If you live in Indiana and have Multiple Sclerosis (MS)—a chronic, often progressive physical disability—you may qualify for federal and state benefits. This guide explains SSDI, SSI, Medicaid waivers, and how to apply. Learn about Indiana specific programs, income limits, work incentives, and steps to access financial and healthcare support.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition (like Multiple Sclerosis) that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. You also need enough work credits—generally 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began[7].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your condition is severe enough to prevent any substantial gainful activity (SGA). For 2025, the SGA limit is expected to be $1,530/month for non-blind individuals, meaning you can earn up to this amount without losing benefits[1][2].
Children with disabilities may also qualify for SSI if they meet medical and financial criteria, and some conditions may get payments started right away while the application is reviewed[5].
Indiana does not have a general state-run disability benefit for most workers. Disability benefits for Indiana residents are mainly federal (SSDI/SSI). However, state employees can apply for Short-Term or Long-Term Disability through the state’s own program, which provides income replacement and insurance continuation until you recover or transition to Social Security[4].
For Medicaid waivers, Indiana offers home- and community-based services (HCBS) for people with disabilities, including those with Multiple Sclerosis, to help with daily living and independence. Eligibility for waivers is separate from SSI/SSDI and is based on income, resources, and level of care needs; these programs often have waiting lists.
The Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) reviews medical evidence for SSDI/SSI claims in partnership with the Social Security Administration. They use the federal definition of disability and may request additional medical exams if needed[3].
If you have Multiple Sclerosis and need disability benefits in Indiana, start by applying online at ssa.gov for SSDI or SSI. Gather your medical records, work history, and financial information. For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or the Indiana Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services. State employees should use their internal HR portal for disability claims[4].
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility Check if you meet the medical and work history (SSDI) or income/resource (SSI) requirements. For SSDI, use the SSA’s online benefit calculator to see if you have enough work credits[7]. For SSI, estimate your income and resources using our SSI Income Estimator tool.
Step 2: Gather Documentation Collect all medical records related to Multiple Sclerosis, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history. Also, have your Social Security number, birth certificate, W-2 forms, and proof of income/resources ready.
Step 3: Apply Online or In Person Apply for SSDI/SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. Indiana residents can also call the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau at 1-800-622-4968 for help with the medical review process[3].
Step 4: Wait for a Decision Processing can take several months. The Indiana DDB may contact you for more information or a medical exam. For Medicaid waivers, contact the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) or your local Area Agency on Aging.
Step 5: Review and Appeal if Denied If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. Consider seeking help from a disability advocate or attorney familiar with Indiana’s process.
Step 6: Know Reporting Requirements If your condition or income changes, report it promptly to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits. Learn more about reporting changes here.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly cash benefits if you’ve worked and paid Social Security taxes. The amount depends on your earnings record. Family members may also qualify.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Offers monthly payments to people with disabilities and limited income/resources, including access to Medicaid in many cases.
Medicare and Medicaid: After 24 months on SSDI, you qualify for Medicare. SSI recipients in Indiana usually get Medicaid automatically. Both programs help cover medical costs, including treatments for Multiple Sclerosis.
Work Incentives: The Ticket to Work program helps SSDI/SSI recipients explore employment without immediately losing benefits[3]. Income limits apply; in 2025, you can earn up to $1,530/month (non-blind) and still qualify[1][2].
Indiana Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Indiana offers waivers for home- and community-based services, including personal care, respite, and home modifications, which can be especially helpful for people with Multiple Sclerosis. Eligibility and available services vary; some waivers have waiting lists.
State Employee Disability: If you’re a state employee, Indiana provides Short-Term and Long-Term Disability benefits, including income replacement and continued health insurance. These are separate from SSDI/SSI and require a separate application process through your employer[4].
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA): Oversees Medicaid, waivers, and other disability services. They work with local agencies to connect you with resources.
No General State Disability: Indiana does not have a state disability program for non-government workers; most residents rely on federal SSDI/SSI benefits.
ABLE Accounts let people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses. These accounts are authorized by federal law and available to qualifying Indiana residents.
SSI has strict income and asset limits—generally $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple (2025 figures may change). SSDI does not have asset limits, but you can’t earn more than the monthly SGA limit ($1,530 for non-blind individuals in 2025)[1][2]. Medicaid eligibility in Indiana is also income-based, and rules differ for waiver programs.
If you get too much in benefits, you may have to repay the overage. Always report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes here.
If your Multiple Sclerosis is very severe, you may qualify for faster processing under the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances program. Ask your local Social Security office if this applies to you.
Indiana state employees have access to Short-Term and Long-Term Disability benefits through the State Personnel Department. This is a different program from SSDI/SSI and requires a separate application[4].
Yes, you can work part-time if you earn less than the monthly Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit—about $1,530/month for non-blind individuals in 2025. SSI has stricter income and asset rules. Always report work and income changes[1][2].
It usually takes 3–6 months, sometimes longer. In Indiana, the Disability Determination Bureau reviews your medical evidence and may request more information or a medical exam[3]. Some conditions may get payments started sooner[5].
You have the right to appeal. Many claims are denied at first but approved on appeal. Consider getting help from a disability advocate or attorney familiar with Indiana’s process.
No, Indiana does not have a state disability program for most workers. Disability benefits are mainly federal (SSDI/SSI). State employees have a separate program[4].
Waivers provide home- and community-based services, such as personal care, respite, and home modifications, helping those with MS live more independently. Eligibility and services vary; some waivers have waiting lists.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. Funds can pay for disability-related expenses. You must have a disability onset before age 26 to qualify.
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’ll need detailed medical records: diagnosis, treatment history, test results, and notes from your doctors showing how MS limits your ability to work and perform daily activities.
Yes, children with severe disabilities may qualify for SSI if they meet medical and financial criteria. Some conditions get payments right away during the application process[5].
Complete the required forms through your employer’s HR portal or the state’s third-party administrator. Separate from SSDI/SSI, this program is only for state employees[4].
Contact your local Social Security office, the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau, or a disability advocacy organization for help with applications and appeals[3].
