People with Fragile X Syndrome in Indiana can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid waivers. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply step by step, and Indiana-specific programs to help your family get financial and health care support.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, have worked enough years to qualify (paid Social Security taxes), and meet specific work credit rules[7]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have a disability, limited income, and limited resources, regardless of your work history[6]. Both programs use the federal definition of disability: an inability to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a severe, long-term physical or mental impairment[3]. Children with Fragile X Syndrome may qualify for SSI based on the severity of their symptoms and family income[5]. The Social Security Administration (SSA) may request medical exams or school records as part of the process[5]. For 2025, SSDI and SSI benefits will increase by 2.5% due to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)[2], and the income limits for Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) will also rise slightly[1].
Indiana follows federal guidelines for determining disability for SSI and SSDI, but you must apply through the state’s Disability Determination Bureau (DDB), which works with Indiana's 26 local Social Security field offices[3]. The DDB evaluates medical evidence to see if your condition meets the SSA’s definition of disability. State-specific Medicaid waivers, known as Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS), may be available for people with Fragile X Syndrome who need extra support at home or in the community. While most programs are federally funded, Indiana administers its own Medicaid (Indiana Health Coverage Programs). To access these, your income and resources must meet Indiana’s Medicaid eligibility criteria. If you are a state employee, Indiana also offers Short-Term and Long-Term Disability benefits for non-work-related injuries or illnesses, but these are separate from SSI and SSDI[4]. For most people with Fragile X Syndrome, federal programs (SSI, SSDI, Medicaid) are the main sources of benefits. State-specific information is limited; start with the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau and the Indiana Medicaid program for details about local processes and waivers.
State-specific programs for rare/genetic conditions like Fragile X Syndrome are limited. Most support comes from federal benefits, Medicaid waivers, and local nonprofit services. For more, contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau and Indiana Medicaid.
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts let people with disabilities save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. ABLE accounts in Indiana follow federal rules, but you must set them up through a national ABLE provider. Use ABLE funds for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, health care, and assistive technology.
In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) income limit for non-blind SSDI recipients is expected to be $1,530/month; for blind individuals, it’s $2,550/month[1]. SSI income and asset limits are strict: $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple, but some assets (like a home or one car) are excluded. Use our SSI Income Estimator to see what you might qualify for.
Always report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to the SSA. Failing to report can result in overpayments, which you may have to pay back. For help avoiding overpayments and understanding your reporting duties, see our guide Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Even if your initial application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Many people are approved at reconsideration or the hearing level. Don’t give up if you get a denial letter—contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau for next steps[3].
SSI and SSDI payments will increase by 2.5% in 2025 due to the cost-of-living adjustment. The SGA income limits for SSDI will also rise slightly. These changes help benefits keep pace with inflation, but may also affect your eligibility if you work[1][2].
Yes, if your child’s condition is severe and your family’s income and resources are within federal limits. The SSA may request medical exams and school records as part of the review process[5].
Indiana offers Medicaid waivers for home- and community-based services, but waivers are not condition-specific. Waiver eligibility is based on level of disability. Contact Indiana Medicaid for current waiver options.
Yes, if they have worked enough to earn Social Security credits and their disability meets the federal definition. Adult children may also qualify on a parent’s work record if the disability began before age 22[7].
For 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind SSDI recipients is $1,530/month, and $2,550/month for blind individuals[1]. Earning above these amounts may affect eligibility.
SSI is needs-based for low-income individuals with disabilities; SSDI is based on work history and Social Security tax payments. See our **[SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi)** guide for details.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI eligibility. Indiana follows federal rules, so you can open an ABLE account through any national provider.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Join thousands of families who trust Purple to protect their benefits
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
It usually takes 3–5 months, but some conditions may qualify for immediate payments while waiting for a decision (e.g., total blindness, cerebral palsy, severe intellectual disability)[5].
You can appeal the decision within 60 days. Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau or consider getting help from a disability advocate or attorney[3].
Contact your local Social Security office, Indiana Disability Determination Bureau, or Indiana Medicaid. Nonprofit and legal aid groups may also offer free assistance.
Yes, but your earnings must stay under the SGA limit. SSI also has strict asset and income limits. Learn more about **[SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives)**.
