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Nevada • Physical/Mobility
If you have a spinal cord injury in Nevada, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, plus Medicaid and other support services. Nevada does not have a state disability program, but residents can access federal and local resources. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Nevada, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a qualifying medical condition and enough work credits, usually 40 total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. SSI is not based on work history. Both programs require that your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Spinal cord injuries often meet these criteria if they severely limit your ability to work or perform daily activities [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
Nevada does not have its own state disability program for adults with disabilities. However, Nevada does pay a small state supplement to SSI recipients who are elderly or blind. People with disabilities may get this supplement only if they are part of 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 their care. Most people with spinal cord injuries in Nevada will rely on federal SSDI or SSI, plus Medicaid and other local services. Nevada also offers presumptive disability payments for those with very severe conditions, which can provide up to $967 per month for individuals while the full SSI application is processed [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06; harrisdisabilitylaw.com, 2025-11-06].
Nevada does not have a state disability program for adults with disabilities. However, Nevada provides a small state supplement to SSI recipients who are elderly or blind. Some people with disabilities may get this supplement if they are part of 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 their care. Nevada also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help people with spinal cord injuries live at home instead of in institutions. Local county health and human services offices provide additional resources, such as home-delivered meals, transportation, and rehabilitation services. Nevada’s Department of Health and Human Services also offers 211 for information and referrals to local programs [dhs.nv.gov, 2025-11-06; ssa.gov, 2025-11-06; cms.gov, 2025-11-06].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Nevada residents with a spinal cord injury that began before age 26 may qualify. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related expenses. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Nevada [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06; ablenrc.org, 2025-11-06].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples. Nevada does not add a state supplement for most people with disabilities, but some may qualify if they are part of an eligible couple or live in an institution. Resources must be under $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. SSDI has no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,470/month in 2024 and likely higher in 2025 [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06; ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in benefit reductions or repayment demands. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes in Nevada [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06; ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
If your spinal cord injury is very severe (e.g., total paralysis), you may qualify for presumptive disability payments. These can provide up to $967/month while your full SSI application is processed. Ask your local SSA office about this option.
SSI recipients in Nevada are usually eligible for Medicaid. This covers doctor visits, hospital care, and some home health services. Apply through Access Nevada or your county office.
Yes, if your SSDI payment is low and you meet SSI income and resource limits, you may qualify for both programs. This is called concurrent benefits. Your total monthly payment will be the sum of both, minus any overlap [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
No, Nevada does not have a state disability program for adults with disabilities. Most residents rely on federal SSDI or SSI, plus Medicaid and local services. Nevada does pay a small state supplement to SSI recipients who are elderly or blind [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
Apply for Medicaid through Access Nevada, the state’s online benefits portal. SSI recipients are usually automatically eligible for Medicaid. You can also apply at your local county health and human services office [dss.nv.gov, 2025-11-06; cms.gov, 2025-11-06].
Presumptive disability lets people with very severe conditions, like total paralysis from a spinal cord injury, get immediate SSI payments while their full application is processed. Payments can be up to $967/month for individuals in 2025 [harrisdisabilitylaw.com, 2025-11-06; ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
Yes, veterans with service-connected spinal cord injuries can apply for VA disability benefits. These payments are separate from SSDI and SSI and can be received at the same time [va.gov, 2025-11-06].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult official sources or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
The federal SSI income limit is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples in 2025. Nevada does not add a state supplement for most people with disabilities, but some may qualify if they are part of an eligible couple or live in an institution [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
SSI recipients can apply for SNAP (food stamps) at their local county health and human services office. If everyone in your household gets SSI, you can apply at a Social Security office [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06; dss.nv.gov, 2025-11-06].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Nevada residents with a spinal cord injury that began before age 26 may qualify. Learn more about opening an ABLE account in Nevada [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06; ablenrc.org, 2025-11-06].
Yes, you must report any changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to SSA to avoid overpayments. Report changes online, by phone, or in person [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
Local county health and human services offices offer home-delivered meals, transportation, rehabilitation, and more. Nevada also has Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services to help people live at home instead of in institutions [dhs.nv.gov, 2025-11-06; cms.gov, 2025-11-06].
