Progressive Disability
Try It
The Basics
Some people have disabilities that gradually develop. These types of disabilities are often called “progressive disabilities.” Common examples of progressive disabilities include muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and types of vision and hearing loss that get worse over time.
With these types of disabilities, your condition changes over time. As your condition changes, the types of support that you need, including health benefits, work accommodations, and equipment (such as crutches or wheelchairs) also change.
That doesn’t mean you can’t have a satisfying life. However, it does mean that you need to adapt to your changing disability and plan for how things may be different in the future.
This article is for people who are currently working and have a disability that changes over time. It will help you answer a series of important questions about these changes in your life:
- Where can I get help?
- What are my rights as a person with a disability?
- What will happen with my job?
- How can I get trained for a different job?
- What sort of health coverage can I get?
- How will I get income if I can no longer work?
Sometimes the answers to these questions are very confusing. Even if you already have some knowledge about programs, like Medical Assistance (MA), MA-EPD , SSI, SSDI, and VR, you may not know all of their ins and outs and what may change as your disability changes.
In this article, we don’t expect you to know what all of these programs are. Instead, we’ll answer the questions above by presenting basic information about the people and programs that can support you, beginning by presenting a few paragraphs about each that will tell you:
- What they offer
- How you get them
- When they’re a good option as your disability changes
- How to find detailed information about them on DB101
By organizing the information in this way, you can think of this as a refresher course about disability resources, programs, and benefits that you may need as your situation changes. We will also help you figure out how you can get organized and plan for changes in your needs.
DB101 has a great service called Chat with a Hub expert. As you read this article or at any time when you have questions about disability benefits, you can get expert advice from an expert. Click here to Chat with a Hub expert or call 1-866-333-2466.
This article covers many of the same issues that are covered in DB101’s Sudden Onset Disability article. The difference is that this article is for people who have disabilities that evolve over time, so it explores how things could change for you in the future, while the Sudden Onset Disability article assumes that you just became disabled (in an automobile accident, for example) and don’t know much about the benefits that are available and that you need now.
Learn more
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Understand the key laws that protect you from discrimination.
Job Supports and Accommodations
Learn about reasonable accommodations and programs that help make work possible.
Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD)
For people with disabilities who work. No income limit.
Progressive Disability
Try It
Getting Support
The goal of this article is to give you information and resources that can help you become more comfortable and confident about changes in your life caused by your progressive disability. We’ll begin with some basics about who can help you and what laws protect you, focusing on several important resources:
- Disability Hub MN
- MinnesotaHelp.info
- Independent Living Centers
- Your doctor
- Personal Care Assistants (PCAs)
- Your rights
Later in this article, we’ll go into detail about different health care programs, cash benefits, job adjustments, and training that can help you.
This article talks about many resources and programs, but the biggest resource that can help you may be the one that’s already closest to you: your friends and family. They are the people who know you best, who have helped you over the course of many years, and who will continue to help you in the future. They are also your primary source of emotional support. Often they are the keys to having an enjoyable life. It is our relationships with our friends and families that can make our lives fulfilling.
Disability Hub MN and MinnesotaHelp.info
Disability Hub MN links Minnesotans with disabilities to information and community resources to stay independent, support work, and explore benefits. The Hub helps people with all types of disabilities, including health conditions, drug or alcohol problems, or mental health needs. The Hub is statewide, free, and private (confidential).
MinnesotaHelp.info can also help you find many social services, ranging from benefits applications to job counseling.
What they offer
If you call Disability Hub MN, a counselor will answer your call, listen to your needs, explore possible options, and supply you with the information you need to make informed decisions.
Disability Hub MN specializes in disability questions related to:
- Work and work planning
- Benefits and services
- Housing
- Accessibility
- Assistive technology
- In-Home services
- Disability rights
MinnesotaHelp.info is an online directory that can help you find social services near you. These services can include help with benefits applications, job counseling, and finding support groups.
How you find them
You can call Disability Hub MN at 1-866-333-2466. To see MinnesotaHelp.info’s wealth of information, click here.
When they’re a good option
Minnesota offers many great resources for people with disabilities. Disability Hub MN and MinnesotaHelp.info can help you connect to the counselors, organizations, and programs that can support you as your disability progresses. They should be your first point of contact as you look for services and support.
Independent Living Centers
Independent living is one of the most important concepts for people with disabilities. Independent living means that you decide how you want to live. It does not mean that you have to know all the answers or do everything by yourself; it means that you can learn how to find resources that can help you reach your goals. You also can learn to be in charge of how you use these resources.
Independent Living Centers are a one-stop shop that can help you learn how to live independently.
What they offer
Independent Living Centers were created by people with disabilities. They offer many types of information and support that can help you think about the decisions and opportunities you may face.
Independent Living Centers can help you find things like work, housing, transportation, or Personal Care Assistance services. They also offer counseling related to benefits, health care, finances, and even your social life.
How you find one
There are Independent Living Centers throughout the country, including 8 in Minnesota. To find an Independent Living Center near you, click here; then go to the “Search by Keyword” tab and type “Centers for Independent Living.”
