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Indiana • Physical/Mobility
If you have a spinal cord injury in Indiana, you may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI/SSI), state programs, Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents you from doing any substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSDI, you need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs use the same definition of disability, which includes being unable to do your previous work or any other substantial work in the national economy due to your condition [ssa.gov, 2025-11-05].
For 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to rise to about $1,530 per month, and for blind individuals to $2,550 per month. This means you can earn slightly more and still keep your benefits if you try to work [disabilitylawgroup.com, 2025-11-05].
Indiana follows federal rules for SSDI and SSI eligibility. The Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) works with the Social Security Administration to review medical evidence and decide if your spinal cord injury meets the definition of disability. Indiana may also refer adults to vocational rehabilitation services if you have potential to return to work. Children with spinal cord injuries may qualify for SSI if family income and resources are low. Indiana does not have a separate state disability program for adults, but state employees may have access to short- and long-term disability benefits through their employer [in.gov, 2025-11-05].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Indiana residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, and housing. Learn more about Indiana ABLE accounts and how to apply [in.gov, 2025-11-05].
You must report changes in income, work, or health to the SSA to avoid overpayments. If you earn more than the SGA limit, your SSDI benefits may be reduced or stopped. For SSI, changes in income or resources can affect your payment amount. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you get an overpayment, you may have to repay it, but you can request a waiver if it was not your fault [ssa.gov, 2025-11-05].
Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau at 800-622-4968 for help with your SSDI/SSI application. Local vocational rehab agencies can also assist with work-related questions.
The SGA limit for non-blind individuals in 2025 is expected to be $1,530 per month. If you earn more than this, you may lose SSDI benefits. For blind individuals, the limit is $2,550 per month [disabilitylawgroup.com, 2025-11-05].
Yes, you can work and earn up to the SGA limit without losing SSDI. If you exceed the limit, your benefits may be reduced or stopped. Indiana also offers work incentives and vocational rehab to help you return to work [ssa.gov, 2025-11-05].
You can apply for SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. You will need medical records, proof of income, and other documents. The Indiana DDB will review your case [ssa.gov, 2025-11-05].
Indiana offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, vocational rehab, and short/long-term disability for state employees. Children with spinal cord injuries may qualify for SSI and Medicaid [in.gov, 2025-11-05].
The Indiana DDB usually takes several months to review your medical evidence and make a decision. You may be asked to attend a medical exam. The process can be faster for certain conditions [in.gov, 2025-11-05].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, if you qualify for SSI or meet Medicaid income and resource limits, you can get Medicaid. Indiana also has HCBS waivers for people with disabilities who need personal care services [in.gov, 2025-11-05].
The Ticket to Work program helps SSDI/SSI recipients get job training, counseling, and support to return to work. Indiana partners with vocational rehab agencies to provide these services [ssa.gov, 2025-11-05].
You can report changes online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. Reporting changes helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits accurate [ssa.gov, 2025-11-05].
Children with spinal cord injuries may qualify for SSI if family income and resources are low. The state may make immediate SSI payments for certain severe conditions while the case is reviewed [ssa.gov, 2025-11-05].
Indiana Medicaid waivers may cover transportation and home modifications for people with disabilities. Contact your local Medicaid office or vocational rehab agency for details [in.gov, 2025-11-05].
