If you have arthritis that prevents you from working, you may qualify for disability benefits in Nevada. Federal programs like SSDI and SSI provide monthly payments and healthcare, while Nevada offers some state supplements and services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Nevada, your arthritis must be severe enough to 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 five-step process to decide if you are disabled. If you are working and earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, you generally cannot qualify. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 for blind individuals. If your arthritis meets these criteria, you may be eligible for SSDI or SSI.
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You usually need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require medical proof of your disability.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Nevada does not have its own separate disability income program, but it does provide a state supplement to SSI for elderly or blind recipients. Most people with disabilities, including arthritis, do not get a state supplement unless they are in an eligible couple with a partner who is aged or blind, or if they live in an institution where medical assistance pays for more than half of their care. If you get SSI, you can usually get Medicaid and may qualify for SNAP (food stamps) and other local services. Nevada also offers employment and rehabilitation resources through county health and human services offices.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Nevada does not have a separate state disability income program. However, the state provides a supplement to SSI for elderly or blind recipients. Most people with disabilities, including arthritis, do not get a state supplement unless they are in an eligible couple with a partner who is aged or blind, or if they live in an institution where medical assistance pays for more than half of their care. Nevada also offers Medicaid, SNAP, and other local services through county health and human services offices. The state’s Bureau of Disability Adjudication evaluates applications for federal disability benefits.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Nevada residents can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Contributions are limited, and funds can be used for qualified expenses like medical care, education, and housing.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Nevada does not add a state supplement for most people with disabilities, so these limits apply. SSDI has no strict income limit, but earning above the SGA limit ($1,470/month for non-blind) can affect benefits.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to the SSA. Failing to report can result in overpayments and penalties. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Contact your local Social Security office or county health and human services office for help with your application. They can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
Yes, if your arthritis is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You need medical proof and must meet SSA’s disability criteria.
SSDI is based on work history and Social Security taxes paid. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both can provide monthly payments and healthcare.
No, Nevada does not have a separate state disability income program. Most people with disabilities get federal SSDI or SSI, and Nevada provides a supplement only for elderly or blind SSI recipients.
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You may also apply for Medicaid and SNAP through your county health and human services office.
You need doctor’s notes, test results, treatment history, and any other records that show your arthritis is severe and prevents you from working for at least 12 months.
You can work, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,470/month for non-blind in 2025). Earning above this limit can affect your benefits.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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If you get SSI, you can usually get Medicaid and may qualify for SNAP (food stamps). You may also be eligible for employment resources, rehabilitation, and other local services.
It can take several months to get a decision. If denied, you can appeal. The process may be faster if you have strong medical evidence.
Nevada provides a state supplement to SSI only for elderly or blind recipients. Most people with disabilities, including arthritis, do not get a state supplement unless they are in an eligible couple or live in an institution.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Nevada residents can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses.
