People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in Vermont can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and food assistance. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs for Vermonters with ALS.
People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are automatically considered disabled for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) purposes. This means you do not need to wait five months to get SSDI benefits and can qualify for SSI if you have limited income and resources. For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Your home and one car usually do not count as resources. You must live in the U.S. and be a citizen or qualified noncitizen to get SSI[1].
For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain amount of time. There is no resource limit for SSDI, but your income from work may affect your benefits[1].
In Vermont, people with ALS may qualify for Medicaid waivers that pay for home and community-based services, such as personal care, home health aides, and assistive technology. These waivers help you stay in your home instead of a nursing facility. Vermont also offers 3SquaresVT (SNAP) food benefits, and people with disabilities can get higher benefits if they have out-of-pocket medical costs. If everyone in your household gets disability benefits, 3SquaresVT deposits may go directly to your bank account. There is no resource test for 3SquaresVT if all household members receive disability payments[2].
Vermont does not have a separate state disability program, but you can get help with appeals, complaints, and legal rights through Legal Services Vermont and the Vermont Communication Support Project[3].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses, such as housing, education, and personal support. Vermont residents can open an ABLE account through the ABLE National Resource Center[1].
For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Your home and one car usually do not count. There is no resource limit for SSDI, but your income from work may affect your benefits. For 3SquaresVT, there may not be a resource test if all household members get disability payments[2].
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and 3SquaresVT to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you do not report changes. If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back. Contact Social Security or 3SquaresVT if you have questions[2].
People with ALS qualify for expedited processing for SSI and SSDI. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to apply.
Vermont Medicaid waivers can pay for home and community-based services, such as personal care and home health aides. Contact DAIL for more info.
Yes, ALS qualifies for expedited processing for SSI and SSDI. You do not need to wait five months to get SSDI benefits. Contact Social Security for more info.
Contact Vermont Department for Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) at 1-800-642-5119 for Medicaid waiver applications and info on home and community-based services.
Yes, if you have out-of-pocket medical costs, you may get higher 3SquaresVT benefits. List all medical costs when you apply.
Yes, you must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and 3SquaresVT to avoid overpayments.
Yes, ABLE accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses.
The Vermont Communication Support Project offers free help for people with disabilities in court and administrative hearings. Call 1-888-686-8277 or email csp@disabilityrightsvt.org.
Yes, Legal Services Vermont offers help with appeals, complaints, and legal rights for people with disabilities. Call 1-800-889-2047 for more info.
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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Contact Legal Services Vermont for help appealing decisions on disability benefits. They can help you file an appeal and represent you if needed.
The resource limit for SSI is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Your home and one car usually do not count as resources.
Yes, you can get 3SquaresVT (SNAP) food benefits if you have ALS. List all medical costs for higher benefits.
