If you have Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Nevada, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, plus state Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, benefit amounts, and where to get help with healthcare and daily living costs.
To qualify for SSDI or SSI with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), your condition must prevent you from working at a ‘substantial’ level for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death[1][4]. SSDI requires enough work credits based on your age and contributions to Social Security through payroll taxes[1][7]. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history, and you must be over 65, blind, or have a disability[1][6]. Both programs use a 5-step process to determine disability, including whether you can engage in ‘substantial gainful activity’ (SGA)—earning more than $1,620/month in 2025 ($2,700 if blind) means you likely do not qualify[2][3][9]. MS must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities; detailed medical evidence is key for approval.
If you qualify for both SSI and SSDI, you may receive ‘concurrent’ benefits[6]. SSDI benefits are based on your past earnings, while SSI provides a basic monthly payment plus access to Medicaid[1][3].
Nevada participates in federal disability programs like SSI and SSDI but does not offer a state-funded disability program. State-specific eligibility mainly involves how Nevada administers and reviews federal claims—through the Bureau of Disability Adjudication[5]. Additionally, Nevada Medicaid may cover services for people with MS, especially through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, which help with personal care, home modifications, and other supports not typically covered by regular Medicaid[internal_links]. To access these waivers, you generally must meet income and asset limits and demonstrate a need for supports to live at home instead of a nursing facility. ABLE accounts, available to Nevadans, allow eligible individuals with disabilities to save money without affecting SSI limits. State-specific programs for MS are limited, so most benefits for Nevadans come from federal programs with state-level application support.
You can start your application for SSDI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office[1]. For state Medicaid waivers, apply through Access Nevada, Nevada’s online portal for benefits[8]. The Bureau of Disability Adjudication in Nevada reviews federal disability applications[5].
Gather your medical records, work history, and financial information before applying. You can get help from Nevada Legal Services or the Bureau of Disability Adjudication if you have questions[5].
1. Gather Documentation Collect medical records that confirm your MS diagnosis, treatment history, and how your condition limits your ability to work. Include work history, tax returns, and proof of income/resources for SSI.
2. Start Your Application
3. Submit Required Forms Complete the Application for Disability Benefits and Adult Disability Report. For SSI, also complete the Supplemental Security Income Application.
4. Nevada-Specific Review Your application is reviewed by Nevada’s Bureau of Disability Adjudication, which may contact you or your doctors for more information[5].
5. Appeal if Denied If your claim is denied, you can appeal. Nevada Legal Services can help with appeals and navigating the process[5].
6. Apply for Medicaid if Eligible If you qualify for SSI, you may be automatically enrolled in Medicaid. For Medicaid waivers, apply through Access Nevada[8].
7. Consider ABLE Accounts If eligible, open an ABLE account to save money without affecting SSI benefits[internal_links].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly payments based on your work history and contributions to Social Security. If you have MS and enough work credits, you may qualify. In 2025, monthly SSDI benefits range from $967 to $4,018, depending on your earnings[1][3]. SSDI also offers Medicare coverage after a waiting period.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a need-based program for people with limited income and resources. In 2025, the maximum monthly SSI benefit is $967 for an individual[3]. SSI recipients in Nevada automatically qualify for Medicaid, which covers doctor visits, prescriptions, and long-term care services[1].
Both SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you test returning to work without immediately losing benefits[internal_links]. If you qualify for both, you can receive concurrent benefits. These federal programs are the main source of financial support for Nevadans with MS.
State-specific programs for Nevadans with MS are limited; most support comes from federal programs administered at the state level. The Bureau of Disability Adjudication reviews SSI and SSDI applications for Nevada residents[5]. Nevada Medicaid may cover additional services through HCBS waivers, which help with personal care, home modifications, and other supports not usually covered by standard Medicaid. To access these waivers, apply through Access Nevada and meet income and asset requirements[8].
ABLE accounts are available to eligible Nevadans with disabilities, allowing tax-advantaged savings without affecting SSI eligibility[internal_links]. Nevada does not offer a separate state disability payment program. For healthcare, those eligible for SSI are automatically enrolled in Medicaid. For other supports, contact Nevada 2-1-1 or Nevada Aging and Disability Services for local resources.
ABLE accounts let eligible Nevadans with disabilities, including those with MS, save up to $18,000/year (2025 limit) without losing SSI eligibility. Money in an ABLE account is not counted toward SSI asset limits. Use ABLE funds for disability-related expenses like healthcare, education, housing, transportation, and assistive technology[internal_links].
SSI has strict income and asset limits: $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple in 2025 (excluding your home and one car)[3]. SSDI does not have asset limits but requires you to have enough work credits. For both, if you earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit—$1,620/month in 2025 ($2,700 if blind)—you may not qualify[2][3][9].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security immediately to avoid overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Failing to report changes can lead to penalties or loss of benefits. See our guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes for more details[internal_links].
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for both, you can receive concurrent SSI and SSDI benefits. SSI is based on financial need, while SSDI is based on work history. Receiving both may increase your monthly income and improve access to Medicaid[1][6].
Social Security may review your case periodically. If your condition improves and you can work, you must report this—otherwise, you risk overpayments. If your MS worsens, contact Social Security to update your file[internal_links].
In 2025, the SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more, your benefits may stop. For SSI, any income over $20 per month may reduce your benefit, and earning too much can make you ineligible[2][3][9].
Nevada does not offer a state-funded disability payment program. Most support comes from federal SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid programs[1][5].
Apply online via Access Nevada. You must meet income and asset limits and demonstrate a need for home- and community-based services. Approval gives you access to personal care, respite, and other supports[8].
ABLE accounts let eligible people with disabilities save money without affecting SSI eligibility. You can open one through any state’s ABLE program. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses[internal_links].
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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Processing times vary. Initial decisions can take 3–5 months. If denied, appeals can take much longer. Having complete medical records and documentation can help speed the process[5].
Yes. You can appeal a denial through several levels—reconsideration, hearing, Appeals Council, and federal court. Nevada Legal Services can help with appeals[5].
There are work incentives and trial work periods that let you test working without immediately losing benefits. Report all work activity to Social Security and review work incentives for your situation[internal_links].
Contact Nevada’s Bureau of Disability Adjudication at (775) 885-3700 or (800) 882-4430. Nevada Legal Services also offers free help for low-income residents[5].
