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Indiana • Rare/Genetic
If you have Williams Syndrome in Indiana, you may be eligible for federal and state disability programs, Medicaid waivers, and other support. This guide explains each program, who qualifies, how to apply, and Indiana-specific contacts to help you get the benefits and resources you need.
To qualify for SSDI or SSI, you must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability: unable to engage in ‘substantial gainful activity’ (SGA) due to a physical or mental impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[6]. For SSDI, you must have enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes[5][6]. SSI is needs-based, with strict income and asset limits, and does not require work history[5]. For children with disabilities, the same severity standard applies, and some conditions (like those with clear medical evidence) may get faster decisions[4]. Williams Syndrome, as a medically diagnosed genetic condition, may qualify, but each case is evaluated individually against these federal standards[6].
Indiana uses the federal guidelines for disability eligibility but administers its own application and review process through the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB)[2]. The DDB works with local Social Security offices to review your medical evidence, work history, and financial information. There are no state-specific benefits for rare genetic disorders like Williams Syndrome—Indiana residents must apply through Social Security for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid. However, state employees—including government workers—may access short- and long-term disability programs if unable to work due to illness or injury[3]. While Indiana does not offer direct benefits for rare diseases, Medicaid waivers and vocational rehab services may be available to supplement federal benefits[2].
Start by gathering medical records, proof of income, and residency. For SSI/SSDI: call your local Social Security office, apply online at ssa.gov, or call the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau at 800-622-4968[2]. For Medicaid: apply through Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). For state employee disability: submit forms through JWFS[3]. Expect the process to take several months; follow up regularly.
If you have Williams Syndrome, you may be eligible for federal disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)—for those with a sufficient work history; Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history; Medicare—automatic with SSDI after a waiting period; Medicaid—for those with low income, and expanded for children and adults with disabilities[5][6]. Children with severe disabilities may qualify for benefits on a parent’s SSDI record[4]. SSI includes automatic Medicaid eligibility in Indiana, and some conditions may get expedited decisions[4]. Americans with disabilities may also benefit from ABLE accounts for tax-advantaged savings[5].
Indiana offers no unique cash assistance for rare genetic disorders, but state employees have access to Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance if unable to work[3]. Indiana’s primary role is to review and process federal SSI/SSDI applications through the Disability Determination Bureau (DDB)[2]. The DDB uses federal guidelines but handles state-level case management. Medicaid (including Medicaid waivers for Home and Community-Based Services) may provide extra supports for people with disabilities[2]. The state’s Vocational Rehabilitation program can help with employment support. For most Indiana residents with Williams Syndrome, federal programs are the main source of financial and medical assistance, with Indiana administering eligibility decisions and some supplemental services.
ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts allow people with disabilities—including those with Williams Syndrome—to save money without affecting eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other means-tested benefits. Earnings grow tax-free, and funds can be used for qualified disability expenses. ABLE accounts are managed nationally, but some states offer their own plans.
For 2025, the SSDI substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit is projected to be $1,530/month for non-blind individuals and $2,550/month for blind individuals[1]. SSI has strict income and asset limits (about $2,000 in resources for an individual), and both earned and unearned income count against monthly benefit amounts[5]. Medicaid eligibility is based on income and household size—some programs ignore parent income for children with disabilities.
If your income, work status, or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and the state to avoid overpayments, which you may have to repay. Use the official reporting tools and keep records of all communications. For more, see our internal guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.
If you’re applying for disability benefits for Williams Syndrome, call Indiana’s Disability Determination Bureau at 800-622-4968 to speak with your assigned examiner. For Medicaid questions, contact the Indiana FSSA directly. If you’re a state employee, reach out to your HR department for forms and support[2][3].
The most important part of your application is medical documentation. Include genetic test results, doctor letters, and treatment history for Williams Syndrome—this can speed up your case and improve your chances of approval[2][6].
Yes, if your condition meets the federal definition of disability: severe enough to prevent substantial work for at least 12 months. Each case is reviewed individually with medical evidence[6][2].
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You’ll need medical records and proof of income. Indiana’s Disability Determination Bureau reviews your case[2][6].
Some people with low SSDI payments may also qualify for SSI (called “concurrent benefits”). Eligibility depends on income and resources[5]. (See our internal SSI vs SSDI guide.)
A child may qualify for SSI if the family meets income and resource limits and the child’s condition severely limits function. Some cases may get expedited decisions[4].
Indiana offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can provide extra supports beyond basic Medicaid. Ask the FSSA for details.
Expect 3–6 months for a decision, sometimes longer if more evidence is needed. Some severe cases may get faster decisions[4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and application procedures.
You can work part-time if you stay under the SGA limit ($1,530/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals)[1]. Special work incentives may help protect benefits—see our internal guide.
You may appeal within 60 days. Request reconsideration, then a hearing if needed. Gather more medical evidence to support your case.
SSI recipients in Indiana automatically get Medicaid. Others may qualify based on income or disability category.
Yes, if you receive means-tested benefits—ABLE accounts let you save without losing eligibility. Funds can be used for many disability-related expenses.
