Cystic Fibrosis Benefits in Vermont

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. Cystic Fibrosis is listed as a qualifying condition if it causes severe symptoms or complications. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. Both programs require medical documentation and proof of income and resources. You must live in the U.S. and meet citizenship or lawful presence requirements.

• SSI: Income and resource limits apply; value of home and one car usually not counted.
• SSDI: No income or resource limits, but work history required.
• Both: Must apply for all other benefits you may be eligible for.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

For more details on SSI vs SSDI, see our guide: SSI vs SSDI.

In Vermont, people with disabilities—including Cystic Fibrosis—may qualify for additional support. Vermonters receiving disability benefits (like SSI, SSDI, or Veteran’s Disability) can get 3SquaresVT food assistance without strict income or resource limits. If everyone in your household gets disability benefits, 3SquaresVT deposits are made directly to your bank account. You may also get higher monthly benefits if you have out-of-pocket medical costs, such as prescriptions, medical supplies, or home health care.

Vermont also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with long-term care needs. ABLE accounts are available for saving without losing benefits. Legal Services Vermont can help with appeals and complaints about services.

Source: Vermont Food Help, 2025 Source: VTLawHelp.org, 2025

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• Apply for 3SquaresVT online or at your local Department for Children and Families office.
• Contact Legal Services Vermont for help with appeals or complaints.
• Explore Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts for extra support.

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, including diagnosis, treatments, and how Cystic Fibrosis affects your daily life.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. You can also visit your local Social Security office.
• Step 3: Apply for 3SquaresVT food assistance online at 3SquaresVT or at your local Department for Children and Families office. If you get disability benefits, you may not need to meet income or resource limits.
• Step 4: If you need home or community care, apply for Medicaid waivers through the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living.
• Step 5: Open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: If you have problems with services or benefits, contact Legal Services Vermont for help with appeals or complaints.

Source: Vermont Food Help, 2025 Source: VTLawHelp.org, 2025 Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources who are blind, disabled, or 65+.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid into Social Security and are now disabled.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities who get SSDI.
• 3SquaresVT (SNAP): Food assistance for low-income individuals and families.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

• 3SquaresVT: Food assistance for Vermonters with disabilities. No strict income or resource limits if everyone in the household gets disability benefits. Higher benefits possible with medical costs.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including Cystic Fibrosis.
• Vermont Family and Medical Leave Insurance (VT-FMLI): Paid leave for medical or family reasons, starting July 2024.
• Legal Services Vermont: Help with appeals, complaints, and legal issues related to disability services.
• Vermont Communication Support Project: Free help for people with disabilities in court or administrative hearings.

Source: Vermont Food Help, 2025 Source: VTLawHelp.org, 2025 Source: LiDAC, 2025

ABLE accounts let Vermonters with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $16,000 per year (2025 limit) and the first $100,000 is not counted for SSI. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and more. Open an account through the Vermont ABLE Program.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

• SSI: Single person: resources under $2,000. Married couple: resources under $3,000. Home and one car not counted.
• 3SquaresVT: No strict income or resource limits if everyone in household gets disability benefits.
• Medicaid: Income and resource limits vary by program.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025 Source: Vermont Food Help, 2025

You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes or if your situation changes. If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back. Contact your benefits office if you think you have an overpayment.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025 Source: Vermont Food Help, 2025

• Legal Services Vermont
  Phone: 1-800-889-2047

  Website

  Free legal help for Vermonters with disabilities.
• Vermont Communication Support Project
  Phone: 1-888-686-8277

  Email: [email protected]

  Website

  Free help with communication in court or administrative hearings.

• Does Cystic Fibrosis qualify for SSI in Vermont?

  Yes, Cystic Fibrosis can qualify for SSI if it meets Social Security’s disability criteria. You must have limited income and resources. Medical documentation is required.

• Can I get food assistance with Cystic Fibrosis in Vermont?

  Yes, Vermonters with disabilities can get 3SquaresVT food assistance. If everyone in your household gets disability benefits, there are no strict income or resource limits.

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Vermont?

  Contact the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living. They can help you apply for Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services.

• What is an ABLE account and how do I open one in Vermont?

  An ABLE account lets you save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. Open an account through the Vermont ABLE Program online or by phone.

• Do I need to report changes to my benefits?

  Yes, you must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Contact your benefits office if your situation changes.

• Can I work while getting SSI or SSDI in Vermont?

  Yes, there are work incentives that let you keep benefits while you work. Contact Social Security for details on work incentives.

• What if my benefits are denied or cut?