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Ohio • Chronic Illness
People with HIV/AIDS in Ohio can access federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, plus Medicaid and other state support. Ohio does not add cash supplements to SSI, but offers robust health coverage and services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources for 2025.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with HIV/AIDS, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) medical and financial criteria. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) and a disability that prevents substantial work for at least 12 months. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and meet medical criteria. HIV/AIDS is listed under Compassionate Allowances, which can speed up approval if your condition is severe. The SSA reviews your medical records, work history, and financial situation to decide eligibility [^1].
In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples. SSDI payments vary based on your earnings history. Both programs have strict income and asset limits, and rules about work activity [^1].
Ohio does not provide any state cash supplements to SSI recipients, so people with HIV/AIDS receive only the federal SSI amount. However, Ohio offers strong Medicaid coverage, which is critical for people with HIV/AIDS. Medicaid in Ohio covers HIV treatment, medications, and related services. Eligibility for Medicaid is based on income, disability status, and other factors. Ohio also has programs for housing, food, and utility assistance that can help people with HIV/AIDS manage living costs. County agencies may offer additional local help, but there are no state cash supplements for SSI recipients [^2].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Ohio offers ABLE accounts through the Ohio ABLE Plan. You can save up to $18,000 per year, and funds can be used for disability-related expenses. ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged and do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility if managed properly [^6].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples. SSDI has no strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700/month for blind in 2025) without risking benefits. Ohio Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size, but are generally higher for people with disabilities [^1][^8].
If you get too much SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA right away to avoid overpayments. Ohio does not have state cash supplements, so overpayments are usually from federal programs. Use SSA.gov or call 800-772-1213 to report changes and avoid penalties [^9].
Contact Disability Rights Ohio or your local county agency for free help with applications, appeals, and advocacy.
No, Ohio does not provide any state cash supplements to SSI recipients. People with HIV/AIDS receive only the federal SSI amount, which is $943/month for individuals in 2025. However, Ohio offers strong Medicaid and other support services [^2].
Yes, Ohio Medicaid covers people with HIV/AIDS who meet income and disability criteria. Medicaid pays for HIV treatment, medications, and related services. You can apply online or through your county agency [^2][^5].
Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local office. Gather medical records, proof of income, and ID. Ohio's Division of Disability Determination will review your medical eligibility. You can also apply for Medicaid through Benefits.ohio.gov [^2][^3].
Yes, federal work incentives let people with HIV/AIDS keep SSI or SSDI while working. Ohio also has programs to help with job training and support. Report any work income to SSA to avoid losing benefits [^6].
If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Contact Disability Rights Ohio or a legal aid group for help. You may need to provide more medical evidence or attend a hearing [^4].
Yes, Ohio offers SNAP for food help and programs through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency for affordable housing. County agencies may have emergency aid or case management for people with HIV/AIDS [^2][^5].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult official sources or a benefits expert for personalized advice.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. Ohio offers ABLE accounts through the Ohio ABLE Plan. You can save up to $18,000 per year for disability-related expenses [^6].
Yes, report changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA right away. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits accurate. Use SSA.gov or call 800-772-1213 to report changes [^9].
Processing times vary, but Compassionate Allowances for HIV/AIDS can speed up approval. Initial decisions may take a few weeks to a few months. Appeals can take longer. Contact SSA or OOD for updates [^2].
Yes, Disability Rights Ohio provides legal advocacy and rights protection for people with disabilities, including those with HIV/AIDS. They can help with benefits, appeals, and rights issues [^4].
