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Vermont • Chronic Illness
If you have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in Vermont, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as food and medical assistance. Vermont does not have a state disability program, but there are special rules and support services for people with disabilities. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Vermont, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. This means your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs are available to people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis if they meet the medical and financial criteria. SSI is for those with low income and few resources, while SSDI is based on your work history. You can learn more about the differences between SSI and SSDI on the Social Security Administration website.
Vermont does not have a state-run disability program. Only five states do. Vermonters with disabilities must apply for federal programs like SSI and SSDI. However, Vermont does have special rules for food assistance. If you receive disability benefits, you may not have to meet income limits for 3SquaresVT (SNAP). If everyone in your household gets disability payments, your 3SquaresVT benefits can be deposited directly into your bank account. You may also get higher food benefits if you have out-of-pocket medical costs. Vermont also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, and ABLE accounts for saving without losing benefits. These programs can help people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis manage their care and finances.
Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes
Collect Documentation: Get medical records that show your diagnosis and how Myalgic Encephalomyelitis affects your daily life. Include doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans.
Apply for Federal Disability Benefits: Go to the Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov) and fill out the application for SSI or SSDI. You can also apply in person at your local Social Security office. Be honest and complete in your answers. Attach all your medical records.
Apply for Food Assistance: Apply for 3SquaresVT (SNAP) through the Vermont Department of Children and Families. If you get disability benefits, you may not need to meet income limits. You can apply online or by phone.
Apply for Medicaid Waivers: If you need home and community-based services, apply for a Medicaid waiver. Contact Vermont’s Department for Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) for help.
Open an ABLE Account: If you want to save money without losing benefits, open an ABLE account. These accounts let you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility.
Get Help with Appeals: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Vermont Legal Aid can help you with the appeal process.
Report Changes: If your income, resources, or living situation changes, report it to the Social Security Administration and Vermont DCF to avoid overpayments.
Learn more about Medicaid vs Medicare
Vermont does not have a state disability program, but there are several state agencies and programs that help people with disabilities. The Department for Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) offers services like Medicaid waivers for home and community-based care. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) runs 3SquaresVT (SNAP) and can help with food assistance. Vermont Legal Aid provides free legal help for people with disabilities, including help with appeals and complaints. The Vermont Communication Support Project helps people with disabilities communicate in court and administrative hearings. Vermont also offers ABLE accounts for saving money without losing benefits. These programs can help people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis manage their care and finances.
ABLE accounts let Vermonters with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $100,000 in an ABLE account. The money can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation. To open an ABLE account, go to the Vermont ABLE website or call the ABLE program office. You must have a disability that started before age 26 to qualify.
Learn more about ABLE Accounts
For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for a single person and $3,000 for a married couple. Your home and one car are not counted. For SSDI, there are no resource limits, but your income must be below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level. For 3SquaresVT, Vermonters with disabilities may not have to meet income limits if they receive disability benefits. Medical costs can increase your benefit amount.
Learn more about SSI Income Estimator
If your income, resources, or living situation changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration and Vermont DCF. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. You can report changes online, by phone, or by mail. If you get an overpayment, you can ask for a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Always keep records of your reports and payments.
Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes
Vermont Legal Aid offers free help with disability applications, appeals, and complaints. Call 1-800-889-2047 or visit their website for more information.
If you have a disability that makes it hard to communicate, the Vermont Communication Support Project can help. Call 1-888-686-8277 or email [email protected].
Yes, you can apply for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI if your Myalgic Encephalomyelitis prevents you from working. Vermont does not have a state disability program, but you may qualify for federal programs and state support services.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov or at your local Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income. Be honest and complete in your answers.
3SquaresVT is Vermont’s food assistance program. If you have a disability, you may not have to meet income limits. You can get higher benefits if you have medical costs. Benefits are deposited on an EBT card or into your bank account.
Yes, Vermont Legal Aid can help you with appeals and complaints. The Vermont Communication Support Project can help you communicate in court and administrative hearings.
Medicaid waivers let Vermonters with disabilities get home and community-based services. Contact Vermont’s Department for Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) for help with the application.
ABLE accounts let Vermonters with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can open an ABLE account through the Vermont ABLE program. You must have a disability that started before age 26.
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, you must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Vermont DCF. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties.
Yes, the Vermont Communication Support Project can help you communicate in court and administrative hearings. They provide free support for people with disabilities.
Medical costs like over-the-counter medications, insurance premiums, medical supplies, dentures, prescriptions, and home health aid can increase your 3SquaresVT benefit amount.
It takes an average of 6.1 months to get an initial disability decision in Vermont. Most people are initially rejected and need to appeal. The full process can take around two years if you go to a hearing.
