Rheumatoid Arthritis Benefits in Minnesota

To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) with rheumatoid arthritis, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, your income and resources must be low. Children with rheumatoid arthritis may also qualify for benefits if their condition meets Social Security’s definition of disability. Adults whose disability began before age 22 may be eligible for benefits based on a parent’s record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased [3].

In Minnesota, people with rheumatoid arthritis may qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Minnesota Supplemental Aid, and Housing Support. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and disability status. The state also offers ABLE accounts for people whose disability began before age 46. Income guidelines for these programs are updated yearly to reflect Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustments. If you are a public safety worker (peace officer or firefighter) disabled in the line of duty, your health insurance benefits may be limited to five years unless you have a total and permanent disability [1][2].

• Check if you meet federal SSDI or SSI requirements.
• Apply online at ssa.gov or call Social Security.
• For Minnesota state benefits, apply through DHS or your county office.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Report any changes in your situation to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSDI or SSI at ssa.gov. You’ll need medical records showing how rheumatoid arthritis affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You may need to provide more information or attend a medical exam.
• Step 3: For Minnesota state benefits (Medical Assistance, Supplemental Aid, Housing Support), apply through your county human services office or online at mndhs.gov.
• Step 4: If you have a disability that began before age 46, consider opening an ABLE account to save money without losing benefits.
• Step 5: If you are a public safety worker, check with your employer about duty disability benefits and health insurance.
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, resources, or health to Social Security and Minnesota DHS to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: If you need help, contact Disability Hub MN for free support and guidance.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments if you worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with low income and resources.
• Medicare: Health coverage after receiving SSDI for 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income, including those receiving SSI.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities that began before age 46.

• Medical Assistance (Medicaid): Health coverage for people with low income and disabilities.
• Minnesota Supplemental Aid: Cash assistance for people with disabilities who receive SSI.
• Housing Support: Help with rent and utilities for people with disabilities.
• ABLE Accounts: Minnesota offers ABLE accounts for people whose disability began before age 46.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Income protection for eligible employees who become disabled.
• Public Safety Duty Disability Benefits: Health insurance for peace officers and firefighters disabled in the line of duty (limited to five years for regular duty disabilities, unless total and permanent) [1][2][6].

Minnesota offers ABLE accounts for people whose disability began before age 46. These accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. You can open an ABLE account through the Minnesota ABLE program or a national program [2].

Income limits for Minnesota benefits are updated yearly. For 2025, the limits reflect Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment. For example, the SSI federal benefit rate is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. Minnesota Supplemental Aid and Housing Support have their own income limits, which are higher than SSI but still based on need. Check the latest guidelines at mndhs.gov or Disability Hub MN [2].

You must report changes in income, resources, or health to Social Security and Minnesota DHS. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Always keep records of your reports and any correspondence [4].

• 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 disability benefits and support

• Can I get disability benefits for rheumatoid arthritis in Minnesota?

  Yes, if your rheumatoid arthritis is severe enough to prevent you from working, you may qualify for federal SSDI or SSI. You may also qualify for Minnesota state benefits like Medical Assistance, Supplemental Aid, and Housing Support.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Minnesota?

  Apply for federal benefits at ssa.gov or your local Social Security office. For state benefits, apply through your county human services office or online at mndhs.gov. Gather medical records and proof of income before applying.

• What is the income limit for Minnesota disability benefits?

  Income limits vary by program and are updated yearly. For 2025, the SSI federal benefit rate is $943/month for an individual. Minnesota Supplemental Aid and Housing Support have higher limits based on need. Check the latest guidelines at mndhs.gov or Disability Hub MN.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Minnesota?

  Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits. Social Security and Minnesota have work incentives that let you keep benefits while you try to work. Report any changes in income to avoid overpayments.

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help me?

  An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Minnesota offers ABLE accounts for people whose disability began before age 46.

• Do I need to report changes in my situation to avoid overpayments?