Dyscalculia Benefits in Minnesota

Dyscalculia is considered a learning disability under federal law. To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must show that dyscalculia severely limits your ability to work or function independently. For children, the disability must significantly affect learning and daily activities. Adults must meet work history requirements for SSDI or income/asset limits for SSI. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses specific criteria to determine if a learning disability qualifies as a disability. Documentation from doctors, schools, and specialists is required.

• Children: Must have a medically determinable impairment that results in marked and severe functional limitations.
• Adults: Must be unable to do substantial gainful activity due to the disability.
• Both: Must provide medical evidence and functional assessments.

Source: SSA Disability Qualifications (accessed 2025-11-06)

For more details, see our guide on SSI vs SSDI.

In Minnesota, dyscalculia may qualify for state disability benefits and services if it severely impacts daily life or work. Eligibility for Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA), Medical Assistance (MA), and Medicaid waivers depends on income, assets, and functional limitations. The state uses federal guidelines but may have additional requirements. Children with dyscalculia may qualify for special education services under IDEA. Adults may qualify for vocational rehabilitation or supported employment programs. Minnesota recently updated some disability benefit rules, including changes to health insurance for public safety employees, but these do not directly affect dyscalculia benefits.

• Children: May qualify for special education services and Medicaid waivers.
• Adults: May qualify for MSA, MA, and supported employment.
• Both: Must provide documentation of disability and functional limitations.

Source: Minnesota Council on Disability (accessed 2025-11-06)

For more details, see our guide on Medicaid Waivers (HCBS).

• Gather medical and school records showing dyscalculia diagnosis and impact.
• Contact Disability Hub MN for help with applications.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online or at your local Social Security office.
• Apply for Minnesota benefits (MSA, MA) through the DHS website.
• Explore ABLE accounts if eligible.
• Keep copies of all documents and follow up regularly.

• Step 1: Get a formal diagnosis from a doctor or specialist. Include details on how dyscalculia affects daily life or work.
• Step 2: Collect school records, medical reports, and functional assessments.
• Step 3: Contact Disability Hub MN for personalized help and guidance.
• Step 4: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov or at your local Social Security office. Provide all required documentation.
• Step 5: Apply for Minnesota benefits (MSA, MA) through the DHS website or at your county office. Provide proof of income, assets, and disability.
• Step 6: If eligible, apply for an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses.
• Step 7: Follow up on applications and keep copies of all documents.
• Step 8: Report any changes in income, assets, or disability status to avoid overpayments.

Source: Disability Hub MN (accessed 2025-11-06)

For more details, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with limited income and assets who have a qualifying disability.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but are now disabled.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities, low income, or both.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and community-based services for people with disabilities.

Source: SSA Disability Qualifications (accessed 2025-11-06)

For more details, see our guide on Medicaid vs Medicare.

• Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA): Cash assistance for people with disabilities who have low income and assets.
• Medical Assistance (MA): Health coverage for people with disabilities, low income, or both.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and community-based services for people with disabilities.
• Supported Employment: Job training and support for people with disabilities.
• Special Education Services: For children with disabilities, including dyscalculia.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.

Source: Minnesota Council on Disability (accessed 2025-11-06)

For more details, see our guide on Medicaid Waivers (HCBS).

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. In Minnesota, the ABLE Age Adjustment Act expanded eligibility to people whose disability began before age 46. You can use ABLE funds for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation. Contributions are limited, and earnings are tax-free.

Source: Disability Hub MN (accessed 2025-11-06)

For more details, see our guide on ABLE Accounts.

Income limits for Minnesota disability benefits vary by program. For SSI, the federal limit is $943/month for an individual in 2025. For MSA, the limit is lower and depends on household size. For MA, limits depend on income, assets, and family size. Limits are updated annually with the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

Source: Disability Hub MN (accessed 2025-11-06)

For more details, see our guide on SSI Income Estimator.

You must report changes in income, assets, or disability status to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or loss of benefits. Report changes promptly to the Social Security Administration and Minnesota DHS. Keep records of all reports and communications.

Source: Disability Hub MN (accessed 2025-11-06)

For more details, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & 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.

• What is dyscalculia?

  Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects a person's ability to understand numbers and math concepts. It can make everyday tasks like managing money or telling time difficult.

• Can dyscalculia qualify for disability benefits?

  Yes, if dyscalculia severely limits your ability to work or function independently, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or state benefits. Documentation is required.

• What documentation is needed for dyscalculia benefits?

  You need medical records, school reports, and functional assessments showing how dyscalculia affects your daily life or work.

• How do I apply for SSI/SSDI with dyscalculia?

  Apply online at ssa.gov or at your local Social Security office. Provide all required documentation, including medical and school records.

• What Minnesota benefits are available for dyscalculia?

  Minnesota offers MSA, MA, Medicaid waivers, supported employment, and special education services for people with dyscalculia.

• Can children with dyscalculia get benefits?

  Yes, children with dyscalculia may qualify for special education services, Medicaid waivers, and SSI if criteria are met.

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

  An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. In Minnesota, eligibility was expanded to people whose disability began before age 46.