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Disability Services

CCHCC can help Champaign County residents apply for Disability benefits. Our services are free!

Disability benefits provide a monthly income to individuals who have disabling conditions that  prevent them from working.

But applying for Disability benefits can be confusing and difficult, especially for people who are already struggling with disabling health conditions. CCHCC is here to help!

How CCHCC Can Help:
The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees two Disability programs (SSDI and SSI – please see below for more information on these programs), and the benefit amounts vary depending on your individual situation. If you have a disabling condition that prevents you from working, you may qualify for one or both of these programs—and CCHCC is here to help, if you live in Champaign County.

CCHCC provides help at every stage of the process:

• Creating an SSA Account
• Initial applications
• Appeals
• Multiple appeals, if necessary

Regardless of where you are in the process, our experienced Disability Team is ready to support you.

Please see below to learn more about SSDI and SSI, and how to contact CCHCC for help.

About Disability Benefits:
Disability benefits provide a monthly income to individuals who have a condition that limits or prevents them from working. Our Disability Team is here to help you determine eligibility based on your work history and assets.

There are two types of federal disability programs:

1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is a benefit program based on your work history and earnings. Here are the key points:

  • Eligibility: Must have earned enough work credits through previous employment.
  • Funding: Financed by payroll contributions (taxes) from employers and workers.
  • Income/Resource Limits: No income or resource limits for applicants.
  • Medicare: Becomes available after two years on SSDI.
  • Family Benefits: Eligible family members can also receive benefits.
  • Benefit Amount: Based on your average lifetime earnings.
  • Other Income: Other income does not affect benefits, though wages may impact benefits under certain conditions.
  • Living Situation: Where you live or who lives with you does not affect your benefits.

2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a needs-based program designed for individuals with limited income and resources. Key points include:

  • Eligibility: No work credits are required.
  • Funding: Financed by general tax revenues (not through employment contributions).
  • Income/Resource Limits: There are very strict income and assets limits in order to be eligible for SSI (your home and car do not count).
  • Medicaid: Recipients qualify for Medicaid.
  • Family Benefits: No additional benefits for family members.
  • Other Income: Other income may affect your benefits, and all income must be reported.
  • Living Situation: Where you live or who lives with you may affect your benefits, so report any changes.

Please note that benefit amounts vary based on individuals’ circumstances and work histories.

Contact Us
We are here to help you navigate the Disability benefits system and get the support you need!

To start the process, contact CCHCC today:

  • Phone: Call us at 217-352-6533 and leave a message requesting help with applying for Disability benefits.
  • Email: Send an email to cchcc@cchcc-il.org requesting help with applying for Disability benefits.