Key Programs

This section introduces:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Medicaid and All Kids
• Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD), and
• Private health coverage.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is the most important benefit that offers money for young people with disabilities. Even if you've never had a job, you may be able to get SSI. Even if you are under 18 and live with your parents, you may be able to get SSI.

Who it helps

If you have a disability, don’t have enough money for your basic needs, don’t have much income, and have limited resources, you may be able to get SSI. (If you are under 18, your parents also must have low income and limited resources for you to qualify for SSI.)

How it helps

If you qualify, SSI gives you money each month to help with your expenses, like food and rent. If you get SSI benefits, you also qualify automatically for Medicaid.

Learn more about SSI eligibility.

Medicaid and All Kids

Medicaid is the most important public health benefit for young people with disabilities.

Who it helps

Medicaid is for people who cannot afford medical expenses. Generally, to get it, you or your family must have low income. If you are 18 years old or younger and your family's income is higher, you may be able to get covered by All Kids.

How it helps

If you qualify, Medicaid (or All Kids) pays for your medical expenses, including visits to the doctor, hospital stays, prescription drugs, medical equipment, and other medical services.

Learn more about Medicaid and All Kids eligibility.

Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD)

HBWD lets you get a job and keep your Medicaid health coverage.

Who it helps

HBWD is for people 16 or older with disabilities who have jobs. The income limit is much higher than with standard Medicaid, but you may have to pay a monthly premium. The amount of your premium depends on your income.

How it helps

HBWD pays for the same services that standard Medicaid covers, including visits to the doctor, hospital stays, medical equipment, and other medical services.

Learn more about HBWD eligibility.

Private Health Coverage

Private health insurance is the most common way people get health coverage.

Who it helps

People get private health coverage in different ways. Some get it through their jobs, others get it from their parents’ employers, and some sign up for it on their own at Get Covered Illinois. If you can't get affordable employer-sponsored coverage, Medicaid, or Medicare and your family's income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) ($62,600 for an individual; $128,600 for a family of four), you may be able to get tax credits to help pay the premiums for individual coverage on Get Covered Illinois. Note: From 2021 through 2025, there was no income limit for getting subsidies that help pay individual coverage premiums. However, a 400% of FPG income limit is set to return for 2026. DB101 will be updated if there are any changes.

How it helps

Private health coverage pays for some of your medical costs when you see doctors, visit other health care providers, do lab tests, or get prescription medicines at a pharmacy. Depending on your private health plan, your coverage may pay for almost all of your medical expenses or for just a part of those expenses.

Learn more about private health coverage.