Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Benefits in Indiana

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a severe disability that prevents you from working at Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) levels and have enough work credits from recent employment. In 2025, the SGA limit is projected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,550 for blind individuals. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can qualify if it severely limits your ability to work and meet SSA criteria [1][3][5].

Indiana offers Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (S/LTD) programs for state employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. These programs provide income replacement and insurance premium continuation. State employees must apply separately from FMLA and submit required forms. Medicaid waivers in Indiana, such as Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), may provide additional support for people with rare or genetic conditions. State-specific eligibility depends on employment status, income, and medical documentation [2][4].

• Gather medical records and work history.
• Review eligibility for SSDI, SSI, and state disability programs.
• Complete applications online or by phone.
• Submit required forms and documentation.
• Follow up with SSA or state agencies as needed.

• Step 1: Collect medical records, including diagnosis, treatment history, and functional limitations related to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
• Step 2: Review eligibility for SSDI (work history required) or SSI (income and resource limits apply). Use the SSA Disability Planner to check qualifications [7].
• Step 3: For state disability, complete the Employee's Statement of Claim, Authorization for Release of Medical Information, and Options Statement. Doctors must complete a medical form [2].
• Step 4: Apply online at SSA.gov for federal benefits or through your employer for state disability. Submit all forms and documentation.
• Step 5: Follow up with SSA or state agencies. Respond promptly to requests for additional information.
• Step 6: If approved, report any changes in income, work, or medical status to avoid overpayments [5][8].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly benefits to adults unable to work due to disability, with a work history. Family members may also qualify for dependent benefits.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides financial assistance to low-income individuals with disabilities, regardless of work history.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): May provide additional support for people with rare or genetic conditions, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI, with exceptions for certain conditions [3][5][6].

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (S/LTD): Indiana state employees can apply for S/LTD benefits if unable to work due to illness or injury, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Benefits provide income replacement and insurance premium continuation.
• Medicaid Waivers: Indiana offers HCBS waivers for people with rare or genetic conditions, providing support for home and community-based services.
• State Disability Forms: Employees must complete and submit required forms, including Employee's Statement of Claim and Authorization for Release of Medical Information. Doctors must complete a medical form [2][4].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. Indiana residents can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to apply [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].

For SSDI in 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is projected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,550 for blind individuals. For SSI, the income limit is lower and varies by state. Indiana state disability programs have their own income limits, which may differ from federal limits. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments [1][3][5].

It is critical to report any changes in income, work, or medical status to SSA or state agencies. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].

• Indiana Bureau of Disability Programs
  Phone: 317-232-5875

  Website

  For state disability benefits and forms.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday - Friday

  Website

  For federal disability benefits and applications.

• Can Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome qualify for SSDI or SSI in Indiana?

  Yes, if Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome severely limits your ability to work and meets SSA criteria, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Medical documentation is required to prove the severity and duration of your condition.

• What are the income limits for SSDI and SSI in Indiana?

  For SSDI in 2025, the SGA limit is projected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,550 for blind individuals. SSI income limits are lower and vary by state. Indiana state disability programs have their own income limits.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Indiana?

  Gather medical records and work history, review eligibility, complete applications online or by phone, submit required forms and documentation, and follow up with SSA or state agencies as needed.

• What state disability programs are available in Indiana?

  Indiana offers Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (S/LTD) programs for state employees, and Medicaid waivers for people with rare or genetic conditions. These programs provide income replacement and insurance premium continuation.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Indiana?

  Yes, federal work incentives allow you to test work without losing benefits. The trial work period lets you work for at least 9 months and still get full disability payments. Report any changes in income to avoid overpayments.

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help?

  ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. Indiana residents can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed.