Ohio Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI

Find out about Ohio's state supplemental payments, plus how to appeal a denial of Social Security disability or SSI and whether you qualify for Medicaid.

By , J.D. · University of Baltimore School of Law

The State of Ohio does not provide short-term disability benefits, unlike some other states, but Ohians can apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA provides two different programs for people that meet its definition of disabled: Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While the federal government provides most of the funding for these programs, Ohio adds on an extra payment for some SSI recipients. Here are some of the details about receiving Social Security disability or SSI in Ohio.

What Will My SSI Payments Be in Ohio?

For the year 2019, the SSI payment from the federal government may be as high as $771 per month (if you have no other income). You may also be eligible for the SSI supplement paid for by the state of Ohio, depending on your living situation. Here are the supplement amounts.

Living arrangement

Ohio Payment for Individuals

Ohio Payment for Couples

Adult family or foster home

$506

$1,159

Adult community mental health housing

$306

$759

Adult community alternative home

$506

$1,159

Adult group home

$606

$1,359

Residential care facility

$606

$1,359

Adult residential care facility

$506

$1,159

To learn more, you can visit the Ohio Department of Aging or the Department of Job and Family Services websites. However, the SSA administers the Ohio State supplement, so you don't have to apply for it separately.

Who Decides Whether You Are Disabled in Ohio?

The Ohio Division of Disability Determination (DDD) is the state agency that works with the SSA and determines whether you are eligible for disability. The DDD will collect and review your medical information and may schedule examinations by SSA doctors for you as well. Here is the DDD's contact information.

Ohio Division of Disability Determination
400 E Campus View Blvd
Columbus, OH 43235
Phone: (800) 282-2695

Am I Eligible for Medicaid in Ohio?

If you meet the SSA's definition of disabled, you should be eligible for Medicaid if:

  • You are a U.S. citizen or qualified alien.
  • You are an Ohio resident, and
  • You have (or you can get) a Social Security number.

As of 2016, if you are eligible for SSI, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid. For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website.

How Can I Apply for Disability in Ohio?

The SSA provides three different ways to apply for disability. Your options depend on whether you are applying for SSI or SSDI.

You can apply online. If you are applying for SSDI, the SSA gives you the option of applying online at www.ssa.gov/pgm/disability.htm. To begin the online application you will need to provide your Social Security number and basic personal information such as your address and phone number, information about marriages, other names you have used, and your work history. You will also need to provide the names and contact information for your doctors.

You can apply in person at your local field office. The SSA also gives you the option to apply in person at your local field office. This option is for both SSI and SSDI applicants. You can find your local field office by visiting the SSA's website and entering your zip code in the locator. Make sure you call the SSA ahead of time to see if you need to make an appointment.

You can apply by telephone. You also have the option of applying by phone. This is available to both SSI and SSDI applicants. Call 800-772-1213 to apply by phone.

Should I Hire an Attorney?

Because the disability hearing process is challenging, if you are denied benefits and have to appeal, it makes sense to talk to a disability lawyer. Your chances of winning benefits at your hearing increase significantly if you're represented by a lawyer. You can find a disability attorney in your area of Ohio by using our lawyer locator below.

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