Down Syndrome Benefits in Minnesota: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, a person must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. For children, this means a condition that causes marked and severe functional limitations and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For adults, the disability must prevent substantial work for at least 12 months. Down Syndrome is a qualifying condition for both children and adults. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may be eligible for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits based on a parent’s Social Security record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. The person must be unmarried and not have substantial earnings (in 2025, more than $1,620/month, or $2,700 if blind) [4].

In Minnesota, people with Down Syndrome may qualify for Medical Assistance (MA), Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA), and Housing Support if they meet income and asset limits. The state also offers Medicaid waiver programs for home and community-based services, which are being updated in 2025 to improve access and choice. The Waiver Reimagine initiative is making it easier for families to describe their needs and plan services. Income guidelines for MA, MSA, and Housing Support were updated in July 2025 to reflect the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Children with Down Syndrome may qualify for expedited disability determinations if they are in a facility, have a life-threatening condition, or are diagnosed with a rare disease. Adults with Down Syndrome may also qualify for ABLE accounts if their disability began before age 46, thanks to the ABLE Age Adjustment Act effective January 1, 2025 [3].

• Check eligibility for SSI, SSDI, MA, MSA, and waivers.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply online, by phone, or in person at your county human services office.
• For expedited review, ask about SMRT if urgent medical needs exist.
• For ABLE accounts, apply through the Minnesota ABLE program.

• Step 1: Review eligibility for federal programs (SSI, SSDI) and state programs (MA, MSA, Housing Support, Medicaid waivers). Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to check if you qualify for SSI.
• Step 2: Collect required documents: birth certificate, Social Security number, medical records, proof of income and assets, and proof of residency.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. For MA, MSA, and Housing Support, apply through your county human services office or online at mnsure.org.
• Step 4: For Medicaid waivers, contact your county case manager or the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). The Waiver Reimagine initiative is improving the application process for home and community-based services.
• Step 5: For ABLE accounts, apply online at mnable.org. The ABLE Age Adjustment Act expanded eligibility to people whose disability began before age 46, effective January 1, 2025.
• Step 6: If you have urgent medical needs, ask about expedited SMRT review. Hospitals can submit expedited referrals for people in facilities, with life-threatening conditions, or diagnosed with rare diseases. The new SMRT expedited unit at DHS supports fast processing.
• Step 7: Keep records of all applications and follow up regularly. Report any changes in income, assets, or living situation to avoid overpayments.

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and are now disabled.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and resources, including children and adults with disabilities.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people 65 and older or those who have received SSDI for 24 months.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits: Benefits for adults with a disability that began before age 22, based on a parent’s Social Security record.

• Medical Assistance (MA): Minnesota’s Medicaid program provides health coverage for people with low income and resources, including children and adults with Down Syndrome.
• Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA): Cash assistance for people with disabilities who receive SSI.
• Housing Support: Helps people with disabilities pay for housing costs.
• Medicaid Waiver Programs: Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. The Waiver Reimagine initiative is making these programs easier to access and more flexible.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. The ABLE Age Adjustment Act expanded eligibility to people whose disability began before age 46, effective January 1, 2025.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability: Income protection for eligible employees who cannot work due to illness or injury.
• State Medical Review Team (SMRT): Expedited disability determinations for high-risk Medical Assistance applicants with urgent needs.

ABLE accounts let families save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. In Minnesota, the ABLE Age Adjustment Act expanded eligibility to people whose disability began before age 46, effective January 1, 2025. Accounts can be opened online at mnable.org. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. The annual contribution limit is $18,000 in 2025. More details at mnable.org.

Income limits for SSI, MA, MSA, and Housing Support are updated annually. In 2025, the limits reflect the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). For SSI, the federal limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. MA, MSA, and Housing Support limits vary by household size and county. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to check your eligibility.

It is important to report changes in income, assets, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Report changes to Social Security, your county human services office, or the Minnesota Department of Human Services. More information on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes is available at the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.

• 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

• What federal benefits are available for people with Down Syndrome in Minnesota?

  People with Down Syndrome in Minnesota may qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, and Disabled Adult Child benefits. SSI and SSDI provide monthly cash payments. Medicaid and Medicare provide health coverage. Disabled Adult Child benefits are available for adults with a disability that began before age 22, based on a parent’s Social Security record.

• How do I apply for Minnesota Medicaid waivers for Down Syndrome?

  Contact your county case manager or the Minnesota Department of Human Services to apply for Medicaid waivers. The Waiver Reimagine initiative is improving the application process for home and community-based services. You will need to provide medical records and proof of income and assets.

• Can adults with Down Syndrome open an ABLE account in Minnesota?

  Yes, adults with Down Syndrome can open an ABLE account in Minnesota if their disability began before age 46. The ABLE Age Adjustment Act expanded eligibility effective January 1, 2025. Accounts can be opened online at mnable.org.

• What is the income limit for SSI in Minnesota in 2025?

  The federal SSI income limit in 2025 is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. Minnesota’s Medical Assistance, Supplemental Aid, and Housing Support programs have their own income limits, which were updated in July 2025 to reflect the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment.

• How do I get expedited disability determination for a child with Down Syndrome?

  If a child with Down Syndrome is in a facility, has a life-threatening condition, or is diagnosed with a rare disease, hospitals can submit expedited referrals to the State Medical Review Team (SMRT). The new SMRT expedited unit at DHS supports fast processing for high-risk Medical Assistance applicants.