What are the disability benefits in Illinois?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 05/07/2025
If you live in Illinois and are unable to work due to a physical or mental condition, disability benefits can provide critical financial support. Understanding which programs are available and how they work is the first step toward securing the help you need.
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Types of Disability Benefits Available in Illinois
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is a federal program for individuals who have worked and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. To qualify, you must:
- Have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death
- Have earned enough work credits based on your age
SSDI pays monthly benefits based on your prior earnings and provides Medicare eligibility after a 24-month waiting period.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. To qualify in Illinois, you must:
- Be age 65 or older, blind, or disabled
- Meet strict income and asset limits
- Be a U.S. citizen or meet specific residency rules
SSI provides monthly cash payments, and in Illinois, qualifying for SSI also makes you eligible for Medicaid.
Illinois State Supplemental Payment (SSP)
If you qualify for SSI, the State of Illinois may provide a small supplemental payment to help with basic living expenses. This amount varies based on your living situation.
Temporary Assistance and Medicaid
In addition to federal benefits, Illinois residents may also qualify for:
- Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD) through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
- Medicaid coverage for medical expenses
- SNAP (food assistance) if you meet income requirements
Applying for Disability in Illinois
You can apply for SSDI or SSI in several ways:
- Online at www.ssa.gov
- By phone at 1-800-772-1213
- In person at your local Social Security office in Illinois
Be prepared to submit medical documentation, income statements, and work history.
What Happens After You Apply?
After applying:
- The Illinois Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your medical evidence
- You may be asked to complete additional forms or attend a consultative exam
- If approved, benefits usually begin after a short waiting period
- If denied, you have the right to
appeal the decision
How Hogan Smith Can Help
Navigating Illinois’s disability benefits system can be overwhelming. At Hogan Smith, we help individuals:
- Determine which program (SSDI or SSI) you qualify for
- Collect and submit strong medical evidence
- Handle all communications with SSA
- Appeal a denial and represent you at hearings
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you're in Illinois and need help applying for disability benefits or appealing a denial, reach out to Hogan Smith for a free consultation. We’ll make sure your case is handled with care and precision, every step of the way.
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