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Nebraska • Chronic Illness
If you have heart disease in Nebraska, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, as well as state programs for medical and financial support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what help is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with heart disease, 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) uses a "Listing of Impairments" that includes heart conditions like chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, and recurrent arrhythmias. Even if your specific diagnosis isn’t listed, you may still qualify if you can prove your heart disease severely limits your ability to work. You must also meet income and work history requirements, depending on the program.
Children with heart disease may also qualify for benefits if their condition is severe and long-term.
Source: SSA Disability Qualifications [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
In Nebraska, if your heart disease is severe but doesn’t meet federal disability requirements (for example, if it’s expected to last less than 12 months), you may still qualify for state disability programs. The Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program provides financial and medical support to people who are blind or disabled but don’t qualify for SSI. The Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) program offers up to $400 per month for authorized services to people with severe, chronic disabilities, including heart disease, diagnosed by a licensed medical professional.
Nebraska also has Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help people with heart disease stay independent. These programs may cover things like home health aides, medical equipment, and transportation.
Source: Nebraska DHHS AABD [Accessed: 2025-11-06] Source: Nebraska DHHS DPFS [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Source: SSA Disability Application [Accessed: 2025-11-06] Source: Nebraska DHHS Application [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Source: SSA Disability Programs [Accessed: 2025-11-06] Source: Medicaid.gov [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Source: Nebraska DHHS AABD [Accessed: 2025-11-06] Source: Nebraska DHHS DPFS [Accessed: 2025-11-06] Source: Nebraska State Employee LTD [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. In Nebraska, you can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses like medical care, education, and housing. Contributions are tax-free, and earnings grow tax-free. The account is limited to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility.
Source: Nebraska ABLE [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) is considered substantial work and may affect eligibility. Nebraska state programs may have different income limits, so check with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for details.
Source: SSA SSI Limits [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
If your condition, income, or living situation changes, you must report it to the SSA or Nebraska DHHS to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit reductions or repayment. Reporting changes is easy—call your local office or report online. Keeping your information up to date helps you keep your benefits and avoid problems.
Source: SSA Reporting Changes [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Contact your local Social Security office or Nebraska DHHS for help with your application. They can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
Yes, heart disease can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months. You must provide medical evidence showing how your condition affects your daily activities and ability to work.
Even if your heart disease isn’t listed, you may still qualify if you can prove it’s equally severe. The SSA will review your medical records and work history to make a decision.
In 2025, the maximum SSI payment is $967 per month for an individual. The actual amount depends on your income and resources.
Yes, you can try working without losing benefits through work incentives like the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility. Earnings over $1,620 per month may affect your benefits.
Nebraska offers AABD for financial and medical support, DPFS for authorized services, and Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. These programs help people with heart disease live independently.
Gather medical records, review eligibility requirements, and apply online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office or Nebraska DHHS office. Report any changes to avoid overpayments.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
You need a diagnosis from a licensed medical professional, treatment records, and evidence showing how your heart disease limits your ability to work and perform daily activities.
Yes, children with severe, chronic heart disease may qualify for SSI or SSDI if their condition is expected to last at least 12 months and severely limits their activities.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require a severe, long-term disability.
Report any changes in your condition, income, or living situation to the SSA or Nebraska DHHS. Keeping your information up to date helps you avoid overpayments and benefit reductions.
