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Vermont • Neurological/Developmental
People with Down Syndrome in Vermont can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, Medicaid waivers, and 3SquaresVT. These programs help cover medical costs, food, and daily living needs. Applying is straightforward, and support is available for families.
People with Down Syndrome may qualify for federal benefits if they meet medical and financial criteria. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet Social Security’s definition. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and a qualifying disability. Both programs require U.S. citizenship or legal residency and living in the U.S. [^1]
Children with Down Syndrome may qualify for SSI if their family meets income and resource limits. Adults with Down Syndrome may qualify for SSI or SSDI based on their own income or work history. [^1]
In Vermont, people with Down Syndrome can access Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. These waivers help pay for supports like personal care, respite, and therapies. To qualify, you must meet Vermont’s eligibility rules, which include a diagnosis of developmental disability and need for services. [^2]
Vermont also offers special rules for 3SquaresVT (SNAP) for people with disabilities. If everyone in your household receives disability benefits, you may not have to meet income or resource limits. You may also get higher benefits if you have medical costs. [^3]
ABLE accounts let families save for disability-related expenses tax-free. Vermont residents can open an ABLE account through the ABLE United program. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses. [^4]
For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. The value of your home and one car are not counted. For Medicaid waivers, income and resource limits vary by program. [^1][^2]
If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. [^5]
Legal Services Vermont offers free help with applying for and appealing benefit decisions. Call 1-800-889-2047 or fill out their online form for support.
People with Down Syndrome in Vermont can get SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, and 3SquaresVT. These programs help with income, health care, and food. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and medical need. [^1][^3]
Medicaid waivers pay for home and community-based services like personal care, respite, and therapies. To qualify, you must meet Vermont’s eligibility rules for developmental disability services. [^2]
Yes, Vermont residents can open an ABLE account through ABLE United. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses. [^4]
The resource limit for SSI is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. The value of your home and one car are not counted. [^1]
You can apply for 3SquaresVT online at mybenefits.vermont.gov or by phone at 1-800-479-6151. If everyone in your household receives disability benefits, you may not have to meet income or resource limits. [^3]
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Legal Services Vermont can help with appeals and complaints. [^2]
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Yes, report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. [^5]
SSI is for people with limited income and resources who are blind, disabled, or 65+. SSDI is for people with a qualifying disability and a work history. [^1]
Yes, Legal Services Vermont and the Client Assistance Program can help with applying for or getting vocational or independent living services. [^2]
Yes, if everyone in your household receives disability benefits, you may not have to meet income or resource limits. You may also get higher benefits if you have medical costs. [^3]
