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Vermont • Rare/Genetic
People with Williams Syndrome in Vermont may qualify for federal and state benefits, including SSI, Medicaid, and food assistance. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs for Vermont families.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have a disability that limits your ability to work or do daily activities. For children, the disability must be severe and expected to last at least 12 months. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. The value of what you own (like savings) must be less than $2,000 for a single person or $3,000 for a married couple. Your home and one car usually do not count. You must live in the U.S. and be a citizen or legal resident. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs can help people with Williams Syndrome if their condition meets the rules [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
In Vermont, people with disabilities may qualify for extra help with food, health care, and daily living. Vermont does not have a separate state disability cash benefit, but many people with disabilities get SSI, which Vermont may add to. Vermont Medicaid offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with developmental disabilities, including Williams Syndrome. These waivers help pay for services like home care, therapy, and respite care. Vermont also has special rules for 3SquaresVT (SNAP) that make it easier for people with disabilities to qualify, such as no resource test if everyone in the household gets disability benefits. Legal Services Vermont can help with appeals if you are denied services [vermontfoodhelp.com, 2025-11-06; vtlawhelp.org, 2025-11-06].
ABLE accounts let families save for disability-related costs tax-free. You can use the money for things like housing, education, transportation, and health care. To open an account, you must have a disability that started before age 26. Vermont residents can open an account through the ABLE National Resource Center. The account does not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility as long as the balance is under $100,000 [ablenrc.org, 2025-11-06].
For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for a single person or $3,000 for a married couple. Your home and one car usually do not count. For 3SquaresVT, if everyone in your household gets disability benefits, there may not be a resource test. For Medicaid, income and resource limits vary by program and household size. Check with Vermont’s Department for Children and Families for current limits [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06; vermontfoodhelp.com, 2025-11-06].
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to the Social Security Administration for SSI/SSDI, and to Vermont’s Department for Children and Families for Medicaid and 3SquaresVT. Keep records of all reports and changes [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06; vermontfoodhelp.com, 2025-11-06].
Legal Services Vermont offers free help with applications, appeals, and rights issues. Call 1-800-889-2047 or visit vtlawhelp.org for support.
Yes, if Williams Syndrome causes significant disability and meets Social Security’s rules. You must have limited income and resources. Children can apply if their condition is severe and expected to last at least 12 months. Medical records are needed [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
A Medicaid waiver helps pay for home and community-based services for people with developmental disabilities, including Williams Syndrome. Services may include home care, therapy, and respite care. You must apply through Vermont’s Department for Children and Families [vtlawhelp.org, 2025-11-06].
You can apply online at vermontfoodhelp.com or at your local DCF office. If everyone in your household gets disability benefits, you may not need to meet income or resource limits. Medical costs may increase your benefit amount [vermontfoodhelp.com, 2025-11-06].
An ABLE account lets families save for disability-related costs tax-free. You can use the money for housing, education, transportation, and health care. The account does not affect SSI or Medicaid if the balance is under $100,000 [ablenrc.org, 2025-11-06].
Yes, Legal Services Vermont offers free help with appeals, rights issues, and problems getting services. Call 1-800-889-2047 or fill out their online form for help [vtlawhelp.org, 2025-11-06].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
VT-FMLI is a voluntary paid family and medical leave program for working Vermonters. It starts in 2025 and covers private sector and public employers. It helps with paid leave for medical or family reasons [lidac.com, 2025-11-06].
If you are denied services, you can appeal through the agency that denied you. Legal Services Vermont can help with the appeal process. Contact them at 1-800-889-2047 for free help [vtlawhelp.org, 2025-11-06].
Yes, the Vermont Communication Support Project offers free help for people with disabilities in court or administrative hearings. Call 1-888-686-8277 or email [email protected] for more info [vtlawhelp.org, 2025-11-06].
Resources are things you own, like savings, property, or investments. The limit is $2,000 for a single person or $3,000 for a married couple. Your home and one car usually do not count [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
Yes, you must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Report changes to the Social Security Administration for SSI/SSDI, and to Vermont’s Department for Children and Families for Medicaid and 3SquaresVT [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06; vermontfoodhelp.com, 2025-11-06].
