If you or a loved one has Down Syndrome in Indiana, several federal and state benefits can help with financial support, health care, and independence. Key programs include SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help in Indiana.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability: a medically determinable physical or mental impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, preventing substantial gainful activity. For children, the impairment must cause marked and severe functional limitations[2][6]. For Down Syndrome, adults may qualify under the Listing of Impairments, and children may qualify if their condition causes significant limitations in daily activities. SSDI requires sufficient work credits for adults; SSI is need-based and available to children and adults with limited income/assets[6]. For SSI, immediate payments may start for severe conditions like Down Syndrome while the application is processed[4].
Indiana follows federal disability definitions but processes claims through the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB), which works with local Social Security offices. For state employees, Indiana offers short- and long-term disability benefits as a temporary bridge to federal disability programs. These benefits are available to employees unable to work due to illness or non-occupational injury. For Medicaid waivers (HCBS), eligibility is based on functional need and income, with waivers offering services like respite care, therapies, and supported employment. Families should apply through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) for Medicaid-related programs. While Indiana does not offer a state-level disability benefit outside of employee plans, federal SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid remain the primary public supports for those with Down Syndrome.
If you think you may qualify for Indiana disability benefits for Down Syndrome, start by gathering medical records, school reports (for children), and proof of income. Apply online for federal SSI/SSDI at ssa.gov or call your local Social Security office. For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) office. Indiana state employees should use the state’s disability claim portal for short- and long-term disability claims[3].
Applying for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI):
Applying for Indiana Medicaid waivers:
For Indiana state employees:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays benefits to disabled workers (and some adult children with disabilities onset before age 22) who have enough work credits. Down Syndrome is a qualifying condition, especially for children, who may receive immediate SSI payments during processing[4][6]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to low-income adults and children with disabilities. Down Syndrome is among the conditions that may qualify for immediate federal SSI payments—a critical support for families. SSI recipients in Indiana also usually qualify for Medicaid[4]. Medicaid: Covers health care for eligible individuals with disabilities, including children and adults with Down Syndrome, and often links directly to SSI eligibility. ABLE Accounts: Allow individuals with disabilities (onset before age 26) to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid[5].
State-specific information is limited; start here: Indiana Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): These waivers provide services like personal care, respite, behavioral supports, and therapies for children and adults with Down Syndrome. Eligibility is based on level of need and income; apply through the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS)[2]. Indiana State Employee Disability: Indiana offers short- and long-term disability insurance for state employees who become unable to work due to non-occupational illness or injury. This program is a bridge while applying for federal disability benefits[3]. Indiana Disability Determination Bureau: Handles federal SSI/SSDI claims for Indiana residents, following federal rules but providing a local point of contact for questions about your application[2]. Other local nonprofits may offer grants, but primary financial support and health coverage come from federal and state public programs.
ABLE accounts let individuals with Down Syndrome (and other disabilities) save up to $18,000 per year (2025) without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. These accounts can be used for education, housing, transportation, health, and other qualified expenses. Open an ABLE account through the Indiana ABLE plan or another state’s plan if Indiana does not offer one[5].
For SSI, income and asset limits apply: $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple (2025). Income from work is also limited by the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) standard, which is about $1,550/month for non-blind individuals in 2025. SSDI does not have strict income limits but requires sufficient work credits and recent work history[1]. Medicaid in Indiana has its own income and asset rules, especially for waiver programs.
If your income, resources, or living situation changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments and penalties. This is especially important for SSI recipients, as even small income changes can affect benefits. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for details[1].
Children with Down Syndrome may qualify for immediate SSI payments while their application is processed, providing faster financial support for families[4].
Indiana state employees can access short- and long-term disability benefits while applying for federal programs—a unique option not available to most residents[3].
Down Syndrome often qualifies for immediate SSI payments for children; adults may qualify if their condition meets the legal definition of disability and, for SSDI, if they have sufficient work credits. Medical evidence is required for all cases[4][6].
SSI is a need-based program for low-income individuals with disabilities; SSDI is based on work history and contributions. See our SSI vs SSDI guide for a full comparison.
Most children with Down Syndrome who qualify for SSI will automatically qualify for Indiana Medicaid. Adults may also qualify through Medicaid waivers or other pathways.
Indiana does not offer a general state disability benefit, but state employees may get short- or long-term disability insurance as a bridge to federal benefits[3].
You can appeal online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Indiana DDB can also assist with appeals on federal claims[2].
ABLE accounts let individuals with disabilities save money without losing benefits. They can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and health care.
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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Processing can take 6–8 months, but children with Down Syndrome may get immediate SSI payments while their case is reviewed[4].
Yes, SSI and SSDI have work incentives that allow some earnings without losing benefits. See our guide on SSI & SSDI Work Incentives for details.
Contact your local Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) office to start the process for home and community-based services.
You must report changes to Social Security immediately to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits. See Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
