What disability programs exist in Illinois

Illinois offers several programs for people with disabilities, but they come from different sources and work in different ways. Some are federal programs run through Social Security — Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — which operate the same way in Illinois as everywhere else. Others are state-specific programs that Illinois runs on its own, like the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) programs for people who need long-term care or support services.

The program that makes sense for you depends on your work history, your income right now, and what kind of support you need. Someone who worked for years and then became disabled might may have access to for SSDI. Someone who has never worked much, or who has very little income and savings, might may have access to for SSI. And someone who needs help paying for nursing home care or in-home support might look at Illinois-specific programs instead.

This guide covers the main programs available to Illinois residents. It does not determine whether you may have access to for any of them — that is something Social Security or the state agency decides when you contact them directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal programs (SSDI and SSI) are run by Social Security and work the same in Illinois as in other states, but state programs are run by Illinois IDHS and have their own rules.
  • SSDI is for people with a work history who became disabled; SSI is for people with very low income and few savings, regardless of work history.
  • Illinois also offers programs for long-term care, in-home support, and Medicaid coverage that may be available to people with disabilities.
  • The Social Security Administration office in your area can tell you which program fits your situation, or you can call 1-800-772-1213 to start.
  • Illinois IDHS runs separate programs; their main number is 1-877-597-1830, and they handle applications for state-specific support.

Federal disability programs: SSDI and SSI

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, then became unable to work because of a medical condition. You do not have to be completely unable to work — you just have to show that your condition prevents you from doing substantial work. SSDI is based on your own work record, so the amount you receive depends on how much you earned before you became disabled.

To may have access to for SSDI in Illinois, you must have worked long enough and recently enough to have built up work credits. The exact number of credits you need depends on your age when you became disabled. You also have to wait five months after your disability begins before you can receive your first payment — this is a federal rule that applies everywhere.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is different. It is for people with very low income and very few savings — usually less than $2,000 in countable resources — regardless of whether they worked. SSI is a needs-based program, meaning it looks at what you have right now, not what you earned in the past. The monthly amount is set by the federal government and is the same in every state, though some states add a small amount on top.

Both SSDI and SSI require that a doctor confirm you have a condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. That definition is strict: your condition must prevent you from working for at least 12 months, or be expected to result in death. You cannot receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time, but if you may have access to for SSDI and the amount is very small, you might receive a small SSI payment to bring you up to the minimum.

Illinois state disability programs

Beyond the federal programs, Illinois runs its own programs through the Department of Human Services. These programs focus on long-term care, in-home support, and Medicaid coverage for people with disabilities. They are separate from SSDI and SSI, and you can receive both a federal benefit and a state benefit at the same time.

The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver is one of the largest. It pays for in-home care, day programs, respite care, and other support so that people with disabilities can live in their own homes instead of in institutions. To receive HCBS services, you must be found to need the level of care that would otherwise be provided in a nursing home or intermediate care facility. There is usually a waiting list for HCBS services in Illinois, sometimes lasting months or years, depending on the type of disability and your county.

Illinois also offers Medicaid to people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits. Medicaid in Illinois covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, and long-term care services. The income limit for Medicaid is higher for people with disabilities than for other adults, and there are special rules that allow you to keep more of your income or savings and still may have access to. If you receive SSI, you are automatically enrolled in Illinois Medicaid.

The Illinois Rehabilitation Services (IRS) program helps people with disabilities prepare for work or return to work. It can pay for vocational training, assistive technology, job coaching, and other services to help you find and keep a job. You do not have to be receiving SSDI or SSI to use IRS — it is open to anyone with a disability that creates a barrier to work.

How to start: where to contact

If you think you might may have access to for SSDI or SSI, contact the Social Security Administration. You can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — search for the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator. Social Security staff can tell you which program fits your situation and walk you through what you need to do next.

If you are interested in state programs like HCBS, Medicaid, or Illinois Rehabilitation Services, contact the Illinois Department of Human Services. Call 1-877-597-1830 or visit the IDHS website at dhs.illinois.gov. IDHS can tell you what programs might be available to you and how to start the process. Some programs have waiting lists, so it is worth calling even if you do not think you need services right now — getting on a list early can matter.