When they’re a good option
If you haven’t already contacted your local Independent Living Center, you should do so, just to become familiar with the sorts of resources, activities, and programs Independent Living Centers offer. Even if your disability does not mean that you need disability benefits, reasonable accommodations, or disability-related services right now, your local Independent Living Center can help you learn about what you may need in the future. It is also a good place to get support from peers with disabilities similar to your own.
Your Doctor
It's important for you to have good communication with your doctor, because you and your doctor will be working together to come up with ideas and solutions that work well for you now and in the future as your disability changes.
What your doctor offers
Your primary care doctor is a central partner who will help you better understand your disability. Your doctor will help diagnose your condition, discuss how it may develop in the future, figure out what sort of treatment is available that can help you now and what you should prepare for, and refer you to other specialists who can help you.
Your doctor also documents your health conditions and keeps your medical record up to date, which can be important if you apply for benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Medical Assistance (MA).
It is important for you to regularly visit your doctor to keep tabs on how your disability is progressing and to make sure that your medical record is kept up to date. When you apply for disability benefits, you can also ask your doctor to supply a letter that describes your health conditions and disability. You can submit that letter with your application. You can also request your own copy of your medical records and submit it with your application.
How to get the best help from your doctor
Communication is the most important part of your relationship with your doctor. You need to clearly tell your doctor about how you feel. You also have to explain what your needs are. At the same time, it is very important to understand the recommendations that your doctor makes. If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it in a different way.
If you find that you don’t understand some information – for example, if you are hard of hearing and the doctor wants you to watch a video that doesn’t have captions – insist that your doctor give you a copy of the video with captions or supply the information in a different form. If your first language isn’t English and you want an interpreter to help you understand your doctor, ask for an interpreter. Health care providers are required to supply interpreters and accessible documents.
By having a primary care doctor with whom you are comfortable and have established clear communication, you will be able to deal with your medical issues much more effectively. To learn more about establishing a good relationship with your doctor, click here.
When your doctor is an important option
Your doctor has specialized knowledge and knows a lot about your health conditions. Listen to your doctor and think about your doctor’s ideas and suggestions. Make your doctor a part of the team that helps you figure out the many different ways in which you can adapt to your disability as it changes.
Doctors are a great support in many ways but they are not experts about everything. Most importantly, you are the person who knows best about how you feel and that’s why you have the final say in any decisions involving your health. A doctor’s job is to support you, not tell you what to do.
Our ideas about disability are shaped by the attitudes towards disability in our society. Traditionally, people have thought about disability as a medical issue. This “medical model” looks at your disability as though it is a medical condition that must be cured. If you have a disability, you need to be “fixed.”
However, the disability rights movement has changed that perspective. Now, disability is viewed as a social issue. This “social model” says that the problem is not your disability, but the way society views people with disabilities. Disability is a natural part of the human experience; it’s a normal part of life.
Thinking about disability in this new way may help you realize that you don’t need to be fixed. You can live with your disability and be successful. What you need is to find ways that help you continue to live a satisfying life and adapt to how your body changes. When you talk to your doctor, keep this perspective in mind.
To read more about the social model and the medical model of disability, click here.
Personal Care Assistants
Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) support people with disabilities to live more independent lives. An assistant works directly for the person with a disability.
What they offer
The role of a Personal Care Assistant is to help you be able to do what you need to do. Your assistant may help you with getting dressed, going from one place to another, preparing meals, bathing, or other activities.
Personal Care Assistants can also help you in the workplace to do different types of tasks. They can help with personal care, like in the restroom or at lunch breaks, or with job-related tasks, like help with reading, interpreting, lifting or reaching work materials, or with travel between work sites.
How you find one
Some people with disabilities rely on family or friends for their Personal Care Assistance. Others decide to hire persons who work for an agency. You can find good PCAs in a number of different ways, including Independent Living Centers, PCA agencies, or online.
If you qualify for Medical Assistance (MA) or Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD), these programs can pay for Personal Care Assistance services if you need them. When you apply for MA or MA-EPD, they will look at your situation and decide whether you need Personal Care Assistance in addition to health coverage. To read more about how MA or MA-EPD can help you pay for these services, visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services' PCA page. You can contact your county or tribal human services office to apply.
When they’re a good option
Personal Care Assistance can be crucial to your ability to live independently. Personal Care Assistants can help you at home or in the workplace, depending on your needs. You may find that you do not need an assistant now, but as your disability changes, you may need one in the future. Alternatively, you may find that the duties you need your PCA to perform change over time as your disability-related needs change.
To learn more about Personal Care Assistance, read DB101’s article on Job Supports and Accommodations.
Personal Care Assistants are a type of “home care.” Home care, which may be supplied by MA or MA-EPD, depending on your situation, can include skilled nursing, home health aides, and PCAs. The key thing about all home care services is that they can help you continue to live in your own home.
Your Rights
There are several major laws designed to help people with disabilities. The main one is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a federal civil rights law that makes it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities. It also guarantees that disabled people have access to public services, such as transportation and voting, and to public places, such as restaurants, stores, hotels, and other types of buildings.
