Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Benefits in Minnesota

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must provide medical evidence, such as doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment records. SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. Both programs require a formal application and review by the Social Security Administration.

• SSI: Income and asset limits apply. You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
• SSDI: You must have earned enough work credits based on your age and employment history.
• Both: Your condition must match or equal a listing in the Social Security Blue Book or prevent any substantial gainful activity.

Learn more about SSI vs SSDI

Citations: Social Security Administration - Disability Benefits

Minnesota residents with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may qualify for state-specific programs like Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Minnesota Supplemental Aid, and Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. Eligibility for these programs is based on income, assets, and disability status. Minnesota also offers ABLE accounts for those whose disability began before age 46, allowing tax-advantaged savings for disability-related expenses.

• Medical Assistance: Covers health care for low-income individuals with disabilities.
• Minnesota Supplemental Aid: Provides cash assistance for people with disabilities who receive SSI.
• Medicaid Waivers: Offer services like personal care, respite, and adaptive equipment for those who meet waiver criteria.
• ABLE Accounts: Available to Minnesotans with disabilities that began before age 46.

Citations: Minnesota Department of Human Services - Disability Services, Disability Hub MN - ABLE Accounts

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• Apply for Medical Assistance and Minnesota Supplemental Aid through MNBenefits.gov.
• Contact Disability Hub MN for help with applications and planning.
• Consider applying for an ABLE account if eligible.

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or visit your local Social Security office. You may need to provide additional documentation if requested.
• Step 3: Apply for Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and Minnesota Supplemental Aid through MNBenefits.gov. You can apply for multiple programs at once.
• Step 4: If you need home and community-based services, apply for a Medicaid waiver through your county or tribal human services office.
• Step 5: If you are under age 46 and your disability began before then, consider opening an ABLE account through the MN ABLE program.
• Step 6: Contact Disability Hub MN for free help with applications, benefits planning, and navigating the system.
• Step 7: Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.

Citations: Social Security Administration - Apply for Disability, MNBenefits.gov, Disability Hub MN - Benefits Planning

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities who have low income and resources.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people with disabilities who have worked and paid into Social Security.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities (administered by states).
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI.

Citations: Social Security Administration - Disability Programs

• Medical Assistance (Medicaid): Covers health care for low-income individuals with disabilities. Includes prescription drugs, doctor visits, and hospital care.
• Minnesota Supplemental Aid: Cash assistance for people with disabilities who receive SSI.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs like Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) and Brain Injury (BI) waivers provide home and community-based services such as personal care, respite, and adaptive equipment.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses for those whose disability began before age 46.
• Housing Support: Assistance with rent and utilities for people with disabilities.

Citations: Minnesota Department of Human Services - Disability Services, Disability Hub MN - ABLE Accounts

Minnesota offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities that began before age 46. These accounts allow tax-advantaged savings for disability-related expenses. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses.

Citations: Disability Hub MN - ABLE Accounts

Income limits for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid vary by program and household size. For SSI, the 2025 federal limit is $943/month for an individual. Minnesota Supplemental Aid and Medical Assistance have higher limits. Check MNBenefits.gov for current guidelines.

Citations: Social Security Administration - SSI Limits, MNBenefits.gov - Income Guidelines

Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Keep records of all changes and communications with agencies.

Citations: Social Security Administration - Reporting Changes, MNBenefits.gov - Reporting Changes

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

  TTY: 711

  Email: [email protected]

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

  Website

  Free statewide resource for people with disabilities.

• Can Chronic Fatigue Syndrome qualify for SSI or SSDI?

  Yes, if your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months and you meet the Social Security Administration’s criteria. You must provide medical evidence and apply through SSA.gov or your local office.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

  SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. Both provide monthly payments for people with disabilities, but eligibility rules differ.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Minnesota?

  Apply for Medical Assistance (Medicaid) through MNBenefits.gov. You can apply online, by phone, or in person at your county or tribal human services office. You may need to provide proof of income and disability.

• What are Medicaid waivers and how do I get one?

  Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. Apply through your county or tribal human services office. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and disability status.

• Can I get help with housing if I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

  Yes, Minnesota offers housing support programs for people with disabilities. You may qualify for rent and utility assistance through Medical Assistance or Minnesota Supplemental Aid.

• What is an ABLE account and who can get one?

  An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities that began before age 46. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.