People with Down Syndrome in Minnesota can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, housing support, and more. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key changes for 2025.
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].
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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In 2025, Minnesota reduced the duration of continued health insurance benefits for regular duty disabilities to five years, down from coverage until age 65. Employees with total and permanent duty disabilities still receive coverage through age 65. State Patrol members are exempt from this change.
Report changes in income, assets, or living situation to Social Security, your county human services office, or the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Reporting changes helps avoid overpayments, which can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits.
Waiver Reimagine is an ongoing project by the Minnesota Department of Human Services to improve the state’s Medicaid waiver programs. It aims to make it easier for people and families to describe their needs, plan services, and access funding for home and community-based services.
Yes, people with Down Syndrome can work while receiving SSI or SSDI. Social Security offers work incentives and support services to help people with disabilities work and keep their benefits. More information is available in the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide.
Disability Hub MN is a free statewide resource network that helps people with disabilities solve problems, navigate the system, and plan for their future. You can chat, call, or email the Hub for expert help.
