People with Muscular Dystrophy in Ohio can access federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, plus state programs for Medicaid, home care, and work support. Ohio does not offer extra cash supplements to SSI, but provides robust services to help with medical, housing, and daily living needs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that prevents substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet medical criteria. Both programs cover Muscular Dystrophy if it meets Social Security’s definition of disability [^1].
Ohio does not offer mandatory or optional state cash supplements to SSI recipients. This means Ohioans receive only the federal SSI amount ($943/month for individuals in 2025). Instead, Ohio focuses on other supports, such as Medicaid, food assistance, housing programs, and county-based services for people with disabilities. Eligibility for these programs is based on income, assets, and medical need, and varies by county [^2].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Ohio offers ABLE accounts through the Ohio ABLE Program. Contributions are tax-free, and funds can be used for qualified disability expenses [^5].
SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples. SSDI limits depend on work credits, not income. Medicaid and SNAP have their own income rules, which vary by program and household size [^1][^5].
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit reductions or repayment demands. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to plan ahead and avoid surprises [^5].
Contact Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) or your county board of developmental disabilities for free help with applications and service planning.
No, Ohio does not provide state cash supplements to SSI recipients. You will receive only the federal SSI amount, which is $943/month for individuals in 2025. Other supports like Medicaid and food assistance are available [^1].
Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at a local Social Security office. For Medicaid waivers and home care, contact your county board of developmental disabilities [^2][^4].
A Medicaid waiver lets people with disabilities get home and community-based services instead of institutional care. Services include personal care, respite, and home modifications. Apply through your county board of developmental disabilities [^4].
Yes, work incentives let you earn income without losing benefits. Contact a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) counselor for help with planning and reporting [^5].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Ohio offers ABLE accounts for qualified disability expenses. Contributions are tax-free [^5].
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to plan ahead and avoid surprises [^5].
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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Services include Medicaid waivers, home care, food assistance, housing help, and work support. Contact your county board of developmental disabilities for assessment and service planning [^4].
Contact Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), your county board of developmental disabilities, or a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) counselor for help with applications and planning [^2][^5].
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those with enough work credits. Both programs cover Muscular Dystrophy if it meets Social Security’s definition of disability [^1].
Yes, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps with heating and cooling bills for low-income households, including those with disabilities [^1].
