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Ohio • Chronic Illness
Ohioans with cancer have access to a range of federal and state benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and community supports. This guide explains how to apply, income rules, resources, and where to get help—special attention to Ohio’s unique options.
To qualify for SSDI with cancer, you must show your condition prevents you from doing any 'substantial gainful activity' (work) for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death[6]. You also need enough work credits (generally, 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years)[6]. SSI is for people with low income and resources who have a disability or are 65+[8]. Both programs require proof of medical disability.
If your cancer is terminal or severely limits daily function, you may qualify for 'compassionate allowances,' speeding your application. The Social Security Administration's Blue Book lists eligible cancer types, but cases not listed may still qualify if the impairment is documented.
Ohio does not set additional medical criteria for SSDI or SSI, but state residents can get extra help from local agencies. The state's Division of Disability Determination works with Social Security to review medical eligibility for Ohioans[1]. Ohio also has county boards of developmental disabilities that plan and coordinate supports for all disabilities, including cancer[4].
For Medicaid, Ohio offers home and community-based waivers for people who need long-term supports while living at home—these can cover personal care, therapies, and equipment for cancer patients[4]. Eligibility for these waivers depends on both the severity of your disability and your income. Contact your county board or Area Agency on Aging for local options[4].
If you have cancer and can’t work, start by applying for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. Gather your medical records, work history, and financial documents. You can also contact Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) for help with your application and local resources[1]. For Medicaid or waivers, reach out to your county board or the Ohio Benefits portal[4]. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Ohio ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save up to $17,000 per year without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds can pay for qualified disability expenses, including cancer treatments and daily living costs. Learn more at our <a href='/guides/able-accounts'>ABLE Accounts</a> guide.
For SSDI, there’s no income limit if you’re not working, but you can’t earn more than the 'substantial gainful activity' (SGA) amount—expected to be just above $1,470/month for non-blind individuals in 2025[2]. SSI has strict income and asset limits; most income over $914/month (for 2025) reduces your benefit[2]. Medicaid rules are more flexible if you’re on SSI, but check Ohio’s limits for non-SSI enrollees.
If your income, assets, or health improve, you must report changes immediately to Social Security and Ohio Medicaid. Failing to report can result in overpayments, which you’ll have to pay back. See our guide on <a href='/guides/overpayments-and-reporting'>Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes</a> for more.
Ohioans receiving SSDI or SSI can work part-time and still keep benefits, as long as you stay under the SGA limit. Work incentives like Ticket to Work and ABLE accounts help protect your income and savings. Always report your earnings to avoid overpayments.
Contact your county board of developmental disabilities or Area Agency on Aging for person-centered planning and local supports. These agencies can connect you to services, waivers, and advocates—even if your main diagnosis is cancer.
Many initial SSDI/SSI applications are denied, but appeals can succeed—especially with help from legal aid groups like Disability Rights Ohio. Don’t give up; get a second opinion on your case.
No. Cancer must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be terminal. The severity and impact of your cancer and treatments matter most[6].
Yes, but only if you earn less than the SGA limit (about $1,470/month in 2025). If you go over, your benefits could stop[2]. Work incentives help keep some income from counting against your benefits.
Waivers pay for in-home care, therapies, and equipment so you can stay at home instead of a facility. Over 40,000 Ohioans use these waivers; ask your county board for details[4].
Start at the Social Security Administration website or call 1-800-772-1213 for SSDI/SSI[1][6]. For Medicaid and waivers, apply online at Ohio Benefits or contact your county board[4].
You can appeal. Many denials are overturned on appeal—get help from local legal aid or Disability Rights Ohio, who can review your case[3].
Yes, there’s a 24-month waiting period after you start receiving SSDI, but people with end-stage renal disease or ALS qualify immediately.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Eligibility and benefit amounts can change. Always check with official agencies and consider consulting a benefits specialist or attorney.
ABLE accounts let eligible Ohioans save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can pay for qualified expenses like treatments, housing, and transportation.
Call your local Social Security office, report online, or update Ohio Benefits. Failing to report changes could lead to benefit loss or overpayments.
Yes, SOAR Ohio helps people without stable housing apply for benefits—contact COHHIO for certification and support[7].
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) at 1-800-772-1213 or your county board of developmental disabilities for local supports[1][4].
