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Iowa • Neurological/Developmental
Iowans with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) may be eligible for federal and state assistance programs, including SSI, SSDI, Iowa Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. These benefits can provide financial support, healthcare coverage, and help with daily living and recovery.
For federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), you must have a medical condition—such as Traumatic Brain Injury—that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. SSDI requires a work history: you generally need 40 work credits, 20 earned in the last 10 years. SSI considers both disability and income/assets, and is for people with limited income/resources, regardless of work history. To qualify for SSDI, you’ll need medical evidence showing your TBI severely limits your ability to work, and your condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) criteria. SSI is for those with very low income and resources, and eligibility depends on your living situation and other factors. For both programs, SSA will review your medical records, work history, and other information to decide if you qualify.
State-specific information is limited; Iowa does not have a short-term state disability insurance plan for workers who cannot work due to illness or injury, unlike some states. For long-term support, Iowans with Traumatic Brain Injury should look to federal programs (SSI/SSDI) and Iowa Medicaid waivers. Iowa’s Medicaid program, including Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, may help people with TBI stay at home with extra support, but each waiver has its own eligibility rules—often based on income, functional need, and the ability to live safely at home. For children and adults, Iowa Medicaid may cover therapies, personal care, case management, and other TBI-related services if you meet income and disability requirements. For more information, contact Iowa Medicaid or your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).
1. Gather Documentation Collect all medical records, especially those related to your TBI diagnosis, treatments, hospitalizations, and doctors’ notes. Also gather employment records and proof of income/resources for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid.
2. Start Your Application
3. Submit Your Application Provide all required forms and supporting documents. For Medicaid, this may include proof of income, assets, residency, and disability.
4. Await Determination Both SSA and Iowa DHS will review your application and may request more information or a medical exam.
5. Appeal if Denied If denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process for SSI/SSDI involves several steps, including reconsideration and a hearing. For Medicaid, follow the instructions in your denial letter or contact Iowa DHS for help.
6. Keep Records Save copies of all forms, medical records, and correspondence for future reference.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly cash payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. SSI eligibility depends on financial need. SSA: Who can get Disability (2023-11-05)
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Offers monthly benefits to people who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a severe medical condition. SSDI requires a recent work history and sufficient work credits. SSA: How Does Someone Become Eligible? (2023-11-05)
Medicare: If you receive SSDI, you usually become eligible for Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits. Medicare can help cover hospital stays, doctor visits, and other medical services.
ABLE Accounts: Allow eligible people with disabilities to save money without affecting SSI and Medicaid eligibility.
Iowa does not offer a statewide short-term disability insurance program for non-work-related disabilities. For long-term support, Iowans with Traumatic Brain Injury typically rely on federal programs (SSI/SSDI) and Medicaid.
Iowa Medicaid: The state’s Medicaid program covers a range of health services, including therapies, durable medical equipment, and personal care, for eligible people with disabilities. To apply, visit the Iowa Department of Human Services website or contact a local office.
HCBS Waivers (Home and Community-Based Services): Iowa offers Medicaid waivers that help people with disabilities live at home instead of in institutions. Each waiver (such as the Brain Injury Waiver, Intellectual Disability Waiver, or Physical Disability Waiver) has its own eligibility requirements, which often include functional need and income limits. These waivers may pay for personal care, respite, supported employment, and environmental modifications. Contact Iowa Medicaid or your local ADRC for details on current waivers and how to apply.
Vocational Rehabilitation: Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) helps people with disabilities, including TBI, prepare for, find, and keep employment. Services may include assessment, counseling, job training, and assistive technology. Visit the Iowa Workforce Development website for more information.
Other Supports: Local nonprofits, brain injury associations, and aging/disability resource centers can help connect you to community resources, support groups, and advocacy services.
ABLE accounts let Iowans with disabilities—including Traumatic Brain Injury—save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits. These tax-advantaged accounts can be used for education, housing, transportation, health, and more. ABLE accounts are especially helpful if you receive SSI, which has strict asset limits. Learn more at the ABLE National Resource Center or Iowa’s ABLE program.
SSI: In 2025, the federal income limit for an individual is $943/month (this may change yearly). Married couples have higher limits. Countable resources (assets) must be below $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple).
Iowa Medicaid: Income and asset limits vary by program and household size. For some waivers, income may be up to 300% of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) federal benefit rate. Contact Iowa Medicaid for the latest guidelines.
SSDI: There is no income or asset limit, but you must have enough work credits and be unable to work due to your disability.
Avoiding Overpayments: Always report changes in income, living situation, marital status, or assets to SSA, Iowa Medicaid, or Iowa DHS promptly. Failure to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. SSA and Iowa DHS have processes for reporting changes online, by phone, or in person.
Reporting Changes: You must report any changes that could affect your benefits. This includes changes in your job, pay, household members, health, or resources. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report a change on time. If you receive an overpayment notice, follow the instructions for repayment or appeal.
Unlike some states, Iowa does not offer a state-sponsored short-term disability insurance program for non-work-related conditions. For temporary disability assistance, consider SSI, SSDI, or Iowa Medicaid if eligible.
Many SSI and SSDI applications are denied at first. If this happens, file an appeal right away. Getting help from a legal aid or disability advocate can improve your chances.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is for people with disabilities who have low income and few assets, regardless of work history. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for those who have worked and paid enough Social Security taxes to qualify, even if their income is higher. Both programs require proof of a severe disability, such as TBI.
No, Iowa does not have a statewide short-term disability insurance program for non-work-related injuries or illnesses like TBI. Most support comes from federal programs (SSI/SSDI) and Iowa Medicaid waivers.
Yes, but income limits apply for SSI and Iowa Medicaid. SSDI has different rules, and SSA offers work incentives to encourage employment without losing all benefits. Always report work and income changes to avoid overpayments.
HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) waivers help Iowans with disabilities, including TBI, stay at home instead of going into a facility. Each waiver has its own rules, but they often cover personal care, respite, home modifications, and more.
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office. Gather medical records showing your TBI and how it affects work. The process may take several months, and appeals are common.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and based on official sources as of 2023-11-05. Benefit rules and services can change. Always check with the official agencies for the most current information and personalized advice.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. It lets Iowans with TBI save money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like housing, education, and healthcare.
If denied, appeal as soon as possible. The appeals process has several steps, and getting legal or advocacy help may improve your chance of approval. Keep copies of all paperwork and continue medical care.
Report changes to the Social Security Administration (for SSI/SSDI) or Iowa Medicaid (for Medicaid). You can report online, by phone, or at your local office. Reporting promptly helps avoid overpayments and benefit interruptions.
Yes, the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa and local Aging and Disability Resource Centers offer support, advocacy, and information for people with TBI and their families.
Yes, children with disabilities—including TBI—may qualify for SSI (if family income is low enough), Iowa Medicaid, or HCBS waivers. Apply through Iowa Department of Human Services or SSA.
