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Indiana • Chronic Illness
If you have diabetes in Indiana, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what changes are coming in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You also need enough work credits, usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the same medical criteria. Diabetes may qualify if it causes severe complications like vision loss, kidney failure, or nerve damage that limit your ability to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability, and not all diabetes cases qualify. [^1][^2]
In Indiana, eligibility for disability benefits is determined by the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) in coordination with the SSA. The DDB follows the federal definition of disability, which means your diabetes must prevent you from doing any substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months. Indiana also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including those with diabetes, which can provide additional services like home care, therapy, and support. To qualify for Medicaid waivers, you must meet both medical and financial criteria. Indiana’s state disability programs may provide short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees, but these are separate from federal SSDI and SSI. [^5][^6][^7]
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Indiana residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like medical care, education, and housing. [^8]
You must report any changes in your condition, income, or living situation to the SSA. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. The SSA offers work incentives that allow you to test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits. [^4]
Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau at 800-622-4968 for help with your disability claim. Local SSA offices can also assist with federal benefits.
Yes, if your diabetes causes severe complications that prevent you from working for at least 12 months. The SSA reviews medical evidence to determine eligibility. Not all diabetes cases qualify. [^1][^2]
For SSDI, the SGA limit is expected to be $1,530/month for non-blind individuals in 2025. For SSI, the federal limit is $943/month for an individual. [^2][^3]
Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau or your local SSA office. You may need a referral and must meet medical and financial criteria. [^6]
Indiana offers Medicaid waivers and state disability programs for state employees. Medicaid waivers provide additional services, while state disability programs offer income replacement for state employees. [^6][^7]
Yes, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,530/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals). The SSA offers work incentives to help you test your ability to work. [^3][^4]
You need doctor’s notes, lab results, treatment history, and any other records that show how diabetes affects your ability to work. The SSA may request additional exams. [^1]
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
The Indiana DDB may take 6 to 8 months to decide on a claim. Some conditions may qualify for immediate payments. [^5]
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for both programs. This is called concurrent benefits. [^2]
You must report any improvement to the SSA. Your benefits may be reviewed or stopped if you can return to work. [^4]
There are federal and state grants for people with disabilities, including diabetes. Check with local agencies and nonprofits for available programs. [^8]
