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Ohio • Chronic Illness
If you have kidney disease in Ohio, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with kidney disease, you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. This means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Social Security uses a medical guide called the “Blue Book” to decide if kidney disease qualifies. For adults, chronic kidney disease with specific lab results or dialysis may qualify. For children, different criteria apply. You must also meet work or income requirements for SSDI or SSI. SSDI is based on your work history, while SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both programs require U.S. citizenship or legal residency [^1].
If you are approved, you may also qualify for Medicaid or Medicare, depending on your situation [^1].
In Ohio, people with kidney disease may qualify for additional state and local programs. County boards of developmental disabilities can help with service planning and coordination, even if your disability is not developmental. Ohio’s Medicaid waivers, such as the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver, can provide support for people with chronic illnesses, including kidney disease, so they can live at home or in the community. These waivers may cover things like home health aides, transportation, and respite care. You can also get help with applying for benefits from local agencies, nonprofits, and legal aid groups. Ohio’s Department of Aging and county aging agencies may offer extra support if you are older or have other health needs [^2].
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing your SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the money for things like medical expenses, housing, and education. To open an ABLE account in Ohio, visit the Ohio ABLE website. You must have a qualifying disability that started before age 26 [^6].
If your income or resources change, you must report it to Social Security or Medicaid. This helps you avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active. If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back. You can ask for a waiver if you cannot afford to pay. For more information, see the guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [^4].
Local agencies and nonprofits can help you with your application. Contact your county board of developmental disabilities, area agency on aging, or SOAR Ohio for support.
Yes, kidney disease can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it meets Social Security’s criteria. You must have a severe condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Medical records must show the required lab results or treatments [^1].
SSDI is for people with kidney disease who have a work history. SSI is for people with kidney disease who have limited income and resources. Both programs require U.S. citizenship or legal residency [^1].
You can apply for Medicaid through your county Department of Job and Family Services. If you get SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid. You can also apply for Medicaid waivers through your county board of developmental disabilities or a local aging agency [^2].
Medicaid waivers, like the HCBS waiver, provide extra services for people with chronic illnesses, including kidney disease. These services can include home health aides, transportation, and respite care so you can live at home or in the community [^2].
Yes, work incentives can help you keep your benefits while you work. Programs like Ticket to Work and WIPA can help you plan for employment and keep your benefits [^3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing your SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the money for medical expenses, housing, and education. To open an ABLE account in Ohio, visit the Ohio ABLE website [^6].
You must report changes in income or resources to Social Security or Medicaid. This helps you avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active. If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back. You can ask for a waiver if you cannot afford to pay [^4].
You can get help from local agencies, nonprofits, and legal aid groups. Ohio’s county boards of developmental disabilities, area agencies on aging, and SOAR Ohio can help with applications and advocacy [^2][^5].
You need medical records that show your diagnosis, lab results, treatments, and how your condition affects your ability to work. Social Security uses these records to decide if you qualify for benefits [^1].
Yes, children with kidney disease may qualify for SSI if they meet the criteria. Children who were getting benefits as a minor may continue to get benefits if they have a qualifying disability when they turn 18 [^1].
