional medical exams or tests. They will pay for these exams.
• Step 6: Wait for a decision. 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.
• Step 7: If approved, you will receive benefits and may be referred to vocational rehabilitation services through the "Ticket to Work" program.
• Step 8: Report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments.

[Source: IN.gov, SSA.gov, DisabilityLawGroup.com]

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays benefits to adults who have a disability and a qualifying work history. For Deaf-Blindness, this means severe vision and hearing loss that prevents substantial gainful activity.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly financial assistance to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. SSI can also provide Medicaid coverage.
• Medicaid Waivers: Federal program that allows states to provide additional services to people with disabilities, such as personal care and assistive technology.
• Ticket to Work: Helps adults with disabilities return to work while maintaining benefits.

[Source: SSA.gov, Medicaid.gov]

• Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB): Works with the SSA to make medical determinations for disability benefits. They follow the statutory definition of disability and may request additional medical exams.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (S/LTD) Programs: Provide income replacement for state employees unable to work due to illness or injury. These programs can be a bridge to Social Security benefits.
• Medicaid Waivers: Indiana offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including those with Deaf-Blindness. These waivers provide services such as personal care, assistive technology, and home modifications.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Through the "Ticket to Work" program, adults with disabilities can receive support to return to work.

[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]

• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,530/month for non-blind, $2,550/month for blind in 2025).
• SSI: Income limits are based on federal guidelines. For 2025, the federal benefit rate is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. Indiana may have additional state supplements.
• Medicaid Waivers: Income and resource limits vary by waiver program. Contact the Indiana DDB for specific details.

[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]

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

  Website

  Ask for the examiner assigned to your claim.

• What is Deaf-Blindness?

  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.

• How do I qualify for disability benefits with Deaf-Blindness in Indiana?

  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.

• What are the income limits for SSI in Indiana?

  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.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits?

  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.

• What is the Ticket to Work program?

  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.

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Indiana?

  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.