Mobility Impairment Benefits in Nebraska

• To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) in Nebraska, your mobility impairment must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work (Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA) for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a "Listing of Impairments" that includes many mobility-related conditions, but even if your specific diagnosis isn't listed, you may still qualify if you can prove your condition is equally severe.
• For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, your income and assets must be below set limits.
• In 2025, earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) is considered SGA and can affect eligibility for SSDI and SSI.
• Children with qualifying disabilities may also receive benefits based on a parent's record or their own if they meet the criteria.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06

• In Nebraska, people with mobility impairment may qualify for state programs if they have a medically determinable severe, chronic disability diagnosed by a licensed professional.
• The Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) program offers up to $400 per month for authorized services to help maintain independence and support employment.
• Nebraska Medicaid waivers (HCBS) provide services for people with mobility impairment who need help with daily living but want to stay in their homes or communities.
• State employees may have access to long-term disability insurance through their employer, which can provide income if unable to work due to mobility impairment.
• Even if your mobility impairment is not listed in official guides, you may still qualify for benefits if you can show it significantly limits your ability to work or perform daily activities.

Source: Nebraska DHHS, 2025-11-06, Nebraska.gov, 2025-11-06

• Gather medical records showing your mobility impairment.
• Check if you meet federal (SSI/SSDI) and state (DPFS, Medicaid waivers) eligibility.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or call SSA for help.
• For state programs, contact Nebraska DHHS or your local Medicaid office.
• Consider using an advocate or legal aid for help with the process.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06

• Step 1: Get a diagnosis and medical documentation from a licensed healthcare provider. This should detail your mobility impairment, how it limits your activities, and its expected duration.
• Step 2: Review federal eligibility for SSI/SSDI. Check if your condition is on the SSA's Listing of Impairments or if you can prove it is equally severe. For SSDI, confirm you have enough work credits. For SSI, check income and asset limits.
• Step 3: Apply for federal benefits. You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. Be ready to provide medical records, work history, and financial information.
• Step 4: Apply for state programs. For DPFS, contact Nebraska DHHS. For Medicaid waivers, apply through your local Medicaid office or DHHS. You may need to provide additional documentation and meet state-specific criteria.
• Step 5: If you are a state employee, check with your HR department about long-term disability insurance options.
• Step 6: Consider using an advocate or legal aid for help with applications and appeals. Nebraska Total Care and Centauri Health Solutions can help with SSI/SSDI applications.
• Step 7: Keep all records and report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06, Nebraska DHHS, 2025-11-06, Nebraska Total Care, 2025-11-06

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people with mobility impairment who have a qualifying work history. Payments are based on your earnings record.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with mobility impairment who have limited income and resources. The maximum federal SSI payment in 2025 is $967 per month.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with mobility impairment who receive SSI or meet other eligibility criteria.
• Medicare: Available to people with mobility impairment who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Work Incentives: Programs like the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility let you try working without losing benefits.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06

• Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS): Offers up to $400 per month for authorized services to help people with mobility impairment maintain independence and support employment.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provide home and community-based services for people with mobility impairment who need help with daily living but want to stay in their homes or communities.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance: Available to state employees who become disabled and are unable to work due to mobility impairment. Provides a tax-free payout of up to 60% of monthly income.
• Nebraska Total Care: Helps with Medicaid and SSI/SSDI applications and provides information on available benefits.
• Centauri Health Solutions: Offers support with SSI/SSDI applications for Nebraska residents.

Source: Nebraska DHHS, 2025-11-06, Nebraska Total Care, 2025-11-06, Nebraska.gov, 2025-11-06

• ABLE accounts let people with mobility impairment save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• You can save up to $18,000 per year in an ABLE account in 2025.
• Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, transportation, and personal support.
• Nebraska offers the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) program.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06

• For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for an individual.
• For SSDI, there is no income limit, but earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) is considered Substantial Gainful Activity and can affect eligibility.
• Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size.
• DPFS has its own income and asset limits for eligibility.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06

• You must report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can happen if you don't report changes or if your eligibility changes.
• If you receive an overpayment, you may have to repay it, but you can request a waiver if it wasn't your fault.
• Report changes to SSA or your state agency as soon as possible.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  Website

  For federal disability benefits.
• Nebraska DHHS
  Phone: 1-800-383-4278

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  Website

  For state programs and Medicaid.
• Centauri Health Solutions
  Phone: 1-866-879-0988

  TTY: 711

  Hours: Monday–Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

  Website

  Help with SSI/SSDI applications.

• What mobility impairments qualify for disability benefits in Nebraska?

  Mobility impairments that severely limit your ability to work or perform daily activities for at least 12 months may qualify. This includes conditions like paralysis, amputation, severe arthritis, or other chronic mobility issues. Even if your condition isn't listed, you may still qualify if you can prove it is equally severe.

• How do I apply for SSI/SSDI with a mobility impairment in Nebraska?

  Gather medical records, check eligibility, and apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For state programs, contact Nebraska DHHS or your local Medicaid office. You can also get help from Nebraska Total Care or Centauri Health Solutions.

• What is the income limit for SSI in Nebraska?

  The federal SSI income limit in 2025 is $967 per month for an individual. Nebraska does not add a state supplement to SSI, so this is the maximum payment.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Nebraska?

  Yes, you can try working through programs like the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility. These let you test your ability to work without losing benefits right away. Earnings above $1,620 per month may affect your benefits.

• What state programs help people with mobility impairment in Nebraska?

  Nebraska offers the Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) program, Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, and long-term disability insurance for state employees. These programs help with daily living, employment, and financial support.