Nebraska children and adults with Down Syndrome may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI & SSDI), state Medicaid, and local support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs for maximum independence and care.
To qualify for federal disability programs like SSI and SSDI, you must have a medically determinable impairment (like Down Syndrome) that causes severe functional limitations expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[1].
Even if Down Syndrome is not listed, you can qualify by showing it is equally severe to a listed impairment[1].
Nebraska offers additional support: Medicaid coverage is available through the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program for those denied SSI due to a shorter disability timeline[4].
Medicaid waivers provide in-home, community-based care for people with developmental disabilities, including Down Syndrome, to help avoid institutionalization—reach out to DHHS for details[4].
Start with SSI/SSDI: Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at your local Social Security office for federal disability benefits.
Medicaid & State Programs: Contact the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for Medicaid, AABD, and DPFS programs.
Need help? Nebraska Total Care partners can assist with SSI/SSDI applications[2].
1. Gather medical records: Collect detailed records about your Down Syndrome diagnosis and how it limits daily activities.
2. Apply for SSI/SSDI:
3. Apply for Medicaid/WAIVER:
4. Nebraska State Programs:
5. Stay Organized: Track your applications, deadlines, and any requests for more information. You can call Nebraska Total Care or DHHS for application help[2][4].
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly cash payments to eligible children and adults with Down Syndrome, regardless of work history, based on income and resources[2].
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Available to adults who have worked enough to earn sufficient Social Security credits. Also includes benefits for disabled adult children of retired, deceased, or disabled workers[1][7].
Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI eligibility.
Nebraska Medicaid: Covers medical care for eligible individuals with disabilities, including Down Syndrome. Special Medicaid waivers (HCBS) provide in-home and community support[4].
State Disability Program (AABD): Provides cash and medical coverage for those denied SSI due to disability duration under 12 months[4].
Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS): Offers up to $400 monthly for services (like home modifications, respite care) to help maintain independence and family unity[6].
Long-Term Disability: Only for Nebraska state employees, not available to the general public[5].
ABLE Accounts: Nebraska residents with disabilities, including Down Syndrome, can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. These tax-advantaged accounts help individuals save up to $100,000 without losing public benefits. Visit our Nebraska ABLE Accounts guide for details.
SSI: In 2025, monthly SSI payments are up to $967 per individual, with strict income and asset limits[2].
SSDI: No income limits for eligibility, but you cannot engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals in 2025[1][3].
State Programs: DPFS has its own income guidelines; contact DHHS for specifics[6].
You must report changes in income, living situation, or resources promptly to avoid overpayments. Failing to do so can result in penalties or loss of benefits. For details, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Apply early and keep records organized. Down Syndrome is a lifelong diagnosis, so gather current and past medical, developmental, and educational records to show how it limits daily living, learning, and social functioning.
If you are denied benefits, you can appeal. Most denials are due to missing information, not the diagnosis itself. Working with a local advocate or legal aid can help with appeals and understanding your options.
No, Down Syndrome does not automatically qualify you. You must show it causes severe functional limitations and that you meet income, resources, or work history requirements for the program you’re applying to[1][7].
Children with Down Syndrome may qualify for SSI if their condition severely limits activities. For SSDI, a child may be eligible only if a parent meets Social Security disability, retirement, or survivor criteria[2][7].
Yes—SSI is a federal program, and you can apply separately for Nebraska’s DPFS or Medicaid. However, receiving SSI may affect the amount of state assistance, so it’s best to apply for both and let agencies determine eligibility[4][6].
Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) provides cash and health coverage for people whose disability is expected to last less than 12 months and who are denied SSI/Medicaid. It’s a state safety net for those who don’t meet federal duration requirements[4].
Yes, both SSI and SSDI have work incentives to encourage employment, such as the Trial Work Period for SSDI and special income exclusions for SSI. See our guide on **SSI & SSDI Work Incentives** for details.
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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Consider Medicaid waivers and Nebraska’s DPFS program, which have different eligibility rules and may help even if you don’t qualify for SSI[4][6].
Apply online via ACCESSNebraska, by phone, or at your local DHHS office. Medicaid waivers for developmental disabilities require additional steps—ask DHHS for guidance[4].
Eligibility must be redetermined using adult rules. If still disabled and financially eligible, SSI may continue. If a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased, your adult child may also qualify for SSDI as a Disabled Adult Child[7].
Yes, if their disability began before age 22 and a parent is receiving Social Security retirement, disability, or is deceased, they may qualify for Disabled Adult Child benefits under the parent’s record[7].
Contact Nebraska Total Care or your local DHHS office for application assistance. Organizations like Centauri Health Solutions can help with SSI/SSDI applications[2][4].
