People with dyslexia in Indiana may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and educational supports. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and resources for Indiana residents.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, dyslexia must be severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. For SSI, you must meet income and resource limits and have a qualifying disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at how dyslexia affects your ability to work, learn, or do daily activities. Medical records, school reports, and evaluations are needed to prove your case. The SGA limit for 2025 is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals, allowing some to work part-time while keeping benefits[1][2].
In Indiana, dyslexia may qualify for disability benefits if it severely limits your ability to work or learn. The Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) reviews medical and school records to decide if you meet the state’s definition of disability. Children with dyslexia may get SSI if their family meets income limits. Adults may qualify for SSDI if they have a work history. Indiana also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including those with learning disabilities. These waivers can help pay for therapy, tutoring, and other supports. The state’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services can help adults with dyslexia find jobs or training[3][4].
Federal programs for dyslexia include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI pays benefits to adults who have a disability that began before age 22 and have a work history. SSI provides money for basics like food, clothing, and housing if you are disabled and meet income limits. Both programs require proof that dyslexia severely limits your ability to work or learn. The SSA may make immediate SSI payments for some conditions, but dyslexia is not on that list. You may be able to get both SSI and SSDI if you qualify[5][6].
Indiana offers several programs for people with dyslexia. The Indiana Disability Determination Bureau reviews disability claims and may refer adults to Vocational Rehabilitation Services for job training. Children with dyslexia may qualify for Medicaid waivers, which can help pay for therapy, tutoring, and other supports. The state also provides Short-Term and Long-Term Disability benefits for state employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury. These programs help bridge the gap until you can return to work or qualify for federal benefits. Contact the Indiana DDB or your local SSA office for more information[3][4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Indiana residents can open an ABLE account to save for things like therapy, education, and housing. The account has annual and lifetime limits, but earnings grow tax-free. Learn more about Indiana ABLE accounts and how to apply[8].
For SSI in 2025, the income limit is based on federal guidelines and may change with the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to be $1,530 per month in 2025. Earning more than this may affect your benefits. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not be doing substantial gainful activity. Indiana’s Medicaid waivers have their own income and resource limits[1][2][5].
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 don’t report changes. The SSA may ask you to repay the overpayment, but you can request a waiver if it’s not your fault. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes[6].
Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau at 800-622-4968 for guidance on applying for disability benefits.
Yes, if dyslexia severely limits your ability to work or learn, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You need medical and school records to prove your case. The Indiana Disability Determination Bureau reviews all claims.
You need a diagnosis from a doctor, school records, and any evaluations showing how dyslexia affects your ability to work or learn. The SSA may ask for more information during the review.
The state agency may take 6–8 months to decide if your child’s condition meets the criteria for disability. For adults, the process can take several months. You may get immediate SSI payments for some conditions, but not for dyslexia.
Yes, you can work part-time and still get benefits if you don’t exceed the SGA limit. For 2025, the SGA limit is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals.
SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is for those with a work history. Both require proof that dyslexia severely limits your ability to work or learn. You may qualify for both if you meet the rules.
Yes, Indiana offers Medicaid waivers for children and adults with disabilities, including learning disabilities like dyslexia. These waivers can help pay for therapy, tutoring, and other supports.
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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You can apply for an ABLE account online or through a state program. The account lets you save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. There are annual and lifetime limits.
You must report any changes in income to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much or don’t report changes. The SSA may ask you to repay the overpayment.
Yes, children with dyslexia may qualify for SSI if their family meets income limits. The state agency reviews medical and school records to decide if the child meets the criteria for disability.
You can get help from the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau, local SSA offices, or Vocational Rehabilitation Services. These agencies can guide you through the application process and answer your questions.
