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Vermont • Physical/Mobility
People with Muscular Dystrophy in Vermont can access federal and state benefits to help with medical costs, food, housing, and daily living. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key programs.
People with Muscular Dystrophy may qualify for federal benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). 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 a medical review to confirm disability. SSI has strict income and resource limits, but SSDI does not. You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and live in the U.S. to qualify for SSI. SSDI is available to those who meet work history requirements, regardless of current income or assets [1].
For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Your home and one car are not counted. For SSDI, there are no resource limits, but you must have a qualifying work history [1].
In Vermont, people with Muscular Dystrophy who receive disability benefits (like SSI, SSDI, or Veteran’s Disability) may qualify for 3SquaresVT (SNAP) with no income or resource limits. If everyone in your household gets disability payments, 3SquaresVT benefits can be deposited directly into your bank account. You may also get higher benefits if you have out-of-pocket medical costs, such as medications, insurance premiums, or home health aides [2].
Vermont also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help cover costs for personal care, assistive technology, and home modifications. Eligibility for these waivers depends on your medical needs and financial situation [3].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, and housing. In Vermont, you can open an ABLE account online at ablenow.com. The account has a $100,000 limit for SSI eligibility, but higher balances won’t affect Medicaid [4].
For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Your home and one car are not counted. For SSDI, there are no resource limits, but you must have a qualifying work history. For 3SquaresVT, if you get disability benefits, there are no income or resource limits [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. For SSI and SSDI, report changes online or by phone. For 3SquaresVT, report changes through mybenefits.vermont.gov or your local DCF office [5].
Contact Vermont Legal Aid or Disability Rights Vermont for free help with applications, appeals, and complaints. They can guide you through the process and represent you if needed.
Yes, if you have Muscular Dystrophy and limited income and resources, you may qualify for SSI. You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and live in the U.S. The resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Your home and one car are not counted [1].
You can apply for 3SquaresVT online at mybenefits.vermont.gov 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. Benefits can be deposited directly into your bank account or loaded onto an EBT card [2].
Medicaid waivers in Vermont help people with disabilities get home care, assistive technology, and other services. These waivers let you live independently and avoid nursing homes. Eligibility depends on your medical needs and financial situation [3].
Yes, ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. The account has a $100,000 limit for SSI eligibility, but higher balances won’t affect Medicaid. You can open an account online at ablenow.com [4].
If you’re denied benefits, you can appeal the decision. Contact Vermont Legal Aid or Disability Rights Vermont for free legal help. They can help you file an appeal and represent you in hearings [3].
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. For SSI and SSDI, report changes online or by phone. For 3SquaresVT, report changes through mybenefits.vermont.gov or your local DCF office [5].
Yes, the Vermont Communication Support Project provides free communication support for people with disabilities in court and administrative hearings. They help you communicate but do not give legal advice [3].
SSI is for people with limited income and resources who are blind, disabled, or 65+. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security. Both programs require a medical review to confirm disability [1].
Yes, SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you keep benefits while you work. These include trial work periods, extended eligibility, and support for work-related expenses [6].
You can get assistive technology through Medicaid waivers, developmental disability services, or the Client Assistance Program. These programs help cover the cost of devices and equipment for daily living [3].
