Intellectual Disability Benefits in Nebraska

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with an intellectual disability, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a "Listing of Impairments" to identify qualifying conditions, but you may still qualify if your intellectual disability is equally severe, even if not listed. For SSDI, you must have enough work credits. For SSI, your income and resources must be limited. Both programs require proof of disability from a medical professional.

• SSDI: Must have a qualifying disability and enough work credits (generally 40, with 20 in the last 10 years).
• SSI: Must have a qualifying disability, limited income and resources, and meet citizenship/residency requirements.
• Both: Disability must last at least 12 months or result in death.

Source: SSA.gov

Intellectual disability is recognized as a qualifying condition if it significantly limits your ability to work and perform daily activities.

In Nebraska, individuals with intellectual disability may qualify for state programs if they are denied federal SSI or SSDI benefits. The Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program provides financial and medical support for those whose disability is expected to last less than 12 months or who do not meet federal income/resource limits. The Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) program offers up to $400 per month for services like home modifications, counseling, and personal care for those with severe, chronic disabilities, including intellectual disability.

• AABD: For those denied SSI due to short-term disability or income/resource limits.
• DPFS: For those with severe, chronic intellectual disability, providing monthly support for authorized services.

Source: DHHS.ne.gov Source: DHHS.ne.gov

Nebraska also offers Medicaid waivers for individuals with intellectual disability, providing additional services and supports.

• Gather medical records and proof of disability.
• Contact Social Security to apply for SSI or SSDI.
• If denied federal benefits, apply for state programs like AABD or DPFS.
• Check eligibility for Medicaid and Medicaid waivers.
• Consider opening an ABLE account for disability-related savings.
• Report any changes in income or living situation to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Collect all medical documentation, including diagnosis, treatment history, and how your intellectual disability affects daily life and work.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence.
• Step 3: If denied federal benefits, apply for state programs such as AABD or DPFS through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). You may need to provide additional documentation.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid and Medicaid waivers if eligible. These programs can provide additional services and supports for individuals with intellectual disability.
• Step 5: Consider opening an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, living situation, or disability status to avoid overpayments and ensure continued eligibility.

Source: SSA.gov Source: DHHS.ne.gov Source: DHHS.ne.gov

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to individuals with a qualifying disability and enough work credits.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to individuals with a qualifying disability and limited income/resources.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage for eligible individuals with disabilities.
• Medicaid Waivers: Provide additional services and supports for individuals with intellectual disability.
• ABLE Accounts: Allow individuals with disabilities to save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.

Source: SSA.gov Source: Medicaid.gov Source: ABLE National Resource Center

• Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD): Provides financial and medical support for those denied SSI due to short-term disability or income/resource limits.
• Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS): Offers up to $400 per month for services like home modifications, counseling, and personal care for those with severe, chronic disabilities, including intellectual disability.
• Medicaid Waivers: Provide additional services and supports for individuals with intellectual disability.
• State Disability Program (SDP): Provides monetary payment and medical coverage to individuals determined blind or disabled by the State Review Team.

Source: DHHS.ne.gov Source: DHHS.ne.gov Source: Medicaid.gov

ABLE accounts allow individuals with intellectual disability to save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. In Nebraska, you can open an ABLE account through the state's ABLE program. Funds in an ABLE account can be used for expenses such as education, housing, transportation, employment training, and personal support services.

Source: ABLE National Resource Center

For SSI, the income limit in 2025 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 gainful activity and may affect eligibility. State programs like AABD and DPFS have their own income and resource limits.

Source: SSA.gov Source: DHHS.ne.gov Source: DHHS.ne.gov

It is important to report any changes in income, living situation, or disability status to avoid overpayments. If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may be required to repay the overpayment. Reporting changes promptly can help ensure continued eligibility and avoid penalties.

Source: SSA.gov Source: DHHS.ne.gov Source: DHHS.ne.gov

• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-383-4278

  Website

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For questions about SSI, SSDI, and federal disability benefits.

• What is intellectual disability?

  Intellectual disability is a condition that affects learning, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. It is diagnosed by a medical professional and can impact daily living and work.

• Can I get SSI or SSDI for intellectual disability?

  Yes, if your intellectual disability is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You will need to provide medical evidence.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those with a qualifying disability and enough work credits. Both provide monthly payments.

• What is the income limit for SSI in Nebraska?

  The income limit for SSI in 2025 is $967 per month for an individual. This limit may be adjusted for certain expenses.

• What is the AABD program in Nebraska?

  AABD provides financial and medical support for those denied SSI due to short-term disability or income/resource limits. It is for individuals determined blind or disabled by the State Review Team.

• What is the DPFS program in Nebraska?

  DPFS offers up to $400 per month for services like home modifications, counseling, and personal care for those with severe, chronic disabilities, including intellectual disability.

• What is an ABLE account?