If you have a mobility impairment in Ohio, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid waivers, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with a mobility impairment, you must have a condition that prevents you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses strict medical criteria to determine eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. Both programs require proof of disability, which can include mobility issues such as paralysis, amputation, or severe joint disorders. The SSA reviews medical records, work history, and other evidence to make a decision. If approved, you may receive monthly payments and access to Medicare or Medicaid.
For 2025, the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind beneficiaries and $2,700 for blind beneficiaries. If your earnings are above this limit, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI.
In Ohio, the Division of Disability Determination (DDD) works with the Social Security Administration to review medical eligibility for SSDI and SSI. Ohio also offers Medicaid waivers for people with developmental disabilities, which can include mobility impairments. These waivers provide services such as personal care, home modifications, and transportation. To qualify for a waiver, you must meet both federal disability criteria and Ohio’s financial requirements. Ohio’s county boards of developmental disabilities can help you apply for waivers and other services. Additionally, Ohio has programs to protect beneficiaries who use representative payees, ensuring that funds are used properly. If you have a mobility impairment, you may also qualify for work incentives and legal advocacy through state agencies.
Source: OOD.ohio.gov, 2024, Source: DisabilityRightsohio.org, 2024
Source: SSA.gov, 2025, Source: OOD.ohio.gov, 2024, Source: DisabilityRightsohio.org, 2024
Source: OOD.ohio.gov, 2024, Source: DisabilityRightsohio.org, 2024, Source: COHHIO.org, 2024
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Ohio offers ABLE accounts through the Ohio ABLE program. You can use funds for qualified disability expenses, such as medical care, education, and transportation. Contributions are limited to $18,000 per year in 2025. For more information, visit the Ohio ABLE website.
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Ohio does not have a separate income limit for SSI, but Medicaid waiver programs may have additional financial requirements. SSDI does not have an income limit, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit to qualify.
If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report changes in income, living situation, or medical status to the SSA promptly to avoid overpayments. If you have a representative payee, they must also report changes. For help with overpayments or reporting, contact the SSA or Disability Rights Ohio.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025, Source: DisabilityRightsohio.org, 2024
Contact your local county board of developmental disabilities or Disability Rights Ohio for support with applications and appeals.
Sign up for updates from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities to learn about changes to benefits and services.
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, while SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both programs require proof of disability, which can include mobility impairments. SSDI is based on work history, while SSI is based on financial need.
Contact your county board of developmental disabilities for an assessment and service plan. You must meet both federal disability criteria and Ohio’s financial requirements. The county board will help you apply for waiver services such as personal care and home modifications.
Ohio offers Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) to help you work while keeping benefits. You can also use ABLE accounts to save money for disability expenses. Work incentives may include continued Medicaid coverage and help with job training.
Report changes to the Social Security Administration promptly to avoid overpayments. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you have a representative payee, they must also report changes.
You can appeal the decision with help from legal advocates. Contact Disability Rights Ohio or your local county board for support. You may need to provide additional medical evidence or attend a hearing.
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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Yes, Ohio Medicaid waivers may cover transportation services. You can also contact your county board of developmental disabilities for information on local transportation programs.
A representative payee is someone who manages your benefits if you cannot do so yourself. You can request a payee when you apply for benefits. If you have concerns about your payee, contact Disability Rights Ohio for help.
Yes, Disability Rights Ohio provides legal advocacy and rights protection for people with disabilities. They can help with issues such as benefit denials, payee abuse, and access to services.
Contact your county board of developmental disabilities or the Area Agency on Aging for local services. You can also search online directories or call 1-866-243-5678 for aging services.
The substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind beneficiaries and $2,700 for blind beneficiaries in 2025. If your earnings are above this limit, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI.
