If you have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Indiana, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state programs for income support, Medicaid, and vocational services. 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 disability that prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and have enough work credits. For 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to rise to $1,530 per month, up from $1,470 in 2024. SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability, considering your ability to do past work and any other work in the national economy.
In Indiana, eligibility for disability benefits is determined by the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) in partnership with the SSA. The DDB uses the federal definition of disability but also considers state-specific factors, such as access to vocational rehabilitation and Medicaid waivers. For traumatic brain injury, the DDB will review medical records, work history, and how the injury affects your ability to work. Indiana also offers state disability programs for state employees, but these are separate from federal SSDI and SSI. The state may refer eligible adults to vocational rehab services through the SSA’s “Ticket to Work” program. Indiana’s Medicaid waiver programs can provide additional support for people with TBI, such as home and community-based services.
Step 1: Collect all medical records related to your traumatic brain injury, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans.
Step 2: Get your work history and Social Security number ready.
Step 3: Call the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau at 800-622-4968 for guidance and to ask for the examiner assigned to your claim.
Step 4: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office.
Step 5: Complete all required forms, including the Adult Disability Report and any state-specific forms.
Step 6: Submit your application and wait for a decision. The process can take 6–8 months.
Step 7: If approved, you may be referred to vocational rehab or Medicaid waiver programs.
Step 8: Report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments.
SSA: How to Apply for Disability (date_accessed: 2025-11-05)
Indiana DDB Contact (date_accessed: 2025-11-05)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those with a qualifying disability and enough work credits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with limited income and resources.
Medicare: Health coverage for those who receive SSDI for 24 months.
Medicaid: Health coverage for those who receive SSI or qualify based on income.
Ticket to Work: Vocational rehab and employment support.
SSDI and SSI Benefits (date_accessed: 2025-11-05)
Medicare for People with Disabilities (date_accessed: 2025-11-05)
Indiana Medicaid Waivers: Home and community-based services for people with TBI, including personal care, respite care, and supported employment.
Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Job training, counseling, and support for people with disabilities.
State Disability Program: Short-term and long-term disability benefits for state employees with non-occupational injuries.
Ticket to Work Program: Referral to public or private vocational rehab services.
Indiana Medicaid Waivers (date_accessed: 2025-11-05)
Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation (date_accessed: 2025-11-05)
Indiana State Disability Program (date_accessed: 2025-11-05)
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. In Indiana, you can open an ABLE account to pay for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, and housing. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. ABLE accounts can help you manage your finances while keeping your benefits.
For 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to be $1,530 per month, up from $1,470 in 2024. For blind individuals, the limit is expected to be $2,550 per month. These limits determine how much you can earn while still qualifying for SSDI benefits. SSI has separate income and resource limits, which are updated annually.
It’s important to report any changes in your income, work status, or medical condition to the SSA. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. The SSA offers work incentives that allow you to test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits. Reporting changes helps ensure you receive the right amount of benefits.
Contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau at 800-622-4968 for personalized help with your disability claim.
The SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to rise to $1,530 per month in 2025, allowing more income while keeping SSDI benefits.
SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs provide monthly payments for qualifying disabilities, including traumatic brain injury.
Gather medical records and work history, contact the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau for help, and apply online at SSA.gov or at your local SSA office. Submit all required forms and documentation.
Medicaid waivers in Indiana provide home and community-based services for people with TBI, such as personal care, respite care, and supported employment. These services help people live independently in their communities.
Yes, you can work and earn up to the SGA limit without losing SSDI benefits. For 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to be $1,530 per month.
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. In Indiana, you can use an ABLE account for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, and housing.
The process can take 6–8 months. The Indiana Disability Determination Bureau reviews your medical records and other information to make a decision on your claim.
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 must report any changes in income to the SSA. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Reporting changes helps ensure you receive the right amount of benefits.
Yes, Indiana offers state disability programs for state employees with non-occupational injuries, as well as Medicaid waivers and vocational rehab services for people with TBI.
Yes, depending on your eligibility, you may be able to collect both SSDI and SSI benefits at the same time. This is known as receiving “concurrent” benefits.
Children with TBI may qualify for SSI benefits and Medicaid waivers. The state agency may make immediate SSI payments for certain medical conditions, including severe intellectual disability and symptomatic HIV infection.
