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Vermont • Chronic Illness
If you have kidney disease in Vermont, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like SSI, Medicaid, food assistance, and work support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSI, you must also have limited income and resources (under $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples). SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. Kidney disease, especially if it requires dialysis or transplant, often meets these criteria. You must apply for all other benefits you may be eligible for before receiving SSI[3].
In Vermont, people with disabilities—including kidney disease—may qualify for 3SquaresVT food benefits even if they don’t meet regular income limits. If everyone in your household gets disability benefits, there may be no resource test. You can get higher 3SquaresVT benefits if you have out-of-pocket medical costs like dialysis, prescriptions, or home health care. Vermont also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with long-term care needs related to kidney disease[1][4].
Vermont offers ABLE accounts, which let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use ABLE funds for things like medical care, housing, and education. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Vermont[4].
For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. For 3SquaresVT, people with disabilities may not have to meet regular income limits if everyone in the household gets disability benefits. Medicaid income limits vary based on household size and other factors[3][1].
If your income or resources change, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Report changes to Social Security for SSI/SSDI and to Vermont’s Department for Children and Families for Medicaid and 3SquaresVT. Learn how to avoid overpayments and what to do if you get one[4].
Contact Legal Services Vermont for free help with applications, appeals, and disability rights. Call 1-800-889-2047 or visit their website[4].
If you need help communicating in court or hearings, the Vermont Communication Support Project offers free support. Call 1-888-686-8277 or email [email protected][4].
Yes, if your kidney disease prevents you from working and you have limited income and resources. You must apply and provide medical proof. SSI is available to people of any age with qualifying disabilities[3].
Yes, Vermont Medicaid covers dialysis, medications, and related care for people with kidney disease. You must qualify based on income and other factors[4].
Apply for 3SquaresVT through Vermont’s Department for Children and Families. If you have medical costs, you may get higher benefits. You can apply online or by phone[1].
Yes, there are work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. Learn about SSI and SSDI work incentives and how they can help you[4].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Vermont offers ABLE accounts to eligible residents[4].
You can appeal a denial of SSI, Medicaid, or 3SquaresVT. Legal Services Vermont offers free help with appeals and complaints[4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult official sources or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
Vermont’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (VT-FMLI) will offer paid leave for medical reasons, including kidney disease, starting in 2025[2].
Yes, the Vermont Communication Support Project offers free help for people with disabilities in court or administrative hearings[4].
Medical expenses for 3SquaresVT include dialysis, prescriptions, insurance premiums, medical supplies, and home health care. These can increase your benefit amount[1].
Report changes to Social Security for SSI/SSDI and to Vermont’s Department for Children and Families for Medicaid and 3SquaresVT. This helps avoid overpayments[4].