You can also contact your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) for information about programs in your county. The AAAD can connect you with local resources and help you understand your options. To find your local AAAD, call the Illinois Department on Aging at 1-800-252-8966.

Medicaid and healthcare coverage

Illinois Medicaid covers a broad range of services for people with disabilities, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, mental health treatment, and long-term care. If you receive SSI, you are automatically enrolled in Medicaid at no cost. If you receive SSDI, you may also may have access to for Medicaid if your income is low enough, though the rules are different from SSI.

Illinois also has a program called Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities. This program lets people who are working keep Medicaid coverage even if their earnings would normally make them ineligible. The program is designed for people who want to work but need to keep their health coverage. You must be receiving SSDI or SSI to use Buy-In, and you must be working or trying to find work.

If you do not may have access to for Medicaid but need health coverage, you can look into plans through the federal health insurance marketplace at healthcare.gov. Some people with disabilities may be able to receive tax credits or cost-sharing reductions to make coverage more affordable.

Work incentives and returning to work

If you are receiving SSDI or SSI and want to work, there are federal rules that let you earn money without losing your entire benefit right away. These are called work incentives, and they are designed to help people test whether they can work without the fear of losing their disability payment when ready.

Under SSDI, you have a Trial Work Period of nine months (not necessarily consecutive) during which you can earn any amount and still receive your full SSDI payment. After the Trial Work Period ends, there is an Extended Period of may be able to access lasting 36 months. During this time, you can still receive SSDI in any month your earnings fall below a certain amount — in 2024, that amount is $1,550 per month, though it changes each year.

Under SSI, the rules are different. You can earn up to $65 per month plus half of any earnings above that, and still receive your full SSI payment. Any income you earn reduces your SSI check, but the reduction is only 50 cents for every dollar you earn above the $65 threshold.

Illinois Rehabilitation Services can help you find a job, get training, or make changes to your workplace so you can work. There is no cost to you for these services. You can contact IRS at 1-800-547-2177 or visit their website at drs.illinois.gov.

What happens after you receive a decision

If Social Security approves you for SSDI or SSI, you will receive a letter explaining your monthly payment amount, your start date, and what happens next. Your first payment usually arrives one to two months after approval. You will also be enrolled in Medicare (if you receive SSDI) or Medicaid (if you receive SSI) automatically.

Once you are receiving benefits, you have to report certain changes to Social Security. These include changes in your income, your living situation, your marital status, or your medical condition. You also have to report if you start working or if your earnings change. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments that you may have to repay later.

If Social Security denies you, you have the right to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. Most people who are denied the first time are approved on appeal, especially if they have new medical evidence or legal help. You can represent yourself, or you can hire a lawyer or non-lawyer representative to help you. Representatives are paid only if you win, and their fee is limited by law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive both SSDI and a state program benefit at the same time?

Yes. SSDI is a federal program based on your work history, and state programs like HCBS or Illinois Rehabilitation Services are separate. You can receive SSDI and also use state services. If you receive SSI, you are automatically enrolled in Medicaid, which is also a state program, so you are already receiving both.

How long does it take to get approved for SSDI or SSI in Illinois?

Initial decisions usually take three to six months, though it varies. If you are denied and appeal, the process can take another year or more. During this time, you can continue to work and earn money. If you are eventually approved, you may receive back pay covering the months from when you first applied.

What if I was denied SSDI or SSI before and want to try again?

You can file a new process if your medical condition has gotten worse or if you have new medical evidence that was not part of your first process. You can also appeal a denial within 60 days. If you were denied more than 60 days ago, a new process is your only option. Consider getting help from a lawyer or advocate — they know what evidence Social Security looks for.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to receive SSDI or SSI in Illinois?

For SSDI, you do not have to be a citizen, but you must have a valid Social Security number. For SSI, you must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to immigrant. may have access to immigrant status includes lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and certain other categories. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether your immigration status qualifies you.

What is the difference between Illinois Medicaid and Medicare?

Medicare is a federal program you earn through work history; if you receive SSDI, you become may be able to access for Medicare after two years. Medicaid is a state program based on income and need; if you receive SSI, you are automatically enrolled in Illinois Medicaid. They cover different services and have different rules. You can have both at the same time.