Minnesotans with HIV/AIDS may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, and state-specific Medical Assistance and waiver programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, state programs, income limits, and how to use ABLE accounts for financial planning.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are the main federal benefits for people with disabilities, including those with HIV/AIDS. SSI is for low-income individuals with limited assets and does not require a work history, while SSDI requires work credits based on your age when your disability began[4]. For SSDI, you generally need 40 credits, 20 earned in the last 10 years[4]. SSI is available to qualifying adults and children with disabilities, including those with HIV/AIDS, as long as your income and resources are below program limits. Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits may apply if your disability began before age 22 and your parent receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits[4].
Minnesota offers Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA), and Housing Support for people with low income and disabilities, including HIV/AIDS[3]. These programs consider both federal and state rules. Income guidelines include the Social Security COLA as of July 2025[3]. If you have complex medical needs, Minnesota’s Medicaid waivers (HCBS programs) may help you get home- and community-based services, such as personal care, home-delivered meals, and more, based on your needs and waiver rules—Minnesota is working to make this system more user-friendly through Waiver Reimagine[2]. Short-term and long-term disability insurance is also available to some public and private employees in Minnesota[6][7].
1. Check your eligibility for SSI, SSDI, Medical Assistance, or Medicaid waivers—see the sections above. 2. Gather your medical records and proof of income. 3. Apply online at SSA.gov for SSI/SSDI or at the Minnesota Department of Human Services for Medical Assistance. 4. Contact Disability Hub MN for free, local help navigating the system[5].
Apply for SSI/SSDI[4]:
Apply for Minnesota Medical Assistance, MSA, or Housing Support[3][5]:
Apply for Medicaid Waivers (Waiver Reimagine)[2]:
Get help:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefit for low-income individuals with disabilities, including those with HIV/AIDS, who meet income and asset limits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly benefit for people with a work history who have paid into Social Security. Family members may also qualify for auxiliary benefits. Medicare: Health insurance for people approved for SSDI after a 24-month waiting period (or immediately for people with ESRD or ALS). Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits: For adults disabled before age 22 whose parent receives Social Security retirement or disability[4].
Medical Assistance (MA): Minnesota’s version of Medicaid, providing health coverage to low-income residents with disabilities, including those with HIV/AIDS. Covers doctors, medications, hospital care, and more[3]. Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA): Monthly cash supplement for people receiving SSI and living in certain settings (like group homes)[3]. Housing Support: Helps low-income seniors and adults with disabilities pay for room and board in adult foster care, assisted living, or other settings[3]. Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Waiver programs fund home- and community-based services for people who would otherwise require nursing home care. These programs are undergoing reform through Waiver Reimagine, aiming for clearer choices and more self-directed services[2]. ABLE Accounts: Starting January 2025, adults with disabilities that began before age 46 (including many with HIV/AIDS) can open an ABLE account, a tax-advantaged savings account that does not affect eligibility for most needs-based programs[3].
Minnesota’s ABLE program lets people with disabilities save and invest money without losing eligibility for Medicaid or SSI, as long as account balances stay below federal limits. Starting January 2025, eligibility expands to adults whose disability began before age 46 (up from age 26)[3]. For more, see our ABLE Accounts guide.
SSI (2025): Federal maximum is $943/month for individuals, $1,415/month for couples. Minnesota’s Medical Assistance, MSA, and Housing Support programs have their own income and asset limits, which will increase with the Social Security COLA as of July 2025—check current figures with your county or DHS[3]. Working while on benefits? Earnings over $1,620/month (non-blind, 2025) may affect SSDI; special rules apply for SSI—see our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide.
Report all income, resources, and changes in living situation to SSA and DHS to avoid overpayments, which you might have to pay back. For help and prevention tips, visit our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
Minnesota is reforming its Medicaid waiver system to improve access, choice, and flexibility for people with disabilities. You may have more options for self-directed services and supports. Contact your county or tribal agency for details, especially if you have complex medical needs like those associated with HIV/AIDS[2].
Yes, if your HIV/AIDS meets SSA’s definition of disability, you may qualify for SSI (if you have low income/assets) or SSDI (if you have enough work credits). Medical documentation is key[4].
Medical Assistance is Minnesota’s Medicaid, for people with low income/resources. Medicare is federal health insurance for those 65+ or on SSDI for 24 months. You may qualify for both—see our [Medicaid vs Medicare](#internal_links) guide.
Waivers fund services like personal care and home-delivered meals for people who need nursing-home-level care but want to live at home. Apply through your county or tribal agency. Reforms (Waiver Reimagine) are improving access and flexibility[2].
Yes, both SSI and SSDI have work incentives. Earnings over $1,620/month (2025) may affect SSDI/SSI, but special rules allow trial work and continued benefits—see [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](#internal_links).
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save without losing benefits. Starting 2025, adults whose disability began before age 46 can open an account in Minnesota[3].
MSA is for people on SSI living in certain settings. Contact DHS or county human services to verify eligibility and income limits, which are updated annually[3].
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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Minnesota offers expedited SMRT reviews for people with life-threatening conditions, including certain HIV/AIDS complications—ask about emergency processing when you apply for Medical Assistance[3].
Disability Hub MN offers free, local help—call, email, or chat online for advice on applications, appeals, and program choices[5].
Yes, Minnesota offers special rules (like Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities) that allow you to work and keep health coverage. Check income limits and reporting rules with DHS.
Report all changes (income, living situation, assets) promptly. Failing to do so can lead to overpayments or loss of benefits—see our [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes](#internal_links) guide.
