If you have heart disease in Indiana, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs can help with medical costs, income, and work support.
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]
Indiana does not have a separate state disability program for adults, but offers several resources:
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]
Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau at 800-622-4968 for help with your disability claim. Local advocacy groups can also provide support.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you can work and earn up to the SGA limit without losing benefits. There are also work incentives to help you test employment.
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.
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 appeal within 60 days. Consider getting help from a disability advocate or attorney. You may need to provide more evidence or attend a hearing.
Indiana does not have a separate state disability program for adults, but offers Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, and vocational rehabilitation services for people with disabilities.
Report changes online, by phone, or in person to the SSA. This includes changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to avoid overpayments.
