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Vermont • Chronic Illness
If you have fibromyalgia in Vermont, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and food assistance. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness that can qualify for federal disability benefits if it severely limits your ability to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your medical records and work history to decide if you meet their definition of disability. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have low income and limited resources. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and enough work credits. Both programs require you to be unable to do substantial work for at least 12 months.
If approved, you may also get Medicaid or Medicare, depending on your program. SSI recipients in Vermont automatically get Medicaid. SSDI recipients get Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits.
Learn more about SSI vs SSDI and Medicaid vs Medicare.
In Vermont, people with fibromyalgia may qualify for extra help with food, housing, and medical care. Vermonters with disabilities who receive SSI, SSDI, or other disability payments can get 3SquaresVT (SNAP) benefits with fewer income and resource limits. If everyone in your household gets disability payments, you may get food benefits as cash in your bank account.
Vermont also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help pay for personal care, home health aides, and other supports. These waivers are for people who need long-term care but want to live at home.
If you have fibromyalgia, you may also qualify for developmental disability services, vocational rehab, and legal help if you face discrimination.
Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.
ABLE accounts let Vermonters with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $16,000 per year and $100,000 total without affecting your benefits. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related expenses. Vermont’s ABLE program is called VTABLE.
Learn more about ABLE Accounts.
For SSI in Vermont, the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Your home and one car are not counted. For 3SquaresVT, people with disabilities may not have to meet income or resource limits if everyone in the household gets disability payments.
If your income, living situation, or medical condition changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes or if there’s a mistake. If you get an overpayment notice, you can appeal or set up a repayment plan.
Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.
Contact Legal Services Vermont at 1-800-889-2047 for free help with applications, appeals, and discrimination.
If you have trouble communicating in court or hearings, call the Vermont Communication Support Project at 1-888-686-8277.
Yes, fibromyalgia can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work. You must provide medical records and show that your symptoms last at least 12 months.
Gather medical records, apply online at SSA.gov, or call Social Security. You may need to fill out forms and attend a medical exam to prove your disability.
Vermonters with fibromyalgia can get 3SquaresVT (SNAP) benefits. If you get disability payments, you may get higher benefits and easier eligibility.
Yes, if you get SSI, you automatically get Medicaid in Vermont. If you get SSDI, you get Medicare after 24 months.
Medicaid waivers help pay for home care, personal care, and other supports for people with disabilities who want to live at home instead of in institutions.
ABLE accounts let Vermonters with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $16,000 per year and use funds for disability-related expenses.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
You can appeal the decision. Legal Services Vermont can help with appeals and discrimination complaints.
Yes, you must report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits.
Yes, there are work incentives for SSI and SSDI recipients. You can earn some income without losing all your benefits.
Legal Services Vermont offers free legal help with appeals, discrimination, and guardianship for people with disabilities.
