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Nebraska • Chronic Illness
People with HIV/AIDS in Nebraska may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, and state support programs. Eligibility depends on medical severity, income, and work history. This guide covers how to apply, what benefits are available, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with HIV/AIDS, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months or result in death. HIV/AIDS is a Compassionate Allowances (CAL) condition, meaning the Social Security Administration (SSA) fast-tracks applications for people with advanced HIV/AIDS or related complications like certain cancers, opportunistic infections, or organ failure [1].
For SSDI, you must have a qualifying work history and enough work credits. For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. Both programs require medical proof that your HIV/AIDS limits your ability to work [2].
In Nebraska, people with HIV/AIDS may qualify for state disability programs if they are denied federal benefits, such as SSI, because their disability is expected to last less than 12 months. The Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program provides financial and medical support for those who meet state criteria but not federal ones [3].
The Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) program also helps people with severe, chronic disabilities, including HIV/AIDS, by funding authorized services up to $4,800 per year. Eligibility is based on a medical diagnosis and financial need [4].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities, including HIV/AIDS, to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Nebraska residents can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses. Learn more about Nebraska ABLE accounts and eligibility [6].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for an individual. SSDI is not based on income, but you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) from work and still receive benefits. State programs may have different income limits [2].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes in income, work, or living arrangements. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments [7].
HIV/AIDS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so your application for disability benefits may be approved faster than other conditions.
If you don’t qualify for federal benefits, Nebraska offers state programs like AABD and DPFS for financial and medical support.
Yes, if your HIV/AIDS is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or results in death. HIV/AIDS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so approval is often faster. You may qualify for SSI or SSDI based on your income and work history [1][2].
You need medical records showing your HIV/AIDS diagnosis, treatment history, and how your condition limits your ability to work. This can include lab results, doctor’s notes, and records of hospitalizations or complications [1][2].
In 2025, the maximum SSI payment is $967 per month for an individual. The actual amount depends on your income and resources. SSDI payments are based on your work history and earnings [2].
Yes, children with HIV/AIDS may qualify for SSI if their condition is severe and limits their activities. Adults with HIV/AIDS that began before age 22 may also qualify for benefits based on a parent’s work record [2].
If denied SSI or SSDI, you may still qualify for state programs like AABD or DPFS. These programs provide financial and medical support for people with disabilities who don’t meet federal criteria [3][4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
Yes, there are work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits immediately. If you earn more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind), you may lose benefits, but you can use trial work periods and extended eligibility periods [2].
HIV/AIDS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so approval is often faster, but you still need to prove your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or results in death [1].
If you get SSI, you usually qualify for Medicaid automatically. If not, you can apply for Medicaid through Nebraska DHHS or your local health department. Medicaid covers medical care for people with HIV/AIDS [2].
Yes, Nebraska offers Medicaid waivers and state disability programs for people with HIV/AIDS. These programs help with medical care, financial support, and independent living services [3][4][5].
Yes, Medicaid and state programs can help pay for HIV/AIDS treatment. You may also qualify for financial assistance through ABLE accounts or other support programs [6].
