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Minnesota • Learning
Minnesota offers a range of federal and state benefits for people with dyslexia, including cash assistance, healthcare, housing support, and ABLE accounts. Eligibility and programs vary by the severity of impairment, income, and other factors. This guide explains how to apply, what to expect, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a severe impairment that prevents you from working (or, for children, significantly limits functioning) and meets Social Security’s definition of disability. For SSI, income and resources must also be very low. Dyslexia alone is unlikely to meet these requirements unless it causes significant, long-term functional limitations in multiple areas (like reading, writing, and math) and is documented by medical and educational professionals. The Social Security Administration (SSA) may require IQ testing, academic records, and proof of ongoing challenges despite treatment and supports[4]. For children, the focus is on marked and severe functional limitations; for adults, the inability to perform any substantial gainful activity due to the impairment.
Minnesota offers Medical Assistance (MA), Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA), housing support, and home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers for eligible residents with disabilities. Eligibility for these programs is based on income, resources, and the impact of your disability. MA and MSA use the same federal disability standard as SSI, but some state waiver programs may have different criteria. Minnesota updated its income guidelines in 2025 to include the Social Security COLA, so you may qualify even if you were previously over the limit[3]. Minnesota’s Guardianship Task Force was repealed, but civil rights protections for people with disabilities were strengthened—you cannot be forced into guardianship to receive services, and you have a right to stay in assisted living even if you switch from private to public funding[2]. For children with dyslexia, school-based supports are the primary resource. If your dyslexia is severe and affects daily functioning, explore health, housing, and cash assistance programs through the Department of Human Services.
Minnesota residents with dyslexia (or other disabilities) that began before age 46 can now open an ABLE account, a tax-advantaged savings account that does not count against SSI or MA resource limits[3]. Earnings grow tax-free and can be used for disability-related expenses. Check with the Minnesota ABLE Plan for details and eligibility.
Income limits for MA, MSA, and housing support in Minnesota are based on federal poverty guidelines and are updated annually. The 2025 guidelines include the Social Security COLA, potentially expanding eligibility. SSI also has strict income and resource limits, which increase slightly each year. Always check current limits or use the SSI Income Estimator (internal link below) for personalized estimates.
It’s crucial to report changes in your income, resources, living situation, or disability status right away to the SSA and Minnesota DHS to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits. Overpayments must be repaid and can be difficult to resolve. Our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes (internal link below) helps you stay compliant.
Minnesota expanded ABLE account eligibility to include people whose disability began before age 46. If you have dyslexia and meet this age criterion, consider opening an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or MA eligibility.
Disability Hub MN provides free, expert guidance on all state and federal benefits for people with disabilities. Contact them for help with applications, appeals, and planning for the future.
Minnesota’s primary supports for dyslexia are educational (IEPs, 504 plans). For adults, if dyslexia causes significant daily living challenges, explore MA, MSA, housing support, and HCBS waivers through the Department of Human Services.
Dyslexia alone is unlikely to qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must show that your dyslexia causes severe, long-term limitations in daily functioning and prevents you from working (for adults) or significantly impairs a child’s ability to function. Most approvals involve multiple impairments, not just dyslexia.
Minnesota offers Medical Assistance (MA), Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA), housing support, and home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and disability impact. Most support is for daily living needs, not specific learning disabilities.
Minnesota schools provide IEPs and 504 plans for children with learning disabilities. ABLE accounts are now available for those whose disability began before age 46. Adaptive services like swimming lessons may also be covered for at-risk children.
You may still qualify for Minnesota’s MA, MinnesotaCare, or housing support programs. Some waivers and services have higher income limits. Contact Disability Hub MN for a benefits checkup.
ABLE accounts are special savings accounts for people with disabilities. In Minnesota, you now qualify if your disability began before age 46. Earnings grow tax-free and don’t affect eligibility for SSI or MA.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Program rules, income limits, and eligibility criteria change frequently. Always verify current information with official agencies.
Collect educational evaluations, IEPs, medical records, and letters from doctors or teachers. These should show significant, ongoing challenges in reading, writing, and daily life despite support.
Yes, but earnings must be under the SSA’s “substantial gainful activity” limit ($1,620/month in 2025). MA, MSA, and housing support also have income limits. Check our **SSI & SSDI Work Incentives** (internal link below).
Many people are denied at first. You can appeal with help from Disability Hub MN or legal aid. Gather more evidence and be persistent.
Contact the SSA and Minnesota DHS right away if your income, living situation, or disability status changes. See **Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes** (internal link).
Disability Hub MN offers free expert help. Call, chat, or email for support with applications, appeals, and planning.
