Social Security Consultation
You may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you meet the Social Security Administration's definition of "having a disability," you have low income and few financial assets and you have a limited work history. You may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you meet the Social Security Administration's definition of "having a disability" and you have a sufficient enough work history that you are "fully insured" for this benefit. If you do not yet receive either SSI or SSDI, but you think you might be eligible for either or both, I can help you to understand, prepare for and complete the application process.
If you already receive these benefits, I can help you to understand the rules and restrictions that you need to meet to maintain your eligibility. I can also help you understand how you will transition from one benefit to another as you move through different stages of your life. Finally, I can help you understand how your benefits and those of other family members may be interdependent.
Medicaid Consultation
As a person with a disability, you may be eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid is a health insurance program for people with disabilities who have limited income and limited financial assets. In Illinois, there are multiple categories under which a person with a disability may be eligible for Medicaid. Each category has specific criteria. I can help you understand whether you are eligible for Medicaid and which category of eligibility would be most suitable for your particular situation. I can also assist you with the application process.
If you are a person with a disability, you may also be eligible for support services provided to you in your home, in another small-scale residential setting or in the community. Services may include assistance with activities of daily living and/or employment. The primary funding for these services are Illinois various Medicaid Waivers. I can help you to understand whether you are eligible for any Waiver-funded services and which Waiver is most suitable to your particular situation. I can help you connect to your gateway agency for Medicaid Waiver services.
Work Incentives Consultation
If you are a person with a disability who is applying for SSI, SSDI and/or Medicaid or who requires support from Medicaid Waiver funded and you work or are planning to work, you may be concerned that you will work "too much" and jeopardize your eligibility for any of these benefits. Fortunately, Social Security and Medicaid both have what are called Work Incentives. Work Incentives are adaptations of the basic eligibility rules that allow workers with disabilities to earn more while still maintaining the benefits that they need to support their health, activities of daily living and employment. I can help you explore the Work Incentives that apply to your particular situation as well as prepare any application paperwork or supporting documentation to demonstrate your eligibility. I can also help you understand how the Social Security Administration and your local Medicaid agency evaluate your ongoing eligibility for benefits with and without certain Work Incentives.