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Minnesota • Chronic Illness
If you have cancer in Minnesota, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like Medicaid, SSDI, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available for treatment, income, and daily living.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with cancer, you must have a diagnosis that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. This means your cancer must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. You must also have enough work credits for SSDI or meet income and asset limits for SSI. Children with cancer may qualify for benefits if their parent receives Social Security benefits or if they meet SSI criteria. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may also be eligible for benefits based on a parent’s record [3].
In Minnesota, people with cancer may qualify for Medical Assistance (MA), Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA), and Housing Support. Eligibility is based on income, assets, and medical need. The 2025 law updated income guidelines to include the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). People in urgent need, such as those with life-threatening conditions, may qualify for expedited disability determinations. ABLE accounts are now available to people whose disability began before age 46, making it easier to save for expenses without losing benefits [2].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. In Minnesota, eligibility was expanded in 2025 to people whose disability began before age 46. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses. Learn more about opening an ABLE account and how it affects your benefits [2].
Income limits for Minnesota benefits like Medical Assistance (MA), MSA, and Housing Support are updated each year with the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Check the latest guidelines on DB101 Minnesota or contact Disability Hub MN for help with your specific situation [2].
If your income or health changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Report changes to Social Security, DHS, and other agencies as soon as possible. Learn how to avoid overpayments and what to do if you receive too much in benefits [4].
Contact Disability Hub MN for free, personalized help with benefits applications, appeals, and planning for work and benefits.
Yes, if your cancer prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Children with cancer may also qualify for benefits if their parent receives Social Security benefits or if they meet SSI criteria.
You can apply for Medical Assistance (MA) through MNsure or the Department of Human Services (DHS). Hospitals can help with expedited referrals for urgent cases. Gather medical records and proof of income before applying.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. In Minnesota, eligibility was expanded in 2025 to people whose disability began before age 46. Funds can be used for qualified expenses without affecting benefits.
Yes, people with life-threatening conditions like cancer may qualify for expedited disability determinations. Hospitals can refer for fast processing, and income limits are updated annually with the Social Security COLA.
Yes, there are work incentives that let you keep benefits while you try to return to work. These include trial work periods, continued Medicaid coverage, and help with job training and support.
You must report changes in income to avoid overpayments. Report changes to Social Security, DHS, and other agencies as soon as possible. Learn how to avoid overpayments and what to do if you receive too much in benefits.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Processing times vary, but people with urgent needs may qualify for expedited reviews. Standard applications can take several months. Contact Disability Hub MN for help with the process.
Yes, Disability Hub MN offers free help with applications, appeals, and planning for work and benefits. You can chat, call, or email for personalized support.
SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. SSI is based on financial need and is available to people with limited income and assets. Both can help with cancer-related expenses.
Yes, family members may qualify for benefits if they care for a child with cancer or if they are dependents of someone receiving Social Security benefits. Check with Social Security and DHS for details.
