Connecticut Disability Benefits: Social Security Filing and Insurance Options

If you live in Connecticut and you can't work for a year or more, you may be eligible for either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security disability (SSDI). Although these are federal programs, Connecticut supplements the federal SSI payment and sets its own guidelines for Medicaid eligibility.

How Do I Apply for Disability in Connecticut?

There are three different ways to apply for disability. These options depend on whether you are eligible for SSI or SSDI.

SSDI applicants can apply online. SSDI applicants can apply for benefits online at www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/.

Both SSI and SSDI applicants can apply in person. You have the option to apply in person at your local field office regardless of the benefits you are applying for. The field office agent can help you complete the forms and explain the process to you. Some field offices require an appointment so you should call the SSA before going in. You can find your local field office on the SSA's website.

Both SSI and SSDI applicants can apply by telephone. You also have the option to apply by phone for either SSI or SSDI. This is helpful for people who live far away from their local field office, don't have transportation, or who have a hard time traveling because of their disability. You can apply by phone by calling 800-772-1213

Connecticut Disability Determination Services

Connecticut Disability Determination Services (DDS) is the department responsible for making the initial decisions about whether you are disabled under the SSA's guidelines. Before making its decisions, DDS requests your medical records and may schedule consultative examinations with doctors hired by the SSA (referred to as CEs). Here is the contact information for Connecticut's primary DDS location:

309 Wawarme Avenue
Hartford, CT 06114
Phone: 800-842-8320

The Department of Social Services is the parent agency of DDS.

Connecticut's Office of Hearings Operations

The office responsible for scheduling and conducting disability hearings is the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO). OHO has two offices located in Hartford and New Haven. Here is the address and contact information for the two locations:

Hartford

135 High Street, Room 331
William R. Cotter Federal Building
Hartford, CT 06103-1193
Phone: (866) 931-2878
Fax: (860) 724-9843

New Haven

Connecticut Financial Center
157 Church Street, 22nd Floor
New Haven, CT 06510
Phone: (866) 613-2750
Fax: (203) 787-7777

What Will My SSI Payments be in Connecticut?

The federal government will pay you up to $771 per month in SSI benefits, if you don't have any other income. You may also be eligible for a supplemental payment from Connecticut. If you are living independently in the community (as long as you are not living in a licensed room and board facility or a medical or penal institution), you may receive up to about $150 a month. The state supplement amount for individuals that live in a licensed room and board facility is established by how much it costs to run that specific facility.

For more information on the state supplement, contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS).

Am I Eligible for Medicaid in Connecticut?

Unlike most other states, Medicaid eligibility is not automatic when Connecticut residents are approved for SSI. To be eligible for Medicaid, you must be disabled and meet the income and asset requirements for "Husky C" (also known as Medicaid for the Aged/Blind/Disabled) of Husky Health Connecticut. Here are the requirements.

Asset limit. An unmarried individual can have no more than $1,600 in assets. A couple can have no more than $2,400 in assets. Some assets, such as your principal residence and a portion of your automobile, are excluded from the asset calculation.

Income limit. Unmarried individuals living in Region A (southwestern Connecticut) can have no more than $633.49 in net monthly income. Couples living in Region A can have no more than $805.09 in net monthly income.

Unmarried individuals living in Regions B (northern/eastern Connecticut) and C (western Connecticut) can have no more than $523.38 per month in net income. Couples living in Regions B and C can have no more than $696.41 per month in income.

An institutionalized single person can earn no more than $2,250 a month in net income.

However, if you make too much money to be eligible for Medicaid, you may become eligible by deducting medical expenses from your excess monthly income. This is called a spend-down. If you spend down to a certain amount, you are eligible for Medicaid. For more information, contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services.

Talk to an Attorney

If you want to talk to an experienced disability attorney about your claim, you can arrange a free consultation with a Connecticut disability lawyer.

_{Updated August 29, 2019}