If you or a loved one has Muscular Dystrophy in Indiana, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medically determinable disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and have earned enough work credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability. Muscular Dystrophy is listed as a qualifying condition under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances program, which can speed up the application process for certain severe disabilities[1].
In Indiana, eligibility for disability benefits is determined by the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) in partnership with the Social Security Administration. The DDB follows the federal definition of disability, which includes Muscular Dystrophy as a qualifying condition. Indiana also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can provide additional support for home and community-based services. To qualify for these waivers, you must meet both federal and state eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits[2].
ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. In Indiana, you can open an ABLE account through the state's ABLE program. Contributions to ABLE accounts are not subject to federal income tax, and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are tax-free[6].
If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may be required to repay the overpayment. It is important to report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration promptly. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and potential penalties[9].
Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau at 800-622-4968 for assistance with your application.
The Social Security Administration defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Indiana follows this federal definition[3].
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records, work history, and other documentation to support your application[3].
For SSDI, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025. For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 per month for a couple in 2025[7][8].
Yes, you can work while receiving SSDI or SSI, but your earnings must not exceed the SGA limit. There are also work incentives that allow you to earn income without losing benefits, such as the Ticket to Work program[7].
Medicaid waivers in Indiana provide home and community-based services for individuals with disabilities. To apply, you must meet federal and state eligibility criteria and contact the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration for more information[5].
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.
An ABLE account allows individuals with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. In Indiana, you can open an ABLE account through the state's ABLE program[6].
The Indiana Disability Determination Bureau typically takes 6 to 8 months to make a disability determination. For some medical conditions, including Muscular Dystrophy, immediate SSI payments may be made while the application is being processed[5].
Yes, you may be able to receive both SSDI and SSI benefits if you meet the eligibility criteria for both programs. This is known as receiving 'concurrent' benefits[6].
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can request a reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, and further appeals if necessary[3].
You can report changes in your income or resources to the Social Security Administration online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. It is important to report changes promptly to avoid overpayments[9].