What they mean
The first section of the ADA (often called Title I) applies to employment. It makes it illegal to discriminate against qualified jobseekers and employees with disabilities and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations available to jobseekers and employees with disabilities, unless supplying the accommodation would result in undue hardship to the business. The law applies to all aspects of employment, including the job application process, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, job training, and work-related events. In Minnesota, the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) also protects people with disabilities in employment as well as housing, public accommodations, public services, education, credit services, and business.
Perhaps the key difference is that the ADA only covers employers with 15 or more employees, while the MHRA covers all employers, no matter how small the business. Both laws apply to private employers, state and local governments, employment agencies, and labor organizations. The ADA does not apply to tax-exempt private membership clubs or the United States federal government. However, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is another law that is almost identical to the ADA and does apply to federal agencies. That means that the federal government also cannot discriminate against job applicants and employees with disabilities.
How they help you
The ADA and the MHRA are helping you all the time. Here are some examples:
- If you watch TV with closed captions, those captions are mandated by the ADA.
- If you go up a ramp when you enter a public library, that ramp has to be there thanks to the ADA.
- If you have a job and need a computer program that can read web pages, email, and other documents to you, the ADA requires that your employer supply this software.
The ADA and the MHRA can also help you if you are being discriminated against, since it allows you to file a complaint or even go to court.
When you have to take action
If you are treated worse or unequally because of your disability, you are being discriminated against. The ADA makes discrimination illegal. For example, you are being discriminated against if your employer:
-
Doesn’t give you the same job opportunities or benefits as nondisabled co-workers because of your disability
- For example, you don’t get a job, a promotion, or a fair salary
-
Retaliates (gets back at you) because you asserted your rights under the ADA
- For example, you are treated badly because you asked for an accommodation or complained about discrimination
- Coerces you, which means forcing you to do something against your will
- Intimidates you, which means frightening or bullying you to follow the employer’s demands
If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your disability, you can file a complaint with either the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR). You can also get legal advice from the Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC).
To learn more about the ADA and how to file a complaint or lawsuit, read DB101’s Know Your Rights and Responsibilities article.
Getting organized and planning are keys to making sure that you are able to handle the changes that come as your disability progresses. Here are a few things that you can do to get better organized:
- Keep a file with information about your disability and any benefits you get. DB101’s Going to Work Toolbox has many good ideas about ways you can keep track of your medical care and of your income, so that if you need to apply for benefits, you’ll be ready.
- Learn about resources and people that might help you in the future. Use this article to get an idea about the resources that are available. Then, contact the ones that you think sound like they could be useful in the future. If you aren’t sure where to begin, try out DB101’s Chat with a Hub expert feature.
- Practice clear communication with your employer’s Human Resources department, your doctor, your family, and other people you trust. It is important for you to clearly communicate what your needs are. As you read this article, think about the things you need to discuss with different people. You may need to talk about some topics now, while you can address other topics at a later time.
- Become a strong advocate for your life and independence. It is important that you learn to adapt to your changing situation, so that you can continue to lead your life even as your disability progresses.
Learn more
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Understand the key laws that protect you from discrimination.
Job Supports and Accommodations
Learn about reasonable accommodations and programs that help make work possible.
Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD)
For people with disabilities who work. No income limit.
Progressive Disability
- The Basics
- Getting Support
- Planning for Changes at Work
- Major Life Changes
- FAQs
- Pitfalls
- Next Steps
Try It
Planning for Changes at Work
Your job may change as your disability changes. Fortunately, there are ways you and your employer can work together to make sure that you can keep working. Here we’re going to talk about 3 important things that may help you at work when your disability changes:
- Disclosing your disability
- Requesting reasonable accommodations
- Taking time off through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
These processes are introduced briefly here. For more detailed information about them, see DB101’s Going to Work section.
Disclosing Your Disability
Disclosing your disability means telling your employer that you have a disability. You have the right to choose whether or not to disclose your disability and disclosing a disability may or may not make sense for you, depending on your situation. Your employer does not have the right to ask you about it.
What it offers
The main benefit of disclosing your disability is that it lets you request reasonable accommodations. Another reason to disclose your disability is if you have an impairment that is visible to others. You are never required to discuss your disability, but if you address your disability upfront, even if you do not need a reasonable accommodation, you may be able to prevent stigma, discrimination, or misinformation related to your disability.
How you do it
If you choose to disclose your disability, you should tell your Human Resources manager or your supervisor. If you also request a reasonable accommodation, your employer is allowed to ask for documentation of your disability to understand it and learn how to accommodate it. However, the employer is not allowed to disclose your disability to anybody else, unless it directly impacts another employee’s job.
How much information and detail you give your employer about your disability is your decision. Many people want to limit any medical information they give to their employers to just the information that is necessary to request an accommodation. For example, you can supply information about your current accommodation needs without disclosing that your disability is progressive.
When it’s a good option
You decide if you want to disclose your disability and you base that decision on your personal needs, preferences, and comfort level with your disability. When you notice that the nature of your disability changes, you should consider whether or not disclosing your disability is right for you.
