Williams Syndrome Benefits in Iowa

To qualify for federal disability benefits in Iowa, you must have a medical condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and enough work credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and resources must be below certain limits. Both programs require proof from a doctor that your condition meets Social Security’s definition of disability. Most people with Williams Syndrome can qualify if their symptoms are severe enough to prevent work.

• SSDI: You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Most adults need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years.
• SSI: Your income and assets must be low. There is no work requirement.

Both programs use the Social Security Blue Book to decide if a condition is disabling. Williams Syndrome is listed under Section 10.00 (Genetic Disorders).

Learn more about federal eligibility (SSA, 2023-10-01).

Iowa does not have a state disability insurance program like California’s SDI. Instead, Iowans rely on federal programs (SSI and SSDI) and state Medicaid waivers for support. To get Medicaid waivers, you must meet income and disability criteria. Iowa’s Medicaid waivers help with home and community-based services for people with developmental disabilities, including Williams Syndrome. You must be a resident of Iowa, meet financial limits, and have a qualifying disability. The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) manages these programs.

• Medicaid Waivers: These provide services like personal care, respite, and supported employment.
• ABLE Accounts: Iowans with disabilities can save money in tax-advantaged ABLE accounts.
• No state disability insurance: Iowa does not offer short-term disability benefits like some other states.

Learn more about Iowa Medicaid waivers (Iowa DHS, 2023-10-01).

• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI) online, by phone, or in person.
• If approved, apply for Iowa Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts.
• Report changes in income or health to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Get medical records that show your diagnosis and how Williams Syndrome affects your daily life.
• Step 2: Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or local office.
• Step 3: If you need Medicaid waiver services, contact the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) to start the application process.
• Step 4: Open an ABLE account if you qualify (must have a disability before age 26).
• Step 5: Keep all agencies updated about changes in your health, income, or living situation.
• Step 6: If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision.

Apply for SSI/SSDI (SSA, 2023-10-01) Apply for Iowa Medicaid waivers (Iowa DHS, 2023-10-01)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with low income and resources.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who qualify for SSI.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who get SSDI after 24 months.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.

Learn more about federal programs (SSA, 2023-10-01)

Iowa offers several programs for people with disabilities:

• Medicaid Waivers: These provide home and community-based services for people with developmental disabilities, including Williams Syndrome. Services may include personal care, respite, supported employment, and more.
• ABLE Accounts: Iowans with disabilities can save money in tax-advantaged ABLE accounts. These accounts help pay for disability-related expenses.
• Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs.
• Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS): Manages Medicaid waivers and other support programs.

Learn more about Iowa Medicaid waivers (Iowa DHS, 2023-10-01) Learn more about Iowa ABLE accounts (ABLE Iowa, 2023-10-01)

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Iowa, you can open an ABLE account if you have a disability that started before age 26. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation. Contributions are tax-free, and earnings grow tax-free.

Learn more about ABLE accounts in Iowa (ABLE Iowa, 2023-10-01)

For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. In 2023, the federal SSI limit is $914 per month for an individual and $1,371 for a couple. Iowa does not add a state supplement to SSI. For Medicaid waivers, income and asset limits vary by program. Contact Iowa DHS for details.

Learn more about SSI income limits (SSA, 2023-10-01)

If your income or health changes, you must report it to Social Security and Iowa DHS. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Keep records of all changes and report them as soon as possible. If you get an overpayment notice, contact the agency to set up a repayment plan.

Learn more about reporting changes (Our Guide, 2023-10-01)

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For federal disability benefits.
• Iowa Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-855-345-1469

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For Medicaid waivers and state programs.

• Can people with Williams Syndrome get disability benefits in Iowa?

  Yes, people with Williams Syndrome can qualify for federal disability benefits in Iowa if their symptoms prevent them from working for at least 12 months. You must meet medical and financial criteria for SSI or SSDI.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI in Iowa?

  SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs provide monthly payments and health coverage for people with disabilities.

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Iowa?

  Contact the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) to start the Medicaid waiver application process. You must meet income and disability criteria to qualify for these services.

• What services do Iowa Medicaid waivers provide?

  Iowa Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with developmental disabilities. Services may include personal care, respite, supported employment, and more.

• Can I save money in an ABLE account in Iowa?

  Yes, Iowans with disabilities can open an ABLE account if their disability started before age 26. These accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.

• Do I need to report changes in my income or health?

  Yes, you must report changes in your income, health, or living situation to Social Security and Iowa DHS. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments and penalties.