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Minnesota • Speech/Language
People with speech impairments in Minnesota can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. Eligibility depends on the severity of the impairment and its impact on daily life. This guide explains how to apply and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, a speech impairment must be severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical listing for speech disorders (Listing 2.00) to evaluate eligibility. If your speech impairment meets the criteria in the listing, you may qualify for benefits. If not, you may still qualify if your impairment prevents you from working. Children with speech impairments may also qualify for benefits if the impairment is severe and expected to last at least 12 months.
For more details, see the SSA’s disability eligibility page [5].
In Minnesota, people with speech impairments may qualify for state-specific programs like Medical Assistance (MA), Minnesota Supplemental Aid, and Medicaid waivers. Eligibility for these programs depends on income, resources, and the severity of the impairment. Minnesota also offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, including those with speech impairments, if the disability began before age 46. The state’s Waiver Reimagine initiative is improving access to services and supports for people with disabilities, including those with speech impairments. Recent changes to Minnesota law have affected public safety disability benefits, but these changes do not impact general disability programs for people with speech impairments.
For more details, see the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Waiver Reimagine page [2] and Disability Hub MN’s benefits planning page [3].
For more details, see the SSA’s disability application page [5] and the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ benefits application page [3].
For more details, see the SSA’s disability benefits page [5] and the Medicaid.gov website [7].
For more details, see the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Waiver Reimagine page [2] and Disability Hub MN’s benefits planning page [3].
Minnesota offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, including those with speech impairments, if the disability began before age 46. ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits. Contributions to ABLE accounts are not tax-deductible, but earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are also tax-free. For more details, see the Disability Hub MN’s ABLE accounts page [3].
Income limits for disability benefits in Minnesota vary by program. For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). For Medical Assistance (MA), the income limit is 100% of the federal poverty level for most people with disabilities. For Minnesota Supplemental Aid, the income limit is $1,000 per month for an individual in 2025. For more details, see the SSA’s disability benefits page [5] and the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ benefits page [3].
If you receive disability benefits in Minnesota, you must report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties. If you receive an overpayment, you may be required to repay the amount. For more details, see the SSA’s overpayments and reporting page [7].
Contact your local county human services office or the Minnesota Department of Human Services for help with applying for disability benefits.
A speech impairment is a condition that affects a person’s ability to produce speech sounds, use language, or communicate effectively. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including neurological disorders, hearing loss, or developmental delays.
Yes, a speech impairment can qualify for disability benefits if it is severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Medical documentation is required to prove the severity of the impairment.
People with speech impairments in Minnesota may qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medical Assistance (MA), Minnesota Supplemental Aid, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. Eligibility depends on the severity of the impairment and its impact on daily life.
To apply for disability benefits in Minnesota, gather medical documentation of your speech impairment, determine which benefits you may qualify for, complete the appropriate application forms, and submit your application and documentation to the relevant agency.
Income limits for disability benefits in Minnesota vary by program. For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not engage in substantial gainful activity. For Medical Assistance (MA), the income limit is 100% of the federal poverty level for most people with disabilities.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Eligibility for benefits depends on individual circumstances. Contact the relevant agency for specific guidance.
An ABLE account is a savings account for people with disabilities that allows them to save money without losing benefits. Contributions to ABLE accounts are not tax-deductible, but earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are also tax-free.
The Waiver Reimagine initiative is an ongoing effort by the Minnesota Department of Human Services to improve access to services and supports for people with disabilities, including those with speech impairments. It aims to make it easier for people to describe the services they want and provide more choice and control over planning services and supports.
If you receive disability benefits in Minnesota, you must report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to the relevant agency. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs provide cash assistance to people with disabilities, but eligibility requirements are different.
Yes, children with speech impairments may qualify for disability benefits if the impairment is severe and expected to last at least 12 months. Medical documentation is required to prove the severity of the impairment.
