Heart Disease Benefits in Indiana: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medically determinable impairment that prevents you from doing any substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months or is expected to 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 disability definition. Heart disease may qualify if it severely limits your ability to work and meets SSA’s criteria for severity.

The SSA defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The impairment must be so severe that you cannot do your previous work or any other kind of substantial work that exists in the national economy, considering your age, education, and work experience. [^1]

For 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to rise to about $1,530 per month, allowing you to earn more while still qualifying for benefits. [^2]

Indiana follows federal rules for SSDI and SSI eligibility. The Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) works with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to review medical evidence and determine if your heart disease meets the disability definition. Indiana does not have a separate state disability program for adults, but may refer eligible adults to Vocational Rehabilitation Services through the SSA’s “Ticket to Work” program. Children with heart disease may qualify for SSI if they meet federal and state criteria. Indiana also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can help with long-term care and support services. [^3][^4]

• Gather medical records showing your heart disease diagnosis and how it limits your work.
• Get your work history and Social Security number.
• Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local SSA office.
• If you need help, contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau or a local advocacy group.
• Report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans related to your heart disease.
• Step 2: Get your work history, including dates and employers, and your Social Security number.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. You can also apply for both programs at the same time if eligible.
• Step 4: If you are applying for Medicaid or a Medicaid waiver, contact the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) or visit their website.
• Step 5: Respond promptly to any requests for more information or medical exams from the SSA or DDB.
• Step 6: If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Consider getting help from a disability advocate or attorney.
• Step 7: Once approved, report any changes in your condition, income, or living situation to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits. [^3][^5][^6]

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays benefits to adults who have a disability and enough work credits. Benefits are based on your earnings history.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI eligibility.
• Medicaid: May be available for SSI recipients or those with low income.
• Ticket to Work: Helps people with disabilities return to work with support services and work incentives. [^6][^7]

Indiana does not have a separate state disability program for adults, but offers several resources:

• Medicaid Waivers: Indiana provides Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with disabilities, which can help with long-term care, personal care, and support services. These waivers are for people who meet federal and state eligibility criteria.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Indiana may refer eligible adults to Vocational Rehabilitation Services through the SSA’s “Ticket to Work” program to help with job training and support.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability: State employees may be eligible for short-term and long-term disability benefits through the state’s disability program, which can provide income replacement and insurance premium continuation.
• Medicaid: Indiana offers Medicaid to people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits. Medicaid can help with medical costs and long-term care. [^3][^4][^9]

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Indiana offers ABLE accounts through the INvestABLE program. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation. Learn more about Indiana ABLE accounts and how to open one. [^8]

For 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to be about $1,530 per month. If you earn more than this, you may lose SSDI benefits. SSI has strict income and resource limits. For 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual, but Indiana may supplement this amount. Check with FSSA for current state supplement amounts. [^2][^6]

You must report any changes in your condition, income, or living situation to the SSA to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes. [^6]

• Indiana Disability Determination Bureau
  Phone: 800-622-4968

  Website

  Ask for the examiner assigned to your claim.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For general questions and to apply for SSDI/SSI.

• Can I get SSDI for heart disease in Indiana?

  Yes, if your heart disease prevents you from working and meets SSA’s disability criteria. You must also have enough work credits. Indiana follows federal rules for SSDI eligibility.

• What is the SGA limit for 2025?

  The SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to be about $1,530 per month in 2025. This is the most you can earn and still qualify for SSDI.

• Can I get SSI and SSDI at the same time?

  Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for both programs. This is called concurrent benefits. The SSA will review your case to see if you qualify.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Indiana?

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local SSA office. You will need medical records and work history. Indiana’s DDB will review your medical evidence.

• What is a Medicaid waiver in Indiana?

  A Medicaid waiver helps people with disabilities get long-term care and support services at home or in the community. Indiana offers HCBS waivers for eligible individuals.

• Can I work while getting SSDI?

  Yes, you can work and earn up to the SGA limit without losing benefits. There are also work incentives to help you test employment.

• How long does it take to get a decision?

  It can take several months to get a decision. The Indiana DDB may ask for more medical information or exams. Respond promptly to speed up the process.