What you receive in Illinois depends on which program you're in

Illinois residents on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) receive the same federal payment amount as people in every other state—there is no separate Illinois benefit. The Social Security Administration sets your monthly amount based on your own work history and earnings record, not on where you live. However, Illinois does offer its own disability programs that work alongside SSDI, and some people in Illinois receive both federal and state payments.

The amount you get from Social Security itself never changes because of your state. What changes in Illinois is whether you can also receive money from state-run programs, and whether you pay state income tax on your benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • Your SSDI payment amount comes from Social Security and is the same in Illinois as anywhere else, based on your work history.
  • Illinois offers its own supplemental payment program called AABD (Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) for people who receive very little or no federal benefit.
  • Illinois does not tax Social Security Disability benefits as income, so you keep the full amount Social Security sends you.
  • Some people in Illinois receive both SSDI and AABD at the same time if their SSDI payment falls below a certain threshold.

How SSDI payments work in Illinois

When you receive SSDI in Illinois, Social Security deposits your federal payment directly into your bank account each month. The amount is calculated from your Social Security work record—specifically, your average earnings over your working years. Social Security uses a formula that replaces roughly 40 percent of what you earned before your disability began, though the exact percentage varies depending on your age when you became disabled.

The federal payment is the same whether you live in Chicago, Springfield, or anywhere else in the country. In 2024, the average SSDI payment is around $1,550 per month, but your individual payment could be higher or lower depending on your work history. If you worked for many years and earned higher wages, your payment will be higher. If you had lower earnings or gaps in your work history, your payment will be lower.

You can check your own estimated payment by creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov. This account shows your earnings record and lets you see what Social Security thinks you earned each year.

Illinois supplemental payments through AABD

Illinois runs a program called Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) that provides additional monthly payments to people whose SSDI or SSI benefit is very low. You do not receive AABD instead of SSDI—you receive both at the same time if you meet the income and resource limits.

To receive AABD in Illinois, your total monthly income (including your SSDI payment) must fall below a certain amount, and you must have limited resources. The income and resource limits change each year. You must also be a resident of Illinois and a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant. The AABD payment itself is small—typically between $50 and $100 per month—but it can make a difference if your SSDI payment is minimal.

You explore for AABD through the Illinois Department of Human Services. The process process is separate from your SSDI process, and you will need to provide proof of your SSDI award letter, your income, and your resources. Processing can take several weeks.

Illinois state income tax and disability benefits

Illinois does not tax Social Security Disability benefits as state income. This means you do not owe Illinois state income tax on the money you receive from SSDI, even if you have other income. This is different from some other states, which do tax Social Security benefits.

You may still owe federal income tax on your SSDI benefits if your total income (including SSDI, any wages, and other income sources) exceeds a certain threshold. The federal threshold is higher than most people's income, so many SSDI recipients owe no federal tax either. You can use the Social Security Administration's tax worksheet to figure out whether you owe federal tax on your benefits.

Work incentives and earnings in Illinois

If you work while receiving SSDI in Illinois, you can earn money without losing your entire benefit right away. Social Security has work incentives built into the program that let you test your ability to work without when ready ending your benefits.

The most common work incentive is the trial work period, which lets you earn any amount for nine months without affecting your SSDI payment. After the trial work period ends, Social Security looks at whether your earnings are "substantial"—in 2024, that means earning more than $1,550 per month. If you earn less than that, you keep your full SSDI payment. If you earn more, your payment is reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit.

Illinois also has a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program that lets you set aside income and resources for a specific work goal without it counting against your SSDI or SSI. A PASS is useful if you want to save money for education, training, or starting a business. You work with a PASS planner to create a written plan, and Social Security approves it before you begin.

Medicaid and Medicare in Illinois

When you receive SSDI in Illinois, you become may be able to access for Medicare after you have been on SSDI for 24 months. Medicare is the federal health insurance program, and it covers hospital care, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. You do not pay a premium for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), but you do pay a monthly premium for Part B (doctor and outpatient care) unless your income is very low.

You may also be may be able to access for Illinois Medicaid, which is the state health insurance program for low-income people. Medicaid covers services that Medicare does not, including dental care, vision care, and long-term care. To receive Medicaid in Illinois, your income and resources must fall below the state limits. Many people on SSDI receive both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time.

Reporting changes to Social Security in Illinois

If your situation changes while you are receiving SSDI in Illinois, you must report it to Social Security. Changes that matter include starting or stopping work, earning more or less money, getting married or divorced, moving out of state, or going to prison. Failing to report changes can result in an overpayment, which Social Security will ask you to repay.

You can report changes online through your my Social Security account, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office. The Social Security office in Illinois that serves your area can be found on the Social Security website by entering your zip code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Illinois pay more SSDI than other states?

No. Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program, and the payment amount is the same in every state. Illinois does not add money to your SSDI check. However, Illinois does offer AABD, a separate state program that provides small supplemental payments to people whose federal benefit is very low.

Will I lose my SSDI if I move out of Illinois?

No. Your SSDI payment continues no matter where you live in the United States. If you move to another country, your benefits may stop, depending on which country you move to. Tell Social Security about your move so they have your correct address.

Can I receive both SSDI and AABD at the same time?

Yes, if your SSDI payment is low enough and you meet Illinois income and resource limits. AABD is a supplemental program designed for people whose federal benefit is minimal. You explore for AABD separately through the Illinois Department of Human Services.

How do I know if my SSDI payment is correct?

Check your my Social Security account online to see your earnings record and your current payment amount. If you think there is an error, contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Bring your Social Security card and a photo ID.

What happens to my SSDI if I get married?

Your SSDI payment does not change if you get married. However, if your spouse works and earns income, that does not affect your benefit. Tell Social Security about your marriage so they can update your record, especially if your spouse's name or address is different from yours.