If you have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Indiana, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with PTSD, your condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. This means your PTSD must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also meet work history (SSDI) or income/resource (SSI) requirements. The SSA uses medical evidence, work history, and other factors to decide eligibility.
For 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to be $1,530 per month, up from $1,470 in 2024. This means you can earn up to this amount and still qualify for benefits if your PTSD prevents you from working full time. The SGA limit for blind individuals is expected to be $2,550 per month. These limits are adjusted annually for inflation.
Source: disabilitylawgroup.com, 2025-SSDI-proposed-changes-and-how-they-could-impact-you/; parmeledisability.com, Social Security Disability Changes for 2025; ssa.gov, How Does Someone Become Eligible?
In Indiana, the Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) reviews medical evidence to decide if your PTSD meets the federal definition of disability. The DDB works with local Social Security Administration (SSA) offices to process claims. Indiana also refers eligible adults to Vocational Rehabilitation Services through the SSA’s Ticket to Work program. If you receive SSI, you may automatically qualify for Indiana Medicaid. State-specific programs like Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD/LTD) are available for state employees but are separate from federal SSDI/SSI.
Indiana’s DDB follows the federal definition of disability, which requires that your PTSD prevents you from engaging in any substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable impairment lasting at least 12 months. The DDB may request additional medical exams or records to make a decision.
Source: in.gov/fssa/disability-services/disability-determination-bureau/; in.gov/spd/benefits/disability-and-workers-compensation/
Source: in.gov/fssa/disability-services/disability-determination-bureau/; ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html; in.gov/spd/benefits/disability-and-workers-compensation/
Source: ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html; ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf; usa.gov/social-security-disability
State-specific information is limited; start here:
Source: in.gov/fssa/disability-services/disability-determination-bureau/; in.gov/spd/benefits/disability-and-workers-compensation/
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Indiana residents can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Funds in an ABLE account do not count toward SSI income or resource limits.
Source: accessibilitychecker.org/blog/grants-for-people-with-disabilities/
For 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to be $1,530 per month. For blind individuals, it is expected to be $2,550 per month. These limits are adjusted annually for inflation. Earning above these amounts may affect your SSDI or SSI benefits.
Source: disabilitylawgroup.com, 2025-SSDI-proposed-changes-and-how-they-could-impact-you/; parmeledisability.com, Social Security Disability Changes for 2025
If your income or resources change, you must report it to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in benefit reductions or repayment. Always report changes in work, income, or living situation.
Source: usa.gov/social-security-disability; ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html
Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau at 800-622-4968 for help with your disability claim. They can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
Yes, if your PTSD is severe enough to prevent you from working and you have a qualifying work history, you may be eligible for SSDI in Indiana. The SSA reviews your medical evidence and work history to decide.
Yes, if your PTSD prevents you from working and you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for SSI in Indiana. SSI does not require a work history.
For 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to be $1,530 per month. Earning above this amount may affect your SSDI or SSI benefits.
Yes, you must report any changes in income, work, or living situation to the SSA to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits.
Yes, you can work part-time as long as your earnings do not exceed the SGA limit. The SSA allows some work incentives to help you test your ability to work.
You need a diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional, treatment records, therapy notes, and any disability evaluations that show how PTSD affects your ability to work.
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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The Indiana DDB may take 6 to 8 months to decide on your claim. Some conditions may qualify for immediate payments while your claim is reviewed.
Yes, most SSI recipients in Indiana automatically qualify for Medicaid, which covers health care costs.
The Ticket to Work program helps adults with disabilities, including PTSD, find employment and keep their benefits while they work.
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for both programs, you may receive concurrent benefits. The SSA will determine your eligibility after you apply.
