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Ohio • Neurological/Developmental
Ohio residents with traumatic brain injury (TBI) may qualify for federal SSI/SSDI, Ohio Medicaid, and local waiver programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what state-specific support is available, including benefits, housing help, food assistance, and advocacy resources.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally must have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes and earned enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years)[7]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have very low income and limited resources, and meet Social Security’s strict medical definition of disability, which includes severe traumatic brain injury that prevents substantial work for at least 12 months[1]. SSI also has age, citizenship, and residency requirements. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits (how much you can earn while keeping benefits) are adjusted annually for inflation[3]. In 2025, the SGA for non-blind individuals is expected to increase slightly from $1,470/month, and $2,460/month for blind individuals[3]. Children with disabilities may qualify under different rules—for example, in 2025, a child’s monthly earnings over $1,620 (non-blind) or $2,700 (blind) may affect eligibility[8].
Ohio does not add a state supplemental payment to federal SSI benefits—unlike some states, you’ll receive only the federal SSI rate[1]. However, Ohio offers many other supports: Medicaid covers health care for most people with disabilities, including those with traumatic brain injury, regardless of age[1]. Medicaid waivers (Home and Community-Based Services) help people with TBI live at home or in the community instead of institutions[5]. These waivers are not automatic; you must apply and meet eligibility criteria. Ohio also has county boards of developmental disabilities that assess needs and help coordinate services, though TBI may or may not qualify depending on severity and impact[5]. State and county programs offer SNAP (food assistance), LIHEAP (help with utility bills), and housing help through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency[1]. For free legal help and advocacy, Disability Rights Ohio investigates complaints about benefit misuse and offers work incentives counseling[4]. Note: The mix of available services can vary by county—check with your local agency for details.
Ohio does not add cash to SSI, but offers robust Medicaid coverage for people with disabilities, often including those with traumatic brain injury[1]. Medicaid waivers help cover home- and community-based services, allowing many people to avoid institutional care. Ask your county board of developmental disabilities about waiver eligibility and local services, which can include personal care, therapies, and supported living[5]. SNAP (food assistance), LIHEAP (utility help), and housing programs through Ohio Housing Finance Agency can reduce living costs[1].
County boards assess needs, coordinate services, and oversee waiver programs—services can vary, so contact your local office for details[5]. Disability Rights Ohio provides legal advocacy, investigates benefit misuse, and offers guidance on work incentives and your rights[4]. Area Agencies on Aging may also assist adults with TBI who are older[5].
Note: TBI does not always qualify for developmental disability services in Ohio, but you may still access most health and support programs if you meet medical disability criteria.
ABLE accounts let Ohio residents with disabilities (including TBI with onset before age 26) save up to $100,000 without losing SSI eligibility. These tax-advantaged accounts help pay for disability-related expenses. Learn more about Ohio ABLE accounts and how they fit with SSI/SSDI on our ABLE guide.
SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, a single person can receive up to $943/month, and couples up to $1,415/month, with reductions if you have other income[1]. SSDI does not have asset limits, but your benefit amount depends on your work history. Both programs have “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) limits—expected to rise slightly in 2025[3]. Income limits for Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs are separate and often higher than SSI.
If you get too much in SSI or SSDI (an overpayment), you must repay it. Always report income, living, and medical changes to Social Security and your county agency. Our guide to avoiding overpayments explains how and when to report, and what to do if you receive too much.
Ohio does not add a state payment to federal SSI benefits. You’ll receive only the federal rate, currently $943/month for individuals in 2025[1].
Medicaid HCBS waivers in Ohio are managed by county boards of developmental disabilities. Services and eligibility can vary by location—contact your county for details[5].
Disability Rights Ohio offers free legal help and investigates benefit misuse. If you have a representative payee or suspect fraud, contact them for advocacy[4].
No. Ohio does not provide a state supplement to SSI—you will receive only the federal SSI amount, which is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples in 2025[1].
Yes, if you have enough work credits and meet Social Security’s medical criteria. SSDI is based on your work history, not how the injury happened[7].
A Medicaid waiver lets you get services at home or in the community instead of an institution. You must apply through your county board of developmental disabilities or other local agency, and meet eligibility criteria[5].
Apply for SSI/SSDI at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. For other help (Medicaid, SNAP, housing, waivers), use benefits.ohio.gov or contact your county agency[2][5].
Yes. Programs like Ticket to Work let you try working without immediately losing benefits. Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) programs provide free advice[6].
Yes. ABLE accounts allow you to save up to $100,000 (if disability onset before age 26) without affecting SSI eligibility. See our ABLE guide for details.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not guarantee eligibility for any benefit. Eligibility is determined by program rules and can change. For legal advice or questions about your situation, contact the appropriate agency.
A representative payee can help, but if you suspect misuse, contact Disability Rights Ohio for free investigation and advocacy[4].
Yes, children with severe TBI may qualify for SSI if they meet the medical and financial criteria[8]. Ohio schools and county boards may also offer supports[5].
Ohio offers other help, including Medicaid, SNAP, housing, and utility assistance. Contact your county agency or explore benefits.ohio.gov for more options[5].
You can appeal online, by phone, or in writing. For SSI/SSDI, follow instructions in your denial letter. For state programs, contact your county office for appeal steps.
