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Ohio • Chronic Illness
If you have heart disease in Ohio, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, plus Medicaid and other state support. Ohio does not add extra cash to SSI, but offers strong Medicaid coverage and other services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what help is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with heart disease, you must meet Social Security's medical criteria for disability. This means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years). For SSI, your income and resources must be low. Both programs require proof of your medical condition from doctors and medical records. [^1]
Social Security uses a list of impairments called the Blue Book. Heart disease is listed under Section 4.00, which covers cardiovascular disorders. If your condition matches or is as severe as a listing, you may qualify. If not, Social Security will decide based on your ability to work. [^2]
Ohio does not provide extra cash payments to SSI recipients, unlike some other states. This means SSI recipients in Ohio get only the federal benefit amount ($943/month for individuals, $1,415/month for couples in 2025). [^3]
However, Ohio offers strong Medicaid coverage, which can help pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and other health needs related to heart disease. Ohio also has programs for housing, food, and energy assistance, plus services for people with developmental disabilities. County boards and agencies can help connect you to local resources. [^3]
If you have heart disease and need help with daily living, you may qualify for home and community-based services through Medicaid waivers. These waivers let you get care at home or in the community instead of in a nursing home. [^4]
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Ohio's ABLE program is called STABLE. You can save up to $17,000 per year, and the first $100,000 is not counted for SSI. Learn more at stableaccount.com. [^10]
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples. Ohio does not add extra cash to SSI, so these are the only limits. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not be able to work. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. [^3]
If you get too much SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security right away. Ohio does not have extra cash supplements, so overpayments are rare. For help, see our guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes. [^11]
COHHIO offers training and support to help you submit a strong SSI/SSDI application. This can help your application get approved faster. [^12]
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) can help you find jobs and keep benefits while you work. [^7][^8]
Yes, heart disease can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it meets Social Security's medical criteria. You must show that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. Medical records and doctor's notes are required.
No, Ohio does not provide extra cash payments to SSI recipients. You will receive only the federal SSI amount, which is $943/month for individuals in 2025. Other states may offer more.
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income and resources.
Medicaid in Ohio covers many health needs for people with disabilities, including heart disease. It can pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and more. You may also qualify for home and community-based services.
Yes, Ohio offers work incentives through Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA). These programs help you find jobs and keep benefits while you work.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Ohio's ABLE program is called STABLE. You can save up to $17,000 per year, and the first $100,000 is not counted for SSI.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security right away. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. Ohio does not have extra cash supplements, so overpayments are rare.
County boards of developmental disabilities, local agencies, and OhioMeansJobs Centers can help with housing, food, energy, and job support. Contact your county office for more information.
Yes, COHHIO offers training and certification for staff and community members to help submit complete and quality SSI/SSDI applications. This can help your application get approved faster.
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with low income and resources. Both can help people with heart disease, but the rules are different. See our guide for more details.
