People in Minnesota with a spinal cord injury can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, and housing support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key changes in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a qualifying disability and enough work credits. For Spinal Cord Injury, this means your injury must prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You generally need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have low income and limited resources, and meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. Children with spinal cord injuries may also qualify for benefits if the disability started before age 22 and meets adult disability standards. [^1]
In Minnesota, people with spinal cord injuries can qualify for Medical Assistance (MA), Minnesota Supplemental Aid, and Housing Support. Income limits for these programs are updated yearly with the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). As of July 1, 2025, these updates are in effect. Minnesota also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which help cover long-term care and support. If you are a public safety worker (peace officer or firefighter) with a duty disability, health insurance coverage is now limited to five years unless you are found to have a total and permanent disability. State Patrol members are exempt from this change. [^2][^3]
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save up to $100,000 without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Minnesota, the ABLE Age Adjustment Act expanded eligibility to people whose disability began before age 46, effective January 1, 2025. You can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. [^4]
Income limits for Minnesota benefits (Medical Assistance, Supplemental Aid, Housing Support) are updated yearly with the Social Security COLA. As of July 1, 2025, these updates are in effect. Check the latest guidelines on the DB101 Minnesota website. [^5]
If your income or resources change, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Report changes to Social Security, Minnesota Benefits, and your county human services office. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits. [^6]
Contact Disability Hub MN for free expert help with benefits applications, planning, and appeals. They offer chat, phone, and email support Monday to Friday.
You may qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicare, and Medicaid. SSI is for low-income individuals, SSDI is for those with work credits, Medicare comes after 24 months of SSDI, and Medicaid covers health care for those who meet income limits.
You can apply online at MNBenefits.gov or in person at your county human services office. You will need to provide proof of income, resources, and medical documentation of your spinal cord injury.
Yes. Public safety workers with duty disabilities now get health insurance for five years unless they have a total and permanent disability, in which case coverage continues until age 65. State Patrol members are exempt from this change.
Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for long-term care. Contact your county case manager or the Minnesota Department of Human Services to apply. The Waiver Reimagine project is making these programs easier to access.
Yes. ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Eligibility was expanded in 2025 to people whose disability began before age 46.
Expedited Medical Assistance lets people with urgent needs (like life-threatening conditions or facility discharge) get disability determinations quickly. Hospitals can submit expedited referrals for fast processing.
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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Report changes in income or resources to Social Security, Minnesota Benefits, and your county human services office. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits.
Minnesota offers Housing Support to help pay for rent and utilities. You can apply through your county human services office or online at MNBenefits.gov.
Yes. SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. Check the SSI/SSDI Work Incentives guide for details.
Contact Disability Hub MN for free expert help with applications, planning, and appeals. They offer chat, phone, and email support Monday to Friday.
