People with Spina Bifida in Minnesota can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, housing support, and ABLE accounts. New 2025 laws affect public safety disability health coverage and expand ABLE eligibility. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Spina Bifida, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. Spina Bifida is listed in SSA’s Blue Book under neurological disorders (Section 11.08). If your condition matches or equals the listing, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. SSI is for low-income individuals, while SSDI requires prior work credits. Children with Spina Bifida may qualify for SSI if their family meets income limits. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may qualify for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. All applicants must be unable to work for at least 12 months due to their disability[4].
In Minnesota, people with Spina Bifida may qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA), and housing support. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and functional needs. Minnesota also offers Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with physical disabilities, which can help with personal care, home modifications, and more. New 2025 laws expand ABLE account eligibility to those whose disability began before age 46. Public safety employees with duty disability now have health coverage for 5 years (unless total/permanent). State-specific programs may have additional requirements, so check with Disability Hub MN for personalized help[2][3][5].
ABLE accounts help people with disabilities save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. Minnesota’s ABLE program is open to residents whose disability began before age 46 (expanded in 2025). You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) and use funds for qualified expenses like housing, education, and transportation. ABLE accounts do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility as long as the balance is under $100,000[2].
Federal SSI income limits for 2025 are $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples. Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) has similar limits. Medicaid income limits vary by program but are generally higher for people with disabilities. ABLE accounts do not count toward SSI/Medicaid income limits as long as the balance is under $100,000. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments[2][5].
If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report changes in income, assets, or living situation to SSA and Minnesota agencies as soon as possible. You can avoid overpayments by updating your information regularly. If you get an overpayment notice, contact Disability Hub MN for help with appeals and repayment plans[5].
Contact Disability Hub MN for free expert help with applications, planning, and appeals. They can help you navigate the system and avoid mistakes[3].
Yes, Spina Bifida is listed in SSA’s Blue Book under neurological disorders. If your condition matches or equals the listing, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. Children may qualify if their family meets income limits. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may qualify for Disabled Adult Child benefits[4].
The 2025 ABLE Age Adjustment Act expands eligibility to people whose disability began before age 46. This allows more people with Spina Bifida to open an ABLE account and save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits[2].
Apply for Minnesota Medical Assistance (Medicaid) through MNBenefits.gov. You can also apply for Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) and housing support on the same site. Contact Disability Hub MN for help with applications and planning[5].
Minnesota offers Medicaid HCBS waivers for people with physical disabilities. These waivers can help with personal care, home modifications, and other supports. Apply through your county social services office[5].
Yes, you can work while receiving SSI/SSDI. There are work incentives and trial work periods that let you test your ability to work without losing benefits. Report any changes in income to avoid overpayments[5].
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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The 2025 law reduces health coverage for regular duty disabilities to 5 years (down from age 65). Total and permanent duty disabilities still get coverage until age 65. State Patrol members are exempt from this change[1].
Contact Disability Hub MN for free expert help with applications, planning, and appeals. They can help you navigate the system and avoid mistakes. Call, chat, or email during business hours[5].
The 2025 SSI income limit is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples. Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) has similar limits. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments[2][5].
Yes, Minnesota offers housing support for people with disabilities who meet income limits. Apply through MNBenefits.gov or contact Disability Hub MN for help with applications[5].
SSI is for low-income individuals with disabilities, while SSDI requires prior work credits. Both programs provide monthly cash payments and may lead to Medicaid or Medicare coverage[4][5].
