Aphasia Benefits in Minnesota: 2025 Guide

Aphasia can qualify for federal disability benefits if it severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and a qualifying disability. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with low income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require medical proof that your aphasia is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your medical records and work history to decide eligibility.

• SSI: For people with limited income and resources.
• SSDI: For people who paid Social Security taxes and have a qualifying disability.
• Both programs may cover people with aphasia if it meets SSA criteria for speech/language disorders.

For more details, see the SSA Blue Book, Listing 12.11 for neurocognitive disorders, which may apply to aphasia.

Citations: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06

In Minnesota, aphasia may qualify you for state disability programs if it limits your ability to work or live independently. Minnesota offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with disabilities, including speech/language disorders. These waivers help pay for services like personal care, therapy, and assistive technology.

• Medicaid Waivers: Available for people with aphasia who meet functional and financial criteria.
• ABLE Accounts: Expanded in 2025 to include people whose disability began before age 46.
• Public Safety Disability: For peace officers and firefighters with duty disability, health insurance benefits now last 5 years (unless total/permanent disability).
• Other state programs: Vocational rehabilitation, supported decision-making, and employment support.

Minnesota also has new rules for Medical Assistance (MA) applicants with urgent needs, who can get faster disability determinations.

Citations: DisabilityHubMN.org, 2025-11-06; MN.gov/DHS, 2025-11-06; MN.gov, 2025-11-06

• Gather medical records showing your aphasia diagnosis and how it affects your life.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact your county social services or Disability Hub MN.
• For ABLE accounts, apply through the MN ABLE program.
• For public safety disability, contact your employer or union.
• Use Disability Hub MN for free help with applications and planning.

• Step 1: Get a medical diagnosis and documentation of your aphasia from a doctor or speech-language pathologist. Include how it affects your ability to work and live independently.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI:
  • Go to SSA.gov and create an account.
  • Fill out the application online or call 1-800-772-1213.
  • Submit medical records and work history.
• Step 3: Apply for Medicaid waivers:
  • Contact your county social services office or Disability Hub MN.
  • Complete the functional assessment and financial eligibility forms.
  • Wait for approval and service planning.
• Step 4: Apply for an ABLE account:
  • Go to the MN ABLE program website.
  • Submit proof of disability and identification.
• Step 5: For public safety disability (if applicable):
  • Contact your employer or union for forms and instructions.
  • Submit medical and employment records.
• Step 6: Use Disability Hub MN for help with any step, appeals, or planning.

Citations: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06; DisabilityHubMN.org, 2025-11-06; MN.gov/ABLE, 2025-11-06

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with low income and resources who have a qualifying disability.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people with a qualifying disability and a work history.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.

Citations: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Minnesota offers waivers for home and community-based services, including personal care, therapy, and assistive technology for people with aphasia.
• ABLE Accounts: Expanded in 2025 to include people whose disability began before age 46.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Services to help people with disabilities find and keep jobs.
• Supported Decision-Making: Programs to help people with disabilities make their own choices.
• Public Safety Disability: Health insurance for peace officers and firefighters with duty disability (5 years for regular, until age 65 for total/permanent).
• Medical Assistance (MA): Minnesota’s Medicaid program, with new expedited review for urgent cases.

Citations: DisabilityHubMN.org, 2025-11-06; MN.gov/DHS, 2025-11-06; MN.gov/ABLE, 2025-11-06; MN.gov, 2025-11-06

• ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits.
• In Minnesota, ABLE accounts are available to people whose disability began before age 46 (expanded in 2025).
• You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) and use funds for qualified disability expenses.
• Apply through the MN ABLE program.

Citations: DisabilityHubMN.org, 2025-11-06; MN.gov/ABLE, 2025-11-06

• SSI: 2025 federal limit is $943/month for an individual, $1,415/month for a couple.
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you must not be doing substantial gainful activity (SGA).
• Medicaid: Income limits vary by program and household size.
• ABLE: No income limit to open, but contributions limited to $18,000/year (2025).

Citations: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06; DisabilityHubMN.org, 2025-11-06

• Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes or if your situation changes.
• If you get an overpayment notice, contact the agency to set up a repayment plan or appeal.
• Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for help.

Citations: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06; DisabilityHubMN.org, 2025-11-06

• Disability Hub MN
  Phone: 1-866-677-6443

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

  Website

  Free statewide resource for people with disabilities

• Can aphasia qualify for SSI or SSDI in Minnesota?

  Yes, aphasia can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. You need medical proof and, for SSDI, a qualifying work history. The Social Security Administration reviews your case based on their disability listings.

• What Medicaid waivers are available for aphasia in Minnesota?

  Minnesota offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with aphasia. These waivers help pay for personal care, therapy, and assistive technology. Contact your county social services or Disability Hub MN for details.

• How do I apply for an ABLE account in Minnesota?

  You can apply for an ABLE account online through the MN ABLE program. You need proof of disability and identification. The account lets you save money without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits.

• Are there new rules for public safety disability benefits in Minnesota?

  Yes, as of 2025, public safety workers with regular duty disability get health insurance for 5 years, not until age 65. Those with total/permanent duty disability still get coverage until age 65. State Patrol members are exempt.

• What is the income limit for SSI in Minnesota?

  The 2025 federal SSI income limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. Minnesota may have additional rules, so check with Disability Hub MN for details.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits in Minnesota?

  Yes, you can work while getting disability benefits. SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you keep some benefits while you try to work. See the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for details.