You may find that you do not need to disclose your disability now, because your disability does not yet mean that you need an accommodation. However, if your disability progresses and you need an accommodation in the future, you may need to disclose your disability at that time.
Read more about disclosing your disability in the DB101 article on Job Supports and Accommodations.
Requesting Reasonable Accommodations
A reasonable accommodation is any kind of change or adjustment to job functions or work environment that makes it possible for employees with disabilities to have equal access to employment and enjoy the same benefits of employment as their peers without disabilities.
What they offer
To have the right to an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you must:
- Be a person with a disability as defined in the ADA
- Need the accommodation because of your disability
-
Work for a private employer with 15 or more employees or a state or local government
- Additional laws called the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 mean that almost all employers in Minnesota have to supply reasonable accommodations, including the federal government and employers with fewer than 15 employees.
Reasonable accommodations must be given to qualified employees, regardless of whether they have part-time, full-time, temporary, permanent, or probationary status.
- Having a ramp or elevators for wheelchair users
- Dividing large assignments into smaller tasks
- Having qualified sign-language interpreters for deaf employees
- Buying computer screen-reading software for blind employees
The following are not considered reasonable accommodations:
- Removing or eliminating an essential function from a job
- Lowering production standards
- Offering items, such as a prosthetic limb, a wheelchair, eyeglasses, hearing aids, or similar devices, if they are also needed for personal use off the job
How you get one
To request an accommodation, you should first think about your personal needs and then identify reasonable accommodations that meet those needs. When you have an idea about what you want, request the accommodation from your supervisor or Human Resources manager. Your request can be in plain English and you don’t have to use any legal terms.
It is your responsibility to take the initiative to request an accommodation. If you do not request an accommodation and your job performance suffers, your employer has the right to fire you from your job or take disciplinary action. If you do not need an accommodation now, but your disability progresses and you need an accommodation in the future, you can request it then. You do not need to disclose your disability until you need the accommodation.
An employer does not have to give you the exact accommodation you request. If several accommodations would work, the employer may choose which one to supply.
When they’re a good option
You should request a reasonable accommodation when there is a barrier that prevents you from performing your job or accessing other benefits of employment. Reasonable accommodations can be a key to success for you at your job.
To learn more about reasonable accommodations, read DB101’s Job Supports and Accommodations article.
If you think you have been discriminated against (treated unfairly or unequally) at work because you have a disability or because you asked for an accommodation, you can get legal advice from the Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC). You should also contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) as soon as possible. DB101’s Rights and Responsibilities article explains how to contact these authorities and file a complaint.
Taking Time Off Through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
You may find that you can’t work for a while after you become disabled or that you want to work fewer hours as your disability changes. Both are possibilities that your employer can help you with. Thanks to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), if you work for a private employer with 50 or more employees or in the state, local, or federal government, your employer is actually required to let you take some time off for a disability.
The FMLA also means that family members who work at qualifying employers can take time off to help you as you adapt to your disability. All of the rules described below that discuss how you can take time off when you become disabled also apply to a spouse or other family member who chooses to help you or take care of you when you become disabled.
What it offers
The FMLA requires private employers with 50 or more employees and all state, local, and federal government employers to give employees up to 12 work weeks of unpaid leave a year for specific reasons. To take the leave, you must have recently had a child, have a serious health condition, or be taking care of a family member with a serious health condition.
In these situations, the leave must be “job-protected,” which means that after the leave, you must be allowed to return to your original job or be given another job that is similar. The FMLA also requires that these employers keep you on group health care benefits during your leave.
How you do it
To be eligible for FMLA benefits, you must:
- Work for an employer to whom the FMLA applies
- Have been employed by the employer for at least 12 months
- Have worked for at least 1,250 hours during the 12-month period before you begin your leave
It’s up to you how you take the 12 weeks off during the course of the year. You can choose to take all 12 weeks off at the same time or take multiple shorter leaves. You can even take FMLA leave to work fewer hours per week or work just 4 days a week instead of 5.
If you want to take FMLA leave, let your employer know as soon as possible. You’ll need to give your employer enough information so your employer can find out if the FMLA applies to your leave request. Depending on the situation, such information may include that you have been hospitalized, medical documentation that your disability has changed, that you are getting continuing care from a health care provider, or that you are pregnant.
When it’s a good option
The FMLA can be a great option for you if you need time to adapt to your changing disability or need time for treatment. It’s also important to remember that if you need extra help from a family member, such as a parent or spouse, that person can take time off with the FMLA to help you.
Read more about the FMLA in DB101’s Rights and Responsibilities article.
If you can’t do your old job anymore because of your disability, you may be able to find another job that your disability does not prevent you from doing. Later in this article, we’ll talk about how you can learn new skills and who can help you find a new job.
Learn more
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Understand the key laws that protect you from discrimination.
Job Supports and Accommodations
Learn about reasonable accommodations and programs that help make work possible.
Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD)
For people with disabilities who work. No income limit.
Progressive Disability
Try It
Major Life Changes
With a progressive disability, you have to keep in mind that your disability will change over time. Most of this article is dedicated to figuring out how you can make adjustments that will allow your life to continue to be pretty similar to the way it is now. However, your disability may also mean that there will be major changes in your life.
