Huntington’s Disease Benefits in Mississippi

• To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a severe disability that stops you from working for at least 12 months and have paid enough Social Security taxes through work.
• SSDI is for adults who can’t do substantial work because of their disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a monthly income limit called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In 2025, this is $1,620 for most people and $2,700 if you are blind.
• If you have Huntington’s Disease, you may qualify if your symptoms are severe enough to stop you from working.
• You must not earn more than the SGA limit in any month to stay eligible.
• Family members may also get benefits if the disabled person is approved for SSDI.
• There is a 5-month waiting period before SSDI payments start. Most people must wait 24 months for Medicare, except for those with ALS or end-stage renal disease.

Source: National Disability Institute, 2025-04-05

• Mississippi does not have a state-run disability insurance program. This means federal SSDI and SSI are the main sources of disability income.
• If you have Huntington’s Disease and can’t work, you should apply for SSDI or SSI through the Social Security Administration.
• Mississippi residents may also qualify for Medicaid if their income and assets are low enough. Medicaid can help pay for medical care, including treatments for Huntington’s Disease.
• The Mississippi ABLE Program lets people with disabilities save money in a tax-advantaged account without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. The account can be used for qualified disability expenses.
• To keep SSI or Medicaid, you must not have more than $2,000 in countable assets (SSI) or $4,000 (Medicaid) unless you have an ABLE account.

Source: Mississippi ABLE Program, 2025-04-05

• Gather medical records that show your Huntington’s Disease diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Check your work history to see if you have enough Social Security credits for SSDI.
• If you don’t have enough credits, apply for SSI instead.
• Fill out the online application at ssa.gov or call your local Social Security office.
• Submit all required documents, including proof of income and assets.
• Wait for a decision from the SSA. The process can take several months.

Source: SSA, 2025-04-05

• Step 1: Get a full medical evaluation and diagnosis for Huntington’s Disease. Ask your doctor for detailed records that explain your symptoms and how they limit your ability to work.
• Step 2: Review your work history. You need 40 Social Security credits (about 10 years of work) to qualify for SSDI. If you don’t have enough credits, you may qualify for SSI instead.
• Step 3: Collect all required documents, including:
  • Proof of identity (birth certificate, driver’s license)
  • Medical records and doctor’s reports
  • Work history and pay stubs
  • Proof of income and assets
• Step 4: Apply online at ssa.gov or call your local Social Security office to set up an appointment. You can also apply in person at a Social Security office.
• Step 5: Submit your application and all documents. The SSA will review your case and may ask for more information.
• Step 6: Wait for a decision. The SSA will send you a letter telling you if you are approved or denied. If denied, you can appeal the decision.
• Step 7: If approved, you will start getting benefits after the waiting period. For SSDI, this is usually 5 months. For SSI, benefits start the month after you apply.

Source: SSA, 2025-04-05

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for adults who can’t work due to disability and have paid enough Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with low income and assets who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people who get SSDI after a 24-month waiting period (exceptions for ALS and end-stage renal disease).
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and assets, including those with disabilities.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities to save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid.

Source: SSA, 2025-04-05

• Mississippi does not have a state disability insurance program. Residents rely on federal SSDI and SSI for income support.
• Mississippi offers Medicaid to people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits. Medicaid can help pay for medical care, including treatments for Huntington’s Disease.
• The Mississippi ABLE Program lets people with disabilities save money in a tax-advantaged account. The account can be used for qualified disability expenses and does not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
• There are no state-funded short-term disability benefits in Mississippi.
• Medicaid waivers may be available for home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with disabilities.

Source: Mississippi ABLE Program, 2025-04-05

• ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• You must have a disability that started before age 26 to open an ABLE account.
• The account can be used for things like medical care, education, housing, and transportation.
• In Mississippi, you can join the National ABLE Alliance through the Mississippi ABLE Program.
• The annual contribution limit is $18,000 (2025), and the total account balance limit is $500,000.

Source: Mississippi ABLE Program, 2025-04-05

• To qualify for SSDI, you must not earn more than $1,620 per month (2025) in countable income. If you are blind, the limit is $2,700 per month.
• To qualify for SSI, you must have less than $2,000 in countable assets (individual) or $3,000 (couple).
• For Medicaid, the asset limit is $2,000 for SSI and $4,000 for Medicaid (individual).
• Earning over these limits may affect your eligibility for benefits.

Source: National Disability Institute, 2025-04-05

• You must report any changes in income, assets, or living situation to the SSA and Medicaid.
• Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments and penalties.
• If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back. You can ask for a waiver if you can’t afford to repay.
• Report changes as soon as possible to avoid problems.

Source: SSA, 2025-04-05

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm

  Website

  For help with SSDI or SSI applications.
• Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
  Phone: 1-800-525-0123

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

  Website

  For help with ABLE accounts and other disability services.

• Can I get disability benefits for Huntington’s Disease in Mississippi?

  Yes, if your Huntington’s Disease is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months, you can apply for SSDI or SSI. Mississippi does not have a state disability program, so federal benefits are your main option.

• How much money can I get from SSDI for Huntington’s Disease?

  The amount depends on your work history and how much you paid into Social Security. In 2025, the maximum SSDI payment is about $3,917 per month, but most people get less.

• Can I work and still get SSDI for Huntington’s Disease?

  You can work, but your earnings must be below $1,620 per month (2025) to stay eligible for SSDI. If you earn more, you may lose your benefits.

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

  An ABLE account lets you save money for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can use the funds for things like medical care, education, and housing.

• Do I need to report changes in my income or assets?

  Yes, you must report any changes in income, assets, or living situation to the SSA and Medicaid. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments and penalties.

• Can family members get benefits if I have Huntington’s Disease?

  Yes, family members may be eligible for dependent benefits if you are approved for SSDI. This includes spouses and children.