How to Qualify for Disability Benefits in Indiana
Atticus offers free, high-quality disability advice for Americans who can't work. Our team of Stanford and Harvard-trained lawyers has a combined 15+ years of legal experience and has helped over 50,000 Americans apply for disability benefits.
If you’re an Indiana resident who can’t work because of a disability or injury, you might qualify for federal financial assistance. More than 215,000 Indiana residents receive federal disability benefits through the Social Security Administration’s programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Find out how to qualify for disability benefits and where to get help near you.
What do you need to qualify for disability in Indiana?
The Social Security Administration uses a five-step evaluation process to determine your eligibility for disability benefits in Indiana. Before filing and submitting your application, ask yourself the following questions:
Are you earning money within the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit? Substantial Gainful Activity is any paid work that relies on physical and mental labor. As of 2024, if you make more than $1,500 a month, SSA will consider your work as STGa, disqualifying you from disability benefits.
Do you have a severe impairment? The SSA deems any medical condition that prevents you from completing basic work activities for more than 12 months as a severe impairment.
Does your disability meet the SSA’s definition of a disability? The SSA follows the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security, better known as the “Blue Book,” which includes a list of qualifying medical conditions and impairments for SSI and SSDI benefits. The Blue Book is a great resource, but you can also work with a disability lawyer, who can help you determine your medical eligibility.
Can you carry out your previous work? If you can’t complete any part of your previous work because of your disability, then the SSA will move on to next step. But if it doesn’t, then the SSA will determine that your disability doesn’t qualify.
Are you able to do any other types of work? The SSA will review your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to determine how much work you can complete with your disability compared to your previous work over the last 15 years.
How to qualify for SSDI in Indiana
In Indiana, the average monthly Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payment is $1728.61. This includes healthcare coverage from Medicare. To qualify for SSDI in Indiana, you must meet the following requirements:
Work history: To receive SSDI, the SSA requires 40 work credits (which most applicants earned from working at least five out of the last 10 years).
Length of disability: You must meet the SSA’s guidelines and be unable to work for more than 12 months.
How to qualify for SSI in Indiana
In Indiana, the average monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment is $615.55 This includes healthcare coverage from Medicaid. To qualify for SSI in Indiana, you must meet the following requirements:
Medical Eligibility: To receive SSI, you must have a disability and/or be over the age of 65.
Income Limit: You must make less than the federal benefit rate in countable income ($943 if you are single or $1,415 if you are married).
Asset Limit: If you are single, you must have less than $2,000 worth of assets; If you are married, you must have less than $3,000 in countable assets.
What is the most approved disability in Indiana?
Any medical condition that severely limits and prevents you from working can qualify for disability. According to the SSA, the most approved conditions in Indiana are:
Mental disorders: 31.6%
Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue: 29.9%
Nervous system and sense organs: 11%
Circulatory system: 7.6%
Respiratory system: 3.8%
Injuries: 3.2%
The most common mental disorders among Indiana recipients are:
Intellectual conditions: 21,259 people
Depressive and bipolar disorders: 20,841 people
Psychotic disorders (like schizophrenia): 8,190 people
Do I need a lawyer to apply for benefits?
Having a lawyer is not a requirement to apply for disability benefits; however, it’s great to have one on your side. A disability lawyer in Indiana will help you smoothly navigate every part of the application process, including:
Filling out your disability application
Requesting and collecting medical evidence
Filing for an appeal
Preparing you for the judge’s questions during the disability hearing
Get help applying for disability in Indiana
Applying for disability benefits no longer has to be a daunting process. At Atticus, we provide free and personalized legal advice. To get started, take our 2-minute quiz and our team will connect you with an experienced disability lawyer who can help you win your case — at no cost upfront.
Frequently asked questions about benefits in Indiana
How do I qualify for disability in Indiana?
To qualify for disability you need to have a condition that prevents you from working for at least a year. You’ll also need to meet certain work history requirements (for SSDI) or be within certain income limits (for SSI). For more on these requirements, read our full write up here.
What conditions qualify for disability in Indiana?
Any condition that will prevent you from working for a year or more can qualify for disability benefits. Some of the most common conditions include musculoskeletal disorders, mental disorders, nervous system diseases, and circulatory system diseases. See our full list of conditions that qualify here.
How long does it take to get approved for disability in Indiana?
It takes an average of 6.1 months to get an initial disability decision in Indiana. Most people who apply are initially rejected, and need to appeal this decision. If you appeal and go to a hearing, the process takes around two years on average. Read more: How Long It Takes to Get Approved for Disability Benefits
How much does disability pay in Indiana?
The average SSDI payment in Indiana is $1,355.25 per month. The average SSI payment is $580.90 per month. What you’ll earn is dependent on your income, or the amount you’ve historically paid into the Social Security program. Read more on what amount you can expect.
How should I prepare my disability application in Indiana?
Answer the application questions truthfully, consistently, and succinctly. You should also ensure that you gather and submit all your medical records with your application. The SSA paperwork can be complicated, so our legal team has written a full guide to the application here.
Does Indiana have a state disability program?
No, Indiana doesn't have a state disability program. Only five states (California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island) have a state program. Residents of Indiana can apply for federal disability programs (SSDI and SSI). Read more about SSDI and SSI here.
Related resources:
Indiana Disability Benefits
SSA Offices in Indiana
How long has your condition made it hard to work?
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