Arthritis Benefits in Minnesota: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits with arthritis, you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. This means your arthritis must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You need to have earned enough work credits, usually 20 in the last 10 years. Children with arthritis may qualify for benefits if their condition meets Social Security’s criteria. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may also be eligible if their parent is retired, disabled, or deceased[4].

In Minnesota, people with arthritis may qualify for state disability programs if they meet income and asset limits. Medical Assistance (Medicaid) is available for those with low income and resources. Minnesota’s Medicaid waiver programs help people with disabilities live at home or in the community. These waivers cover services like personal care, home modifications, and therapy. Eligibility for waivers depends on your disability, income, and need for support. The Waiver Reimagine project is making it easier to access these services and giving people more control over their support plans[3].

Starting July 2025, income guidelines for Minnesota benefits like Medical Assistance and Housing Support will be updated to reflect the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)[2].

Public safety workers with duty disability due to arthritis may receive continued health insurance for five years, unless they have a total and permanent disability, in which case coverage continues until age 65[1].

• Check if your arthritis meets Social Security’s disability criteria.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online, by phone, or at a local office.
• For Minnesota Medicaid or waivers, apply through the Department of Human Services.
• For ABLE accounts, apply through the Minnesota ABLE program.

• Step 1: Review the Social Security disability criteria for arthritis. Make sure your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working.
• Step 2: Collect medical records, doctor’s notes, and a list of treatments. Include information about how arthritis affects your daily life and work.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI. You can apply online at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office. Be ready to provide your medical and work history.
• Step 4: If you need Medicaid or a waiver, apply through the Minnesota Department of Human Services. You can apply online, by phone, or in person. The DHS will review your income, assets, and disability to determine eligibility.
• Step 5: If you want to open an ABLE account, visit the Minnesota ABLE program website. You must have a disability that began before age 46 to qualify.
• Step 6: Keep all records and follow up on your applications. Respond to any requests for more information promptly.
• Step 7: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Ask for help from Disability Hub MN if you need support.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You must have a qualifying disability and enough work credits.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Helps people with disabilities and seniors who have low income and resources. Payments are based on financial need.
• Medicare: Available to most SSDI recipients after 24 months of disability. Covers medical costs.
• Medicaid: Available to SSI recipients and others who meet income and disability criteria. Covers medical costs and long-term care.
• ABLE Accounts: Let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. Accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses[4].

• Medical Assistance (Medicaid): Covers medical care for people with low income and resources. Includes coverage for arthritis treatments and medications.
• Minnesota Medicaid Waivers: Help people with disabilities live at home or in the community. Waivers cover services like personal care, home modifications, and therapy. The Waiver Reimagine project is improving access and choice for waiver services[3].
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Available to most Minnesota employees. These programs protect your income if you are unable to work due to arthritis.
• State ABLE Program: Allows people with disabilities to save money for qualified expenses without losing benefits. Eligibility expanded to people whose disability began before age 46[2].
• Housing Support: Provides help with rent and utilities for people with disabilities who have low income.
• Disability Hub MN: A free statewide resource network that helps people with disabilities solve problems, navigate the system, and plan for their future[5].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing benefits. In Minnesota, you can open an ABLE account if your disability began before age 46. The account can be used for things like medical care, housing, and education. Contributions are limited, but earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed[2].

Income limits for Minnesota benefits like Medical Assistance and Housing Support are updated each year. Starting July 2025, these limits will reflect the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Check the latest guidelines on the Minnesota Department of Human Services website for current limits[2].

If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to pay back the overpayment. Report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to the agency that pays your benefits. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits accurate[5].

• Disability Hub MN
  Phone: 1-866-333-2466

  Email: [email protected]

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

  Website

  Free statewide resource for disability benefits and planning.

• Can I get disability benefits for arthritis in Minnesota?

  Yes, if your arthritis is severe enough to prevent you from working and meets Social Security’s disability criteria. You may also qualify for Minnesota Medicaid or waiver programs if you meet income and disability requirements.

• How do I apply for Social Security disability with arthritis?

  You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and information about your work history.

• What is the difference between SSDI and SSI for arthritis?

  SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with disabilities and low income, regardless of work history. Both programs can help with arthritis if you meet the eligibility criteria.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for arthritis?

  Yes, Social Security offers work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. You can earn a certain amount before benefits are reduced. Check the latest work incentive rules for details.

• What are Minnesota Medicaid waivers for arthritis?

  Medicaid waivers help people with arthritis live at home or in the community. They cover services like personal care, home modifications, and therapy. The Waiver Reimagine project is making it easier to access these services.

• How do I open an ABLE account for arthritis in Minnesota?

  You can open an ABLE account if your disability began before age 46. Visit the Minnesota ABLE program website to apply. The account can be used for qualified disability expenses.