Minnesota offers a range of federal and state benefits for people with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), including medical coverage, cash assistance, housing support, employment programs, and new fast-track reviews for urgent cases. Learn about SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, ABLE accounts, and how to apply for Minnesota’s unique programs and supports.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), your TBI must prevent work for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. SSDI requires enough work credits, while SSI is based on financial need. Children with disabilities may qualify for SSI if household income is low, and adults with disabilities starting before age 22 may get SSDI as a Disabled Adult Child if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased[4].
Minnesota offers Medical Assistance (MA)—the state’s Medicaid program—to people with disabilities who meet income limits, updated annually[2]. Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) and Housing Support help with basic living costs for those on SSI. Starting in 2025, the ABLE Age Adjustment Act lets more people with TBI (disability onset before age 46) open tax-advantaged ABLE accounts[2]. High-risk applicants, including those needing urgent medical care, may get faster disability determinations through an expedited State Medical Review Team (SMRT) process[2]. Minnesota also funds vocational rehabilitation and employment supports for people with disabilities, including TBI[3].
If you have a TBI and need benefits in Minnesota, start by applying for SSI/SSDI at the Social Security Administration. For state medical, cash, and housing programs, apply through MNbenefits, the state’s online system. Call or chat with Disability Hub MN for free, expert help with applications and appeals. If you need urgent medical coverage due to a life-threatening condition, tell your hospital or caseworker to request an expedited SMRT review—these start June 2025[2].
SSI and SSDI provide monthly cash to people with severe disabilities, including TBI. SSI is needs-based; SSDI requires work credits. Medicaid (Medical Assistance) and Medicare cover health care costs and may pay for home and community-based services (HCBS) with a waiver. The ABLE Act allows tax-advantaged savings for disability-related expenses, with eligibility expanded in 2025 for onset before age 46[4].
Minnesota Medical Assistance (MA) covers doctor visits, medications, therapies, and sometimes personal care for people with TBI and low income[2]. Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) gives extra cash to those on SSI for food, shelter, and other needs. Housing Support helps with rent for eligible people with disabilities[8]. Vocational Rehabilitation Services can help with job placement, training, and workplace accommodations[3]. Short-term disability insurance is available for some workers, and a few employers offer group long-term disability[6][7]. Minnesota’s ABLE Age Adjustment Act (2025) broadens access to ABLE accounts, letting people save without losing benefits—check eligibility if your disability started before age 46[2].
Minnesota is also a leading state in employment protections—new laws aim to phase out subminimum wages for people with disabilities and require priority hiring for some government jobs[3].
Fast-track review for urgent cases: If you’re in a hospital, have a life-threatening condition, or a child under 2 with a rare disease, you may qualify for an expedited disability review by the State Medical Review Team (SMRT), speeding up access to Medical Assistance[2].
Minnesota residents with TBI can open an ABLE account starting in 2025 if their disability started before age 46, thanks to the federal ABLE Age Adjustment Act[2]. These accounts let you save up to $100,000 without losing SSI eligibility and spend on qualified disability expenses—education, housing, health, transportation, and more.
To open one, search for "Minnesota ABLE account" online or call Disability Hub MN for guidance[5].
SSI is for people with very low income and assets (in 2025, $1,915/month for a household of one)[2]. Minnesota Medical Assistance and MSA follow these federal income limits but also look at your full financial picture. Always report changes in your income or living situation to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits. Housing Support has its own rules, but most recipients are on SSI[2].
Report all changes in your income, housing, employment, or marriage status to Social Security and Minnesota benefits offices. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you will have to pay back. If you get a notice about an overpayment, contact Social Security or Minnesota’s DHS right away. You may be able to request a waiver or pay in installments.
If you are hospitalized or have a life-threatening TBI, ask your hospital social worker about Minnesota’s new expedited SMRT review. Starting June 2025, high-risk applicants can get faster disability determinations and quicker access to Medical Assistance[2].
Disability Hub MN offers free, expert help with applications, appeals, and planning—call, chat, or email weekdays. They can explain ABLE accounts, work incentives, and changes to Minnesota benefits[5].
Minnesota is phasing out subminimum wage for people with disabilities and expanding job placement services. If you want to work, contact Vocational Rehabilitation Services for help with training, accommodations, and finding a job[3].
SSI is for people with low income/assets; SSDI is for those with enough work credits. Both require your TBI to prevent work for 12+ months or be terminal. SSDI pays more if you have a strong work history; SSI is a safety net for those with little income[4][5].
Apply online through MNbenefits, by phone, mail, or in person at your county office. If you are hospitalized or have urgent needs, ask for an expedited review—these start June 2025 for high-risk applicants[2].
Yes, both SSI and SSDI offer work incentives. You can earn some money without losing all benefits, but rules are strict. Contact Disability Hub MN or see our guide on SSI & SSDI Work Incentives for details[5].
ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings for people with disabilities. Starting in 2025, Minnesotans whose disability started before age 46 can open one—up to $100,000 in savings does not count against SSI[2].
Yes, Minnesota offers Housing Support for people with disabilities, often in addition to SSI. Apply through your county or MNbenefits[8].
Appeal within 60 days. Many people are denied at first but win on appeal—get help from Disability Hub MN or a legal aid organization[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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Contact Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) for job training, placement, and workplace accommodations. New state laws may offer additional protections and supports[3].
Report any income, housing, or health changes to Social Security, MNbenefits, and Housing Support. This prevents overpayments and benefit loss—see our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for help.
Starting June 2025, if you are hospitalized, have a life-threatening condition, or are a child with a rare disease, you may qualify for a faster disability determination through Minnesota’s SMRT expedited unit[2].
Call, chat, or email Disability Hub MN for free, expert help navigating benefits, applications, and appeals[5].
