If you or someone you care for in Ohio has an intellectual disability, several federal and state programs can help with financial support, medical care, and services for daily living. This guide explains how to check your eligibility for SSI, SSDI, and Ohio Medicaid waivers, what to expect when you apply, and how to protect your benefits long-term.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a qualifying intellectual disability that puts substantial limits on your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[8][9]. For SSDI, you must also have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes to get disability coverage. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history[9]. For children with severe intellectual disabilities, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may pay SSI benefits right away—even before your application is approved—if your child is age 4 or older and has a severe intellectual disability that meets medical criteria[6].
Ohio’s Division of Disability Determination (DDD) works closely with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to decide medical eligibility for Ohioans applying for SSDI or SSI[1]. The state’s specialized teams focus on quick and accurate decisions for those with intellectual disabilities. If you need help understanding your rights or protecting your Social Security benefits, contact Disability Rights Ohio, a nonprofit legal advocate for people with disabilities in Ohio[3]. The Strengthening Protections for Social Security Beneficiaries Act helps protect Ohioans who need a representative payee to manage their benefits[3]. For extra support, Ohio county boards of developmental disabilities can assess your needs, help with service planning, and connect you to local resources[5].
If you think you qualify for SSI, SSDI, or an Ohio Medicaid waiver for intellectual disability, start by contacting the Social Security Administration online, by phone (800-772-1213), or at a local office[1]. Gather your medical records, work history, and income information before you apply. For SSI for a child, you may be eligible for immediate payments if your child has a severe intellectual disability[6]. For Medicaid waivers, contact your county board of developmental disabilities or visit the Ohio Benefits site[5].
Step 1: Gather your documents – Collect medical records, school or work history, proof of income, and information about your disability.
Step 2: Start your application – Apply for SSI or SSDI online via SSA.gov, by phone (800-772-1213), or at a local Social Security office[1]. For children with severe intellectual disabilities, mention this on your application to see if you qualify for immediate SSI payments[6].
Step 3: Expect a medical review – The Division of Disability Determination in Ohio will review your case for medical eligibility. They may ask for more information or a medical exam, which SSA will pay for if needed[6].
Step 4: Wait for a decision – SSI and SSDI applications usually take several months, but children with certain conditions (including severe intellectual disability) may receive payments right away for up to 6 months while the application is reviewed[6].
Step 5: Explore Medicaid waivers – Ohio’s county boards of developmental disabilities oversee Medicaid waivers for intellectual disabilities. Contact your local board for an assessment and help with your application[5]. You can also learn about waivers and enrollment at benefits.ohio.gov[5].
Step 6: Connect with legal advocates – Disability Rights Ohio can answer questions, help protect your benefits, and assist if you have trouble with your application or need a representative payee[3].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Monthly cash benefits for disabled adults and children with limited income and resources, including those with intellectual disabilities[6].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – For adults who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, providing monthly benefits based on your work credits[8].
Medicaid – Health coverage that includes services important for people with intellectual disabilities, often paired with SSI.
ABLE Accounts – Tax-free savings accounts for people with disabilities, helping you save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) – Helps people with disabilities understand how working might affect their benefits, including SSI and SSDI work incentives[3].
Ohio Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers – More than 40,000 Ohioans with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, use these waivers to get services at home or in their community, such as personal care, job coaching, and respite care[5].
County Boards of Developmental Disabilities – Every county has a board that assesses your needs, plans for services, and coordinates with Medicaid waivers and other supports[5].
Disability Rights Ohio – Provides free legal help, advocacy, and protection for people with disabilities, including help with Social Security and Medicaid issues[3].
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) – Works with SSA to process disability applications and helps people with disabilities find jobs and training[1].
Ohioans with intellectual disabilities can open ABLE accounts to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. You can contribute up to $18,000 per year (2025), and funds in this account do not count toward SSI’s $2,000 asset limit.
For 2025, SSI’s income limits are still being set, but they typically go up with cost-of-living adjustments[2]. The federal SSI asset limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples, with certain exclusions such as your home and one car. ABLE accounts do not count toward this limit. For SSDI, there are no asset limits, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which changes yearly based on inflation[2].
Always report changes in your income, living situation, or disability status to Social Security and Medicaid right away. Mistakes or late reporting can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. For help correcting overpayments or reporting changes, see <internal_link anchor="Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes" path="/guides/overpayments-and-reporting"/>.
If your child is under age 4 with severe intellectual disability, low birth weight, or failure to thrive, the SSA may make SSI payments right away—even before your application is fully reviewed. Contact SSA immediately for details[6].
If your SSI or SSDI application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Contact Disability Rights Ohio for legal advice and support throughout the process[3].
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. For a detailed comparison, see <internal_link anchor="SSI vs SSDI" path="/guides/ssi-ssdi"/>.
It can take several months, but children with severe intellectual disabilities may get SSI payments right away for up to 6 months while the SSA is reviewing their application[6].
Yes, but your earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. Special work incentives and programs can help you keep more of your benefits while working. Learn more at <internal_link anchor="SSI & SSDI Work Incentives" path="/guides/work-incentives"/>.
Waivers pay for services that help you live at home or in the community instead of a facility, including personal care, job coaching, and respite[5].
Apply online at SSA.gov, call 800-772-1213 for SSI/SSDI, or contact your county board of developmental disabilities for Medicaid waivers[1][5].
Yes, Ohioans can use ABLE accounts to save for disability expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
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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Disability Rights Ohio provides free legal help for people with disabilities in Ohio[3].
ABLE accounts let you save up to $18,000 per year (2025) for disability-related costs. Money in the account is not counted toward SSI’s $2,000 asset limit.
Report changes right away to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.
You may qualify, but your pay must be below the SGA limit. Getting a job may not always mean you lose your benefits—special rules and incentives may apply.