Here we’ll talk about a few major changes that could happen:
- If you need to change jobs
- If you need to get a new type of health coverage
- If you need to start getting cash benefits
These possibilities are introduced briefly here. For more detailed information, we will refer to various DB101 articles about different benefits programs.
If you need disability benefits in the future, you will need information about your condition, your health care needs, your income, and your expenses when you apply for disability benefits. That makes it very important for you to keep good records.
This means that you need to:
- Keep track of your medical appointments and the outcomes
- Keep copies of any letters or emails you get from your insurance company, Social Security, or the county
- Keep records of phone conversations, including the date and time you made or got phone calls and the name of the person you talked to
Changing Jobs
One of the changes that can occur as your disability progresses is that it reaches a point where you have to leave your current job and need to find a different one. For example, if you need to lift heavy objects at your job and your disability is impacting your ability to lift them, you may need to find another job which does not require physical strength.
If you have to leave your job and find a new one that you can do with your disability, there are some good resources that can help you. Here we’ll introduce a couple of them, Vocational Rehabilitation and Minnesota CareerForce.
What they offer
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) and CareerForce locations both can supply you with a wide variety of counseling, training, job skills, and job placement services.
With VRS or, if you are blind, State Services for the Blind (SSB), you will get a counselor who knows about disability issues and can help you find work that you can continue to do as your disability progresses.
CareerForce locations help people with and without disabilities reach their employment goals. They have assistive technology to help people with disabilities use their services and resources. You can also just stop by if you want to try out these technologies.
How you get services
Eligibility for VRS is based mostly on whether you have a physical or mental disability that makes it difficult to prepare for, get, or keep work. If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you are automatically eligible for VRS through the Ticket to Work (TTW) program. If you’re in Ticket to Work, you can also choose to get similar services from other Employment Networks.
To get services through VRS or at a CareerForce location, just contact your local CareerForce location. Find a Minnesota CareerForce location near you, or call 1-651-259-7501.
When they’re a good option
VRS is a good option if you don’t have a job and want to get one or if you want to get additional training and education to get a job. It’s especially good if you are on SSI or SSDI benefits, because you will be guaranteed services without having to get on a waiting list.
CareerForce locations supply these services to all jobseekers, whether or not you have a disability. This means that if you don’t qualify for VRS or if VRS puts you on a waiting list, you can still get a lot of good services that can help you get a job.
Read more about Vocational Rehabilitation Services and CareerForce locations in DB101’s Programs That Support Work article.
Finding Health Coverage
With a disability, a top priority is to make sure you have health coverage. Your financial situation, employment status, and disability status impact what types of coverage you can get. If you have to lower the number of hours you work or have to leave your job as your disability progresses, you may have to find different health coverage. These are the main options:
-
Private health coverage, including employer-sponsored coverage and MNsure, the Health Insurance Marketplace for the State of Minnesota
-
Minnesota public health programs, including Medical Assistance (MA), Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with a Disability (MA-EPD), and MinnesotaCare
- Medicare
These programs will be introduced briefly here. For more detailed information about them, see DB101’s Health Care Coverage section.
Private Health Care Coverage
Private health care coverage is the most common type of health coverage.
What It Provides
It pays for some of your medical costs when you see a doctor, go to the hospital, get medical exams, or get prescription medicine. You may need to pay copayments, premiums, or deductibles for these services. Depending on your coverage plan, it may pay for almost the entire cost of your medical expenses, or it may pay only a portion of those expenses. If you have low income and get private coverage through MNsure the government may help pay your premium.
How You Get It
The most common way of getting private health coverage is through your job or your spouse’s job. Many, but not all, jobs offer health care benefits. If you are still working and get health coverage through your job, your employer will continue to pay most of the expenses for your health insurance. Your spouse or parent (if you’re under 26) may also have a job that will provide health insurance for you.
You can also buy your insurance directly from a private insurance company, through an insurance broker, or on MNsure. You can buy private coverage for yourself and for your entire family. Insurance companies cannot reject your application or charge you more because you have a health condition. MNsure is the only place where people who have lower incomes can get government help paying for their individual coverage plan.
When It’s a Good Option
Private health coverage is best when you or your spouse (or parent) has a job where the employer will pay for it. Or, depending on your income and your plan, the government may help pay for your premium. To get government help paying your premium, you must buy a plan through MNsure. Note: There is no income limit for getting subsidies that help pay individual coverage premiums. (Before 2021, the limit was 400% of FPG.) To get subsidies, you still must meet other eligibility rules and the premium amount you pay depends on your income and your plan.
It’s important to also note that private health coverage doesn’t always cover everything – you may get private coverage and also be able to get public health coverage to cover whatever the private insurance doesn’t pay for.
Read more in DB101’s Individual Coverage article.
Minnesota Health Care Programs
Minnesota has several different public health coverage programs that you may qualify for. Three of the most important for Minnesotans with disabilities are:
- Medical Assistance (MA)
- MinnesotaCare
- Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD)
What They Provide
MA, MinnesotaCare, and MA-EPD help pay medical expenses for people with disabilities, older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with low income.
