Multiple Sclerosis Benefits in Nebraska

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with Multiple Sclerosis, your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a "Listing of Impairments" to identify qualifying conditions, but even if Multiple Sclerosis is not listed, you may still qualify if your symptoms are equally severe. You must also meet work credit requirements for SSDI or income limits for SSI. In 2025, earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) is considered Substantial Gainful Activity and may disqualify you from benefits[1][7].

In Nebraska, Multiple Sclerosis is recognized as a qualifying disability for both federal and state programs. The Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) program assists those with severe, chronic disabilities, including Multiple Sclerosis, by providing up to $400 per month for services like home modifications, counseling, and personal care[6]. Nebraska also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with long-term care needs. State employees may be eligible for additional long-term disability insurance through their employer, which can supplement federal benefits[5][6].

• Gather medical records showing your Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis and how it limits your ability to work.
• Contact the Social Security Administration to apply for SSDI or SSI.
• If you are a state employee, check with your HR department about long-term disability insurance.
• For Medicaid waivers or home support, contact the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
• Use the SSI Income Estimator to check your eligibility for SSI[2].

• Step 1: Collect all medical documentation, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history for Multiple Sclerosis.
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at the SSA website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. Be ready to explain how your condition prevents you from working[7].
• Step 3: If you are a state employee, review your benefits package and contact your HR department about long-term disability insurance options[5].
• Step 4: For Medicaid waivers or home support, contact the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. You may need to complete an application and provide proof of disability and income[6].
• Step 5: Use the SSI Income Estimator to check your eligibility for SSI and get an estimate of your monthly benefit[2].
• Step 6: Follow up on your applications and respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documentation.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and now have a qualifying disability like Multiple Sclerosis.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who have a qualifying disability.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and resource requirements.
• Medicare: Available to people who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Allow people with disabilities to receive long-term care services at home or in the community instead of in institutions[2][7].

• Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS): Provides up to $400 per month for services like home modifications, counseling, and personal care for people with severe, chronic disabilities, including Multiple Sclerosis[6].
• Medicaid Waivers: Nebraska offers several Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with long-term care needs for people with Multiple Sclerosis[3].
• State Employee Long-Term Disability Insurance: State employees may be eligible for additional long-term disability insurance through their employer, which can supplement federal benefits[5].
• Developmental Disability Waivers: For families with children who have Multiple Sclerosis and other developmental disabilities, Nebraska offers waivers for home and community-based services[3].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. Nebraska residents with Multiple Sclerosis can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Nebraska[3].

For SSI in 2025, the maximum monthly benefit is $967 for an individual. To qualify, your income and resources must be below certain limits. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) from work, as this is considered Substantial Gainful Activity and may disqualify you from benefits[2][7].

If your income or resources change, you must report these changes to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions. Learn more about how to report changes and avoid overpayments[2].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm

  Website

  Apply for SSDI or SSI, get help with your application.
• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-383-4278

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid waivers and home support services.

• Can I get disability benefits for Multiple Sclerosis in Nebraska?

  Yes, if your Multiple Sclerosis is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must also meet work credit or income requirements[1][7].

• What is the income limit for SSI in Nebraska?

  In 2025, the maximum monthly SSI benefit is $967 for an individual. Your income and resources must be below certain limits to qualify[2][7].

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Nebraska?

  Contact the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to apply for Medicaid waivers. You will need to provide proof of disability and income, and complete an application[3][6].

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Nebraska?

  Yes, there are work incentives that allow you to try working without losing benefits. If you earn more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind), you may no longer qualify for SSDI or SSI[4][7].

• What services are available for people with Multiple Sclerosis in Nebraska?

  Nebraska offers home modifications, counseling, personal care, and Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. State employees may also have access to long-term disability insurance[5][6].

• How long does it take to get approved for disability benefits in Nebraska?

  The approval process can take several months. It is important to submit all required documentation and respond promptly to any requests for additional information[7].