Hard of Hearing Benefits in Iowa: Your 2025 Guide

• To qualify for SSDI, you generally need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 5 of the last 10 years, or 40 work credits total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years[7][9].
• For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must prevent you from working for at least a year[7][9].
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses strict medical criteria to decide if hearing loss is disabling. You must provide medical proof, such as audiograms and doctor’s notes[7].
• Both SSDI and SSI require that your condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[7][9].

State-specific information is limited; start here:

• Iowa does not have a state disability insurance program like California’s SDI. Most support for Hard of Hearing residents comes from federal programs (SSDI, SSI) and Iowa Medicaid waivers[5].
• If you are Hard of Hearing, you may qualify for Iowa Medicaid waivers that provide extra services, such as hearing aids or communication devices[5].
• To get these services, you must meet Medicaid income and disability rules, and your hearing loss must be documented by a doctor[5].
• Iowa’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services may also help with job training, assistive devices, and employment support for people who are Hard of Hearing[5].

• Check if you meet SSDI or SSI work and income rules.
• Gather medical records, including hearing tests and doctor’s notes.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or call SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact Iowa Medicaid or your local Area Agency on Aging.
• For vocational help, contact Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSDI or SSI. You need a documented hearing loss that prevents you from working for at least a year. You must also meet income and work history rules[7][9].
• Step 2: Collect medical evidence. This includes audiograms, hearing aid prescriptions, and notes from your audiologist or doctor[7].
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office[7][9].
• Step 4: If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Most claims are denied at first, so be ready to appeal[2].
• Step 5: For Medicaid waivers, contact Iowa Medicaid at 1-800-338-8366 or visit your local Area Agency on Aging. You may need to prove your hearing loss and income[5].
• Step 6: For job help, contact Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services. They can help with training, assistive devices, and job placement[5].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to disability[7][9].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65+[7][9].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income people with disabilities. Some states offer waivers for extra services[7][9].
• Medicare: Health coverage for people on SSDI after 24 months[7][9].

State-specific information is limited; start here:

• Iowa Medicaid Waivers: These programs provide extra services for people with disabilities, such as hearing aids, communication devices, and home care[5].
• Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Helps people with disabilities find jobs, get training, and access assistive devices[5].
• Iowa Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Offers resources, advocacy, and support for Iowans who are Hard of Hearing[5].
• Area Agencies on Aging: Help older adults with disabilities access services and benefits[5].

An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related costs without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use it for things like hearing aids, communication devices, and therapy. To open an account, you must have a qualifying disability that started before age 26[3].

For SSI, the 2025 income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. SSDI has no income limit, but you must have worked enough to earn credits[7][9].

If you get too much SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, living situation, or health to SSA right away to avoid overpayments[3].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI applications and questions.
• Iowa Medicaid
  Phone: 1-800-338-8366

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

  Website

  For Medicaid and waiver questions.
• Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services
  Phone: 1-800-225-6142

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

  Website

  For job training and assistive devices.

• Can I get SSDI if I am Hard of Hearing?

  Yes, if your hearing loss prevents you from working for at least a year and you meet the work history and medical rules. You must provide proof from a doctor or audiologist[7][9].

• Can I get SSI if I am Hard of Hearing?

  Yes, if your hearing loss is disabling and you have limited income and resources. You must also meet the medical and duration rules[7][9].

• What medical proof do I need for SSDI or SSI?

  You need audiograms, hearing aid prescriptions, and notes from your doctor or audiologist. SSA uses these to decide if your hearing loss is disabling[7].

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Iowa?

  Contact Iowa Medicaid at 1-800-338-8366 or your local Area Agency on Aging. You must prove your hearing loss and income to qualify[5].

• What is an ABLE account and can I get one?

  An ABLE account lets you save for disability costs without losing benefits. You can get one if your hearing loss started before age 26 and meets SSA rules[3].

• Can I work while getting SSDI or SSI?

  Yes, but there are limits. SSDI has a trial work period, and SSI has strict income rules. Work incentives can help you keep benefits while working[3].

• What help is available for hearing aids in Iowa?

  Iowa Medicaid waivers may cover hearing aids. Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services may also help with devices for work[5].