If you qualify, these programs will help pay for your visits to the doctor, hospital stays, prescription drugs, medical equipment, and other medical services. You may need to pay copayments, premiums, or deductibles for these services.
There are a couple of differences between these programs:
- They have different income and asset limits. Depending on your situation, it may be easier for you to qualify for one of these programs or the other.
- You have to pay a monthly premium to get MinnesotaCare or MA-EPD, while MA has no premium.
How You Get Them
You can apply for Minnesota public health programs online at MNsure, or you can get help applying at your county or tribal human services office.
Note: The only way you can apply for MA-EPD is by filling out the Minnesota Health Care Programs Application for Certain Populations and taking it or mailing it to your local county or tribal human services office. You cannot sign up online.
When They’re a Good Option
If you or your spouse (or your parents, if you’re under 26) don’t have jobs where the employer will provide you with private health coverage, the public health care options listed here are your best bet. If you have very low income and assets, you may qualify for MA. If your income and assets are a bit higher, you may still qualify for MinnesotaCare. If you are working and have a disability, you will likely qualify for MA-EPD. They can also help if your private health coverage doesn’t cover some of your medical expenses.
Read more about MA, MA-EPD, and MinnesotaCare in DB101’s section on Health Care Coverage.
Medicare
Medicare is another public health program, but it is run by the federal government, not by the state. While you work, some of the money you earn automatically comes out of your paycheck and goes into a Medicare fund. If you become disabled and start getting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you will start getting Medicare 2 years after your SSDI benefit begins.
What It Provides
Medicare has different “parts” that each help pay for your medical care.
- Medicare Part A helps pay for medical care you get while you’re in a hospital.
- Medicare Part B helps pay for medical care you get outside of a hospital, like when you go to the doctor.
- Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is a way to get Part A, B, and sometimes Part D coverage through private companies.
- Medicare Part D helps pay for prescription drugs.
Each Medicare part has different rules for how you sign up, how much you have to pay in premiums or copayments, which medical costs it helps with, and how much of the costs it will help pay for.
How You Get It
People with disabilities get Medicare after being on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months. SSDI provides income for people have worked and earned enough work credits to qualify, but who can no longer work because of a disability. Once you’ve been getting SSDI for 2 years, you automatically qualify to get Medicare and will begin to get coverage without having to fill out an application.
In the two years before you qualify for Medicare, you’ll need to get coverage through one of the other health coverage options introduced in this article.
When It’s a Good Option
Medicare is always a good option if you qualify. Often it can also be combined with other programs, such as Medical Assistance (MA), so that your share of expenses is lower.
Read more about Medicare in DB101’s Medicare article.
Getting Cash Benefits
There are several important benefits programs that can supply you with income support when your disability limits your ability to work. Your work history, financial situation, and medical condition will impact which cash benefits you qualify for. These are the main options:
- Short-Term Disability Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Workers’ Compensation
These programs will be introduced briefly here. For more detailed information about them, see DB101’s section about Cash Benefits.
What they offer
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance replace some of your income if an injury or illness prevents you from working. Unlike Workers’ Compensation, to get benefits through disability insurance, your injury or illness does not need to be work-related. The amount of money you get each month and the length of time that you get benefits depends on your insurance plan.
- While you work, some of the money you earn automatically comes out of your paycheck and goes into a Social Security fund. If you have to stop working because of your disability, Social Security will take money from this fund and pay you a monthly cash benefit called Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
- If you have a disability, don’t have enough money for your basic needs, don’t have much income, and have limited assets, you may be able to get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a monthly cash benefit. Many people who qualify for SSI also qualify for Medical Assistance (MA), Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA), and SNAP.
- Workers’ Compensation is a type of insurance that supplies you with benefits if you become injured or disabled while you’re at work. All employers are required to supply you with this insurance. Generally speaking, most progressive disabilities are not caused by work, but if you were injured at work, you may still be entitled to Workers’ Compensation for expenses related to that injury.
How you get them
- To get private disability insurance benefits, you must be covered by a Short-Term Disability Insurance or Long-Term Disability Insurance plan. Common ways you may be covered are through your job or through other groups you may be a member of, such as a trade union, alumni organization, or other professional organization.
- You can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) online, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY), or by visiting your local Social Security office.
- You can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at your local Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY). If you need help applying for SSI, contact a Social Security Advocate.
- If you become injured at work, you need to notify your supervisor or Human Resources department as soon as possible. You should do so in writing (a letter or email), so that there is a record that you reported your work-related injury or disability. Your employer will then report your injury to the Workers’ Compensation insurance company.
When they’re a good option
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance are always good options, if you are covered. The biggest problem is that most people don’t know about it and so often are not covered. Read more about private disability insurance in DB101’s Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance article.
- SSDI is a great benefit for anybody who qualifies. The benefits can begin when you have had a qualifying disability for 5 months. Also, you automatically become eligible for Medicare health coverage after getting SSDI for 2 years. To learn more about SSDI, read DB101’s SSDI article.
- SSI can be a huge help for you if you have low income and low assets. As with SSDI, to get this benefit, your disability must meet Social Security’s adult definition of disability. To learn more about SSI, read DB101’s article on SSI.
- Workers’ Compensation is important if you have an injury that happened at your work. If you have a disability that prevents you from working that was not caused by your work accident, you will not get Workers’ Compensation benefits. To read an excellent guide to Workers’ Compensation in Minnesota, click here (PDF).
Don't Confuse SSDI and SSI
The Social Security Administration (SSA) runs 2 different important programs for people with disabilities:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays cash benefits to people who have worked long enough and paid into its insurance system before they became disabled.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays cash benefits to people with disabilities who have low incomes and low assets.
You may qualify for one or both of these programs.
Learn more
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Understand the key laws that protect you from discrimination.
Job Supports and Accommodations
Learn about reasonable accommodations and programs that help make work possible.
Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD)
For people with disabilities who work. No income limit.
Progressive Disability
Try It
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find help?

Independent living centers are one of the most important resources that can help you. Your local independent living center has information about all aspects of living with a disability, including housing, transportation, personal attendant services, employment, education, and benefits. The Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living can help you find an independent living center near you.
Also, Disability Hub MN at 1-866-333-2466 links Minnesotans with disabilities to information and community resources to stay independent, support work, and explore benefits. The Hub helps people with all types of disabilities, including health conditions, drug or alcohol problems, or mental health needs. The Hub is statewide, free, and private (confidential).
Disability Hub MN specializes in disability questions related to:
- Work and work planning
- Benefits and services
- Housing
- Accessibility
- Assistive technology
- In-Home services
- Disability rights
You can also use MinnesotaHelp.info to find social services near you, from benefits applications to job counseling.
When should I apply for disability benefits?

You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you think you need them. Remember, it can take a long time to get the benefits, so don’t wait. Deciding when to apply for disability benefits can be an important part of what you and your doctor discuss. Once your disability starts progressing to the point where it affects your work or other areas of your life, you should apply for disability benefits.
How do I apply for disability benefits?

If you are working, you should talk to your employer’s Human Resources department to find out how to apply for any private disability benefit that’s available through your employer.
If you need to apply for Social Security disability benefits you should contact the Social Security Administration. You may be able to apply online, over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY), or you can visit your local Social Security office and apply in person.
You can apply for Minnesota public health programs, such as Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare online at MNsure.
Note: The only way you can apply for Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) is by filling out the Minnesota Health Care Programs Application for Certain Populations and taking it or mailing it to your local county or tribal human services office. You cannot sign up online.
If you have questions or need more information, Chat with a Hub expert.
What is Social Security’s definition of disability?

To get benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Social Security has to consider you to be disabled. For Social Security to consider you to be disabled, you must:
- Have a physical or mental condition that can be verified by medical records
- The condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or to result in death
- The condition must limit your ability to work and earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level.
To learn more, read the DB101 article on SSDI.
What’s the difference between SSA, SSI, and SSDI?

Social Security has 3 different acronyms that are easy to get confused:
- The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the federal agency that administers all Social Security programs and Medicare.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that pays a cash benefit for people who have low incomes and are disabled, blind, or at least 65 years old. SSI is based on a person’s financial need, not their work history.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that pays cash benefits when you can't work because of a disability. You have to have worked in recent years and paid payroll taxes for a certain amount of time to be eligible for SSDI.
What’s the difference between MA, MA-EPD, and MinnesotaCare?

Medical Assistance (MA), MinnesotaCare, and Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) are all public programs that help pay medical expenses for people who are disabled, young, elderly, pregnant, or who have low income. If you qualify, these programs will help pay for your visits to the doctor, hospital stays, prescription drugs, medical equipment, and other medical services, though the exact services they pay for may vary. You may need to pay a small copayment for some services.
There are a couple of major differences between these programs:
- They have different income limits and asset limits. Depending on your situation, it may be easier for you to qualify for one of these programs or the other.
- You have to pay a monthly premium to get MinnesotaCare or MA-EPD, while MA has no premium.
You can apply for all of them on MNsure.
When should I talk to my employer about my disability?

It depends on your situation. You may feel uncomfortable talking about personal information with your employer or fear discrimination. On the other hand, telling your employer about your disability might be necessary for you to stay in your job as long as you can, and it may open up possibilities you didn’t know about. Only you can decide if or when to tell your employer about your disability.
Here are some things to think about when making that decision:
- What and how do you want to tell your employer about your disability?
- What are the risks and benefits of telling your employer that you have a disability?
- How will your disability affect your job performance now and in the future?
- What will you need to be able to stay in your job as long as possible?
The only time you are required to tell your employer about your disability is when you request a reasonable accommodation. If you do not need a reasonable accommodation now, but think you may need one in the future, you can wait until you need the accommodation before you disclose your disability.
To learn more about disclosing your disability, click here.
What things can I ask for that can help me keep working? 

Things like extra breaks in the work day, alternative work schedules, screen readers, headphones, lower shelves, and parking close to the entrance are all examples of reasonable accommodations that your employer may be able to offer.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) require employers to offer reasonable accommodations to assure that people who have disabilities have the same employment opportunities as people who do not have disabilities. You should talk to your employer if you think you need an accommodation.
Are there resources to help me explore other jobs that might fit better with my changing needs?

Yes. First, you may want to talk to your employer to find out if there are other jobs within your company or agency that might better fit your needs.
If you have a disability, places like Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) and CareerForce locations can help you prepare for, find and keep a job, and live as independently as possible. With the right kind of training, preparation, and workplace accommodations, you can find the right job that fits your needs. For more information on employment resources, see DB101's Finding the Right Job for You section or if you have questions Chat with a Hub expert.
Learn more
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Understand the key laws that protect you from discrimination.
Job Supports and Accommodations
Learn about reasonable accommodations and programs that help make work possible.
Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD)
For people with disabilities who work. No income limit.
Progressive Disability
Try It
Common Pitfalls
Not planning for changes
Planning for your future is important. Even though your condition might not be “disabling” today, what will it be like in 1 year or in 5 years? Will you be able to keep your current job? Are there things you or your employer can do to help you stay in your job longer? Will you need Short-Term Disability Insurance (STD) or Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD)? Do you have health care coverage and will it pay for the things you need? If you can’t stay in your current job, what other work might you be able to do? What type of training or education will you need to make a change? All of these are important questions to answer. You will need to talk to your doctors or therapists, your employer, and other training and employment resources to find the answers.
If your disability makes it hard for you to keep your job, you may be eligible for counseling, training, job skills, and job placement services through Vocational Rehabilitation.
You can also Chat with a Hub expert.
Not knowing what help is available
There are many resources available to help people with disabilities. It is important to learn about things like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Short-Term Disability Insurance (STD) benefits, Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD) benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, employer-based health care insurance, Medical Assistance (MA), and other benefits you may need.
The first place to start, if you’re working, is with your employer’s Human Resources department. They will be able to give you information on any benefits that are available through your employer. For information on other disability benefits, check out DB101's Programs section. You can also go to Bridge to Benefits to learn about qualifying for other benefits.
Not keeping complete records
Before you are on disability benefits, it is a good idea to keep good, detailed records about your health care, your income, and your expenses. When you are on disability benefits, keeping good records is even more important. You will need information about your condition, your health care needs, your income, and your expenses when you apply for disability benefits.
This means that you need to:
- Keep track of your medical appointments and the outcomes
- Keep copies of any letters or emails you get from your insurance company, Social Security, or the county
- Keep records of phone conversations, including the date and time you made or got phone calls and the name of the person you talked to
Basing decisions on misinformation
We often rely on the experience of others to understand how to deal with similar situations. However, this doesn’t always work with disability benefits. What is true for your neighbors about their benefits is not necessarily going to be true for you, even if you face similar circumstances. Benefits programs are different for each person, based on things like:
- Your work history
- How much you earn
- What you own
- How disabling your condition is
- How clearly you report the details of your condition to your medical provider
- How well your medical provider understands or documents these details
- What benefits an employer offers
- What benefits you have purchased on your own
To be sure the information you get about disability benefits is accurate and complete, Chat with a Hub expert.
Not talking to your employer about reasonable accommodations
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to offer reasonable accommodations to assure that people who have disabilities have the same employment opportunities as people who do not have disabilities.
Things like extra breaks during the work day, alternative work schedules, screen readers, headphones, lower shelves, and parking close to the entrance are all examples of accommodations that your employer may be able to offer. You should talk to your employer about accommodations you need now or in the future.
Confusing Social Security program names
Social Security has 3 different acronyms that are easy to get confused:
- The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the federal agency that administers all Social Security programs and Medicare.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that pays cash benefits for people who have low incomes and are disabled, blind, or at least 65 years old. SSI is based on a person’s financial need, not their work history.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that pays cash benefits when you can't work because of a disability. You have to have worked in recent years and paid payroll taxes for a certain amount of time to be eligible for SSDI.
Learn more
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Understand the key laws that protect you from discrimination.
Job Supports and Accommodations
Learn about reasonable accommodations and programs that help make work possible.
Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD)
For people with disabilities who work. No income limit.
Progressive Disability
Try It
Next Steps
Talk to Your Employer
Having a disability doesn’t mean you have to quit working. It is important to know your options before making a decision about leaving your job. If you think you need a reasonable accommodation, talk to your employer's Human Resources department. With the right supports, you may be able to keep working. You can learn more about reasonable accommodations at the Job Accommodation Network or at your local CareerForce location (or call them at 1-651-259-7501).
If you are thinking about leaving your job, talk to the Human Resources department about benefits you may be able to get, such as Short-term Disability Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, and Family Medical Leave.
Apply for Benefits
You can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):
- By calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
- At your local Social Security office
You can also apply for SSDI online. If you have an appointment with Social Security, it's a good idea to review the Disability Starter Kit to prepare.
You can apply for Minnesota health coverage programs, including MA:
- In person at your local county or tribal human services office.
- Filling out a paper application and faxing it in to 1-651-431-7750 or mailing to the address listed on the form.
- Online