People who are Deaf in Minnesota can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and specialized programs. Eligibility depends on income, work history, and medical documentation. This guide explains how to apply, what programs are available, and how to manage your benefits.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. For SSI, you need limited income and resources, and a qualifying disability. For SSDI, you must have a work history and enough work credits. Deafness is considered a qualifying disability if it meets SSA’s definition and prevents you from working for at least 12 months. Children with Deafness may also qualify for benefits if their parent receives Social Security benefits. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may be eligible for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits based on a parent’s record. All applicants must provide medical documentation of their Deafness and how it affects their daily life and ability to work. [^1]
In Minnesota, people who are Deaf may qualify for state-specific programs like Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA), and housing support. Eligibility for these programs depends on income, assets, and medical documentation. Minnesota also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can include communication aids and support services for people who are Deaf. As of 2025, changes to public safety disability benefits may affect some employees, but most state programs remain available. The ABLE Age Adjustment Act expands eligibility for ABLE accounts to people whose disability began before age 46, which can help with saving for disability-related expenses. [^2][^3]
Step 1: Get a medical evaluation and documentation of your Deafness from a qualified healthcare provider. This should include audiograms, hearing tests, and a statement about how your Deafness affects your daily life and ability to work.
Step 2: Check your income and assets to see if you qualify for SSI, SSDI, or state programs. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to help with this.
Step 3: Contact Disability Hub MN for free help with applications and questions. They can help you understand your options and fill out forms.
Step 4: Apply for federal benefits online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. For state benefits, apply online at MNBenefits.gov, by phone at 1-855-627-5411, or in person at a county human services office.
Step 5: Follow up on your application and provide any additional information if requested. Keep copies of all documents and correspondence.
Step 6: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Disability Hub MN can help you with the appeals process.
For more information, see the SSI vs SSDI guide and the Medicaid vs Medicare guide.
ABLE accounts allow people who are Deaf to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. As of 2025, eligibility is expanded to people whose disability began before age 46. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free. You can use ABLE funds for education, housing, transportation, employment training, assistive technology, and other disability-related expenses. For more information, see the ABLE Accounts guide.
Income limits for SSI, SSDI, and state programs change each year. For 2025, the income guidelines for Minnesota benefits (Medical Assistance, MSA, and Housing Support) have been updated to include the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Check the latest guidelines on DB101 Minnesota or contact Disability Hub MN for help with income calculations.
If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. For more information, see the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
Contact Disability Hub MN for free help with applications, questions, and appeals. They can help you understand your options and fill out forms.
People who are Deaf in Minnesota can apply for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, and Disabled Adult Child benefits. These programs provide cash, health coverage, and support services. Eligibility depends on income, work history, and medical documentation.
Minnesota offers Medical Assistance, Minnesota Supplemental Aid, housing support, Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, adaptive swimming lessons, and short and long term disability benefits. These programs help with health, cash, housing, and disability-related expenses.
Gather medical documentation of your Deafness, check your income and assets, contact Disability Hub MN for help, and apply online, by phone, or in person for federal and state benefits. Follow up on your application and provide any additional information if requested.
Income limits for SSI and SSDI change each year. For 2025, the guidelines have been updated to include the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment. Check the latest guidelines on DB101 Minnesota or contact Disability Hub MN for help with income calculations.
Yes, you can work while receiving Deafness benefits in Minnesota. There are work incentives and programs to help you keep your benefits while you work. For more information, see the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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For more information, see the Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) guide and the ABLE Accounts guide.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for disability-related expenses. As of 2025, eligibility is expanded to people whose disability began before age 46. You can use ABLE funds for education, housing, transportation, employment training, assistive technology, and other disability-related expenses.
A Medicaid waiver is a program that provides home and community-based services for people who are Deaf. These services can include communication aids, support services, and adaptive equipment. To apply, contact your county human services office or Disability Hub MN for help.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for people with a qualifying work history. Both programs provide cash and health benefits for people who are Deaf. For more information, see the SSI vs SSDI guide.
Yes, children with Deafness may qualify for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. Children whose parent receives Social Security benefits may also qualify for Disabled Adult Child benefits. For more information, see the SSI vs SSDI guide.
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Contact Disability Hub MN for help with the appeals process. They can help you understand your options and fill out forms.
