Indiana Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI

If you live in Indiana and the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines that you meet its definition of disabled, you may be eligible for either Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Although these are both federal programs, each state administers portions of the programs on behalf of the SSA. This means that there are differences among the states as to what agency decides whether you are disabled, how much SSI a person may be entitled to, and whether you automatically qualify for Medicaid.

How Can I Apply for Disability?

Regardless of the state you live in, the SSA gives you three different ways to apply for disability, depending on whether you are applying for SSDI or SSI.

Online application for SSDI only. If you are applying for SSDI, you can apply online at www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/. When you first start the application the SSA will assign you an application number. Make sure that you write down the number because you will need it if you need to go back to your application at a later time. If you lose the number it cannot be reissued and you will have to restart the online application process.

In person. If you are applying for SSI or SSDI, you can go to one of the 25 local field offices in Indiana and apply in person. You can find your local field office on the SSA's website by entering your zip code into the locator. You should also call the SSA at 800-772-1213 before you go to your field office to see if it requires an appointment.

By telephone. The SSA also allows either SSI or SSDI applicants to apply by phone. This can be a good option if your disability makes traveling hard or if you live too far from your local field office.

What SSI Benefits Are Available In Indiana?

Most recipients of SSI in Indiana receive the federal base amount of $771 in 2019. Individuals who live in licensed residential facilities or Medicaid facilities can instead have their room and board covered by the state through the Residential Care Assistance Program (RCAP).

Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB)

The Disability Determination Bureau (DDB), which is a part of Indiana's Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services, is the state organization that will make the initial decisions about whether or not you are eligible for disability under the SSA's guidelines. Here is the DDB's contact information:

P.O. Box 7069
Indianapolis, IN 46207-7069
Phone: 317-396-2007

Can I Get Medicaid If I Am on SSI?

You may be eligible for Medicaid (Hoosier Care Connect) if you meet Indiana's guidelines, which are similar to the SSA's requirements for disability. You will need to file a separate application with the Division of Family Resources (DFR), a division of the FSSA. Each county has its own DFR office, but you can visit its FSSA website and enter your zip code to find the one closest to you.

Eligibility for Medicaid in Indiana for those receiving SSI depends on whether you meet the income and asset requirements. The income limit for an individual is $1,041 per month (income of others in the household is not counted). And you can have no more than $2,000 in assets (such as checking accounts, retirement, and other property besides your home). Assets do not include your family home and personal belongings like appliances, clothes, or jewelry. Up to $5,000 of equity in your car is also excluded from being counted as an asset.

The application and eligibility process for Indiana's Medicaid program is complicated, so you should call DFR at 800-403-0864 for assistance.

Getting Help From an Attorney in Indiana

The disability process is long and can be both confusing and frustrating. It may be helpful to contact an experienced disability attorney to talk about your case, especially if you are denied disability benefits after you file your application. To find a disability lawyer in your area of Indiana, fill out our disability attorney consultation request.