Chronic Pain Benefits in Nevada: 2025 Guide

To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Nevada, you must have a chronic pain condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months and have paid enough Social Security taxes through work. SSDI is based on your work history and earnings. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your chronic pain must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. Both programs require a medical review to confirm your condition prevents substantial work. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above this limit may affect your eligibility[1][2].

Nevada does not have its own state-run disability program, so most benefits come from federal programs like SSDI and SSI. However, Nevada offers Medicaid waivers for people with chronic pain who need extra care at home or in the community. These waivers help pay for services like personal care, therapy, and home modifications. Nevada also has ABLE accounts, which let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. To qualify for state services, you usually need to be approved for SSDI or SSI first. Nevada’s Department of Health and Human Services runs these programs and can help you apply[3][4].

• Check if your chronic pain stops you from working for at least 12 months.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at ssa.gov or call Social Security.
• If you need Medicaid or waivers, apply through Access Nevada.
• Consider an ABLE account for savings.

• Step 1: Confirm your chronic pain meets Social Security’s definition of disability. Your doctor must document that your pain is severe and expected to last at least 12 months.
• Step 2: Collect medical records, work history, and proof of income.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.
• Step 4: If approved, you may also qualify for Medicaid or HCBS waivers. Apply through Access Nevada.
• Step 5: If you want to save money without losing benefits, open an ABLE account.
• Step 6: Report any changes in income or health to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: If denied, you can appeal within 60 days[5][6].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments based on your work history. In 2025, the average SSDI payment is about $1,500 per month, with a maximum of $4,018.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Need-based payments for people with low income and resources. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month, but Nevada may add a small state supplement.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disabilities. Nevada offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services.
• Medicare: Health coverage for SSDI recipients after 24 months of receiving benefits[7][8].

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Nevada offers waivers for people with chronic pain who need extra care. These can cover personal care, therapy, home modifications, and more. You must be approved for SSDI or SSI first.
• ABLE Accounts: Nevada’s ABLE program lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year.
• Other State Services: Nevada’s Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) offers food, housing, and other help for people with disabilities. Apply through Access Nevada[9][10].

Nevada’s ABLE program lets people with chronic pain save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related expenses. To open an account, you must have a qualifying disability and meet Social Security’s definition of disability[11].

For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month. Nevada may add a small state supplement. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620 per month for non-blind individuals, $2,700 for blind individuals). Medicaid income limits vary based on household size and other factors[12].

If your income or health changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Nevada offers resources to help you avoid overpayments and report changes correctly[13].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  Apply for SSDI/SSI or get help with benefits.
• Nevada Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-866-968-7842

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid, waivers, and other state benefits.

• Can chronic pain qualify for disability in Nevada?

  Yes, chronic pain can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it stops you from working for at least 12 months and meets Social Security’s medical criteria. You must provide medical proof and meet income and work history requirements[1][2].

• How much can I earn and still get disability in Nevada?

  In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620 per month (non-blind) or $2,700 (blind) without losing SSDI or SSI benefits. Earning more may affect your eligibility[2][7].

• What is the SSI payment in Nevada?

  The federal SSI payment in 2025 is $943 per month. Nevada may add a small state supplement. The exact amount depends on your income and living situation[12].

• How do I apply for Medicaid with chronic pain in Nevada?

  You can apply for Medicaid through Access Nevada. If you have chronic pain and are approved for SSDI or SSI, you may qualify for Medicaid and HCBS waivers[9][10].

• What are Nevada Medicaid waivers for chronic pain?

  Nevada Medicaid waivers help people with chronic pain get extra care at home or in the community. Services may include personal care, therapy, and home modifications. You must be approved for SSDI or SSI first[9][10].

• Can I save money with an ABLE account in Nevada?

  Yes, Nevada’s ABLE program lets people with chronic pain save up to $18,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses[11].