Diabetes Benefits in Nebraska: How to Apply & Get Help

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with diabetes, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at how diabetes affects your ability to work, not just the diagnosis. Severe complications like kidney failure, vision loss, nerve damage, or frequent hospitalizations can help prove disability. Even if diabetes is not listed in the SSA's Blue Book, you may still qualify if your symptoms are equally severe. You must also meet income and work history rules for SSDI or SSI.

• SSDI: Requires enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years).
• SSI: Based on low income and limited resources.
• Both programs require that your diabetes significantly limits your ability to work.

[Source: SSA Disability Qualifications](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, accessed 2025-11-06)

In Nebraska, people with diabetes may qualify for state disability programs if they are denied federal SSI because their disability is expected to last less than 12 months. The Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program provides cash and medical coverage for those who are blind or disabled but do not meet the federal duration requirement. The Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) program can help with services for those with severe, chronic disabilities, including diabetes, if diagnosed by a licensed professional. These programs are for people who need help living independently or staying in their homes.

• AABD: For those denied SSI due to short-term disability.
• DPFS: For those with severe, chronic disabilities needing support services.
• Both programs require a medical determination of disability.

[Source: Nebraska DHHS AABD](https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Aged-Blind-or-Disabled.aspx, accessed 2025-11-06), [Nebraska DHHS DPFS](https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Disabled-Persons-and-Family-Support.aspx, accessed 2025-11-06)

• Gather medical records showing diabetes and complications.
• Check if you meet federal work or income rules for SSDI/SSI.
• Contact Nebraska DHHS for state programs if federal benefits are denied.
• Use the SSA online portal or local office to apply for federal benefits.
• Ask for help from a benefits counselor if needed.

• Step 1: Get a complete medical record from your doctor, including details about diabetes, complications, treatments, and how it affects your daily life and ability to work.
• Step 2: Review the SSA's Listing of Impairments to see if your diabetes complications meet a listed condition (e.g., kidney disease, vision loss, neuropathy).
• Step 3: If you have worked enough, apply for SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office. If you have low income and resources, apply for SSI.
• Step 4: If denied federal benefits due to short-term disability, contact Nebraska DHHS to apply for AABD or DPFS programs.
• Step 5: Submit all required forms and documents. Follow up regularly and respond to any requests for more information.
• Step 6: If approved, report any changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments.

[Source: SSA Disability Application](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, accessed 2025-11-06), [Nebraska DHHS AABD](https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Aged-Blind-or-Disabled.aspx, accessed 2025-11-06), [Nebraska DHHS DPFS](https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Disabled-Persons-and-Family-Support.aspx, accessed 2025-11-06)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For those with enough work history. Pays monthly benefits if diabetes prevents work.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For those with low income and resources. Pays up to $967/month in 2025.
• Medicaid: For those with low income who receive SSI or meet state rules.
• Medicare: For those who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• Work Incentives: Allow some to try working without losing benefits.

[Source: SSA Disability Programs](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, accessed 2025-11-06)

• Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD): Provides cash and medical coverage for those denied SSI due to short-term disability.
• Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS): Offers up to $400/month for services for those with severe, chronic disabilities, including diabetes.
• Medicaid Waivers: Help pay for home and community-based services for those with disabilities.
• State Disability Program (SDP): For those determined blind or disabled by the State Review Team.

[Source: Nebraska DHHS AABD](https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Aged-Blind-or-Disabled.aspx, accessed 2025-11-06), [Nebraska DHHS DPFS](https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Disabled-Persons-and-Family-Support.aspx, accessed 2025-11-06), [Nebraska Medicaid Waivers](https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid-Waivers.aspx, accessed 2025-11-06)

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Nebraska, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Contributions do not count as income for SSI, and earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free.

[Source: ABLE National Resource Center](https://www.ablenrc.org/, accessed 2025-11-06)

• SSI: In 2025, the federal limit is $967/month for an individual. Some states add more.
• SSDI: Not based on income, but working and earning more than $1,620/month ($2,700 if blind) is considered Substantial Gainful Activity and may affect eligibility.
• Medicaid: Income and resource limits vary by program and household size.

[Source: SSA SSI Limits](https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-income-ussi.htm, accessed 2025-11-06)

You must report changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes as soon as possible to SSA or Nebraska DHHS. Keep records of all reports and communications.

[Source: SSA Reporting Changes](https://www.ssa.gov/disability/disability-reporting.html, accessed 2025-11-06)

• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-877-633-4469

  Website

  For state disability and Medicaid programs.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For federal disability benefits.

• Can diabetes qualify for disability in Nebraska?

  Yes, if diabetes causes severe complications that prevent you from working for at least 12 months. Examples include kidney failure, vision loss, or nerve damage. You must prove your condition limits your ability to work.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI for diabetes?

  SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is for those with enough work history. Both require that diabetes prevents substantial work.

• How much money can I get from SSI in Nebraska?

  In 2025, SSI pays up to $967/month for an individual. Some states add more, but Nebraska does not.

• What if my diabetes is not severe enough for federal benefits?

  Nebraska has state programs like AABD and DPFS for those denied federal benefits due to short-term or less severe disability. These programs provide cash and services.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for diabetes?

  Yes, work incentives allow some to try working without losing benefits. If you earn more than $1,620/month, you may lose SSDI, but SSI has special rules.

• What medical records do I need to apply?

  You need records showing your diabetes diagnosis, complications, treatments, and how it affects your daily life and ability to work. Include doctor notes, lab results, and hospital records.

• How long does it take to get approved?