If you have kidney disease in Indiana, you may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Indiana Medicaid, and other programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, work incentives, and state-specific resources.
To qualify for federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s strict definition of disability, and be unable to work for at least 12 months due to your condition[7]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), there is no work history requirement, but you must have limited income and resources and meet the same disability standards as SSDI[6]. Kidney disease is evaluated based on how it affects your ability to function, comply with treatment, and maintain employment. If you’re on dialysis or have had a transplant, Social Security may expedite your review under certain conditions.
State-specific information is limited; start here: The Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) works with Social Security to review and make medical decisions on disability claims[3]. To qualify, you must have a medically documented condition—like kidney disease—that severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months[3]. Indiana Medicaid covers dialysis and transplant services for low-income residents, regardless of work history. The state does not have a separate, general disability benefit program for non-state employees beyond federal SSI/SSDI, but state workers can access short- and long-term disability through the Indiana State Personnel Department[4].
• Start your application for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. • Apply for Indiana Medicaid at the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) website or local office. • For Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) questions, call 800-622-4968 and ask for your claim’s examiner[3]. • If you are a state employee, submit disability forms to the State Personnel Department for short- or long-term state disability benefits[4].
1. Gather your medical records – Collect all documentation related to your kidney disease, including doctor’s notes, hospital records, lab results, and treatment plans. Include information on how your condition limits daily activities and work.
2. Apply for SSI/SSDI – Complete the online application at ssa.gov or visit your local Social Security office. You can also call the national number for guidance or to schedule an appointment. If you need help, local legal aid or disability advocacy groups may assist you.
3. Indiana Disability Determination Bureau – The DDB reviews your medical evidence and may request additional information or an exam. Be responsive to their requests to avoid delays. For updates, call their toll-free number and reference your claim[3].
4. Apply for Indiana Medicaid – Fill out the application on the FSSA website. If you qualify for SSI, you’ll automatically be eligible for Medicaid in Indiana. Medicaid covers dialysis, medications, and transplant services for low-income individuals with kidney disease.
5. Explore Medicaid Waivers – If you need home and community-based services (HCBS), check Indiana Medicaid waivers for programs that can support independent living with kidney disease.
6. State employee disability – If you work for the state, submit your completed forms (employee claim, medical release, options statement) to the State Personnel Department as outlined in the Employee Handbook[4].
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Pays monthly benefits to adults with a qualifying disability and sufficient work history. Kidney disease must prevent substantial gainful work for at least 12 months to qualify[7]. SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides cash assistance to low-income adults and children with disabilities, regardless of work history. You can apply for both SSDI and SSI (“concurrent” benefits) if eligible[6]. Medicaid: Covers dialysis, transplant, medications, and other services for those who meet income and resource limits. SSI recipients automatically qualify in Indiana. Medicare: After 24 months on SSDI, you qualify for Medicare, which covers most kidney disease treatments, including dialysis and transplant. ABLE Accounts: Savings accounts for people with disabilities to help manage costs without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
Indiana Medicaid: Covers dialysis, transplantation, medications, and related care for eligible low-income residents. No separate state general disability benefit exists, but Medicaid is a critical support for chronic illness in Indiana. Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB): The DDB reviews federal SSI/SSDI claims for Indiana residents. They make medical determinations based on federal rules and Indiana documentation[3]. State Employee Disability: Short- and long-term disability benefits are available for Indiana state employees who cannot work due to non-occupational illness or injury[4]. Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Indiana offers home and community-based waivers that may help with services like personal care, home health, or transportation, depending on your needs. Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Indiana offers job training and support for people with disabilities through the “Ticket to Work” program[3].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. Earnings from these accounts are tax-advantaged and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free. Indiana residents can open an INvestABLE Indiana account to help manage kidney disease costs. See our ABLE Accounts guide for details.
SSI is needs-based: For 2025, income and resource limits apply (changes yearly). You must have very low income and limited assets to qualify[6]. SSDI has no asset limit, but you must have enough work credits and cannot engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). For 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind beneficiaries is expected to increase to $1,530/month; for blind beneficiaries, $2,550/month[1]. Medicaid also has income and asset limits, but higher for medically needy programs.
If your income or resources change, you must report this to Social Security and FSSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments may require repayment and can affect future benefits. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for more.
If you have kidney disease, you may need ongoing dialysis or a transplant. Applying for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid as soon as you’re diagnosed can help cover treatment costs. If you’re in crisis (urgent dialysis needed), tell Social Security—they may be able to speed up your application.
For questions about your Indiana disability claim, contact the Disability Determination Bureau directly at 800-622-4968. They can update you on your case and let you know if more medical information is needed.
Yes, if you meet all eligibility requirements for both programs, you can receive “concurrent” benefits (SSDI and SSI). This is called a “concurrent claim” and is common for people with limited income and work history[6].
It can take 3–6 months for an initial decision. In some complex cases, it may take longer. If you need dialysis, your case may be expedited, but you still need to provide full medical documentation to the Disability Determination Bureau[3].
Yes, Indiana Medicaid covers dialysis treatments, kidney transplants, and necessary medications for eligible residents, regardless of work history.
You can work and earn up to the SGA limit (expected to be $1,530/month in 2025 for non-blind). If you earn more, your benefits may be at risk. Social Security offers work incentives to help you transition back to work safely—see our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) guide.
No. Kidney disease is not automatically approved. You must show that your condition severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months, based on medical evidence[3].
A lawyer is not required, but legal aid or disability advocates can help with paperwork, appeals, or if your claim is denied.
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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Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau at 800-622-4968 and ask for your examiner[3]. You can also check online through your mySocialSecurity account.
Yes, an INvestABLE Indiana ABLE account lets you save without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
