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Nebraska • Speech/Language
People in Nebraska with severe stuttering may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI if their condition significantly limits their ability to work. State programs can also help with medical and living costs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Nebraska, your stuttering must be severe enough to stop you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at how your condition affects your ability to communicate, understand, and remember work tasks. Even if stuttering is not listed in the SSA’s official guide, you may still qualify if you can prove it limits your work activities as much as a listed condition. You must also meet income and work history rules for SSDI or SSI.
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 substantial work and may affect eligibility.
Children with severe stuttering may also qualify for benefits if their condition seriously limits their activities.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Source: Impact Disability Law, 2025
In Nebraska, if your stuttering is not severe enough for federal disability benefits, you may still qualify for state programs. The Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program helps people who are denied SSI because their disability is expected to last less than 12 months. AABD can provide cash and medical help so you can stay in your home or a facility that fits your needs.
The Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) program offers up to $400 per month for services to people with severe, chronic disabilities, including speech disorders. This can help with therapy, communication devices, or other needs.
State employees may also have access to long-term disability insurance through their employer, which can cover stuttering if it stops you from working.
Source: Nebraska DHHS, 2025 Source: Nebraska DHHS, 2025 Source: Nebraska State Employee Benefits, 2025
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Source: Nebraska DHHS, 2025 Source: Nebraska DHHS, 2025
Source: Nebraska DHHS, 2025 Source: Nebraska DHHS, 2025 Source: Nebraska State Employee Benefits, 2025
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. In Nebraska, you can open an ABLE account to pay for disability-related costs like therapy or communication devices. Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses don’t count as income for SSI.
Source: ABLE National Resource Center, 2025
For SSI in 2025, the income limit is $1,620/month ($2,700 if blind). For SSDI, there’s no strict income limit, but earning more than $1,620/month may mean you’re doing substantial work and can’t get benefits. State programs like AABD and DPFS have their own income rules.
If your income or health changes, you must report it to SSA or Nebraska DHHS. Not reporting can lead to overpayments and penalties. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office to report changes. Work incentives let you test employment without losing benefits.
Contact Nebraska Total Care or your local Social Security office for help with SSI or SSDI applications. State programs like AABD and DPFS can also provide support.
Yes, if your stuttering is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. You must show it limits your ability to communicate, understand, and remember work tasks. Medical records and work history are needed.
SSI is for low-income people with disabilities, while SSDI is for those with a work history. Both require your stuttering to stop you from working. SSI has income limits; SSDI does not.
SSI pays up to $967/month in 2025. SSDI pays based on your work history. State programs like AABD and DPFS offer extra cash or services for those denied federal benefits.
You need a diagnosis from a doctor, records of treatment, and details on how stuttering limits your work or daily activities. School or therapy records may help for children.
Yes, if their stuttering seriously limits their activities. Apply through SSA and provide school or therapy records. Benefits may continue after age 18 if the disability started before age 22.
You may still qualify for Nebraska state programs like AABD or DPFS. These offer cash, medical help, or services for people with less severe or short-term disabilities.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. Gather medical records and work history. If denied, ask about state programs like AABD or DPFS for extra help.
Yes, work incentives let you test employment without losing benefits. If you earn more than $1,620/month, you may no longer qualify for SSI or SSDI.
Medicaid, ABLE accounts, Medicaid waivers, and state programs like DPFS offer extra help. Therapy, communication devices, and home services may be covered.
The process can take several months. SSA reviews your application, medical records, and work history. If denied, you can appeal. State programs may be faster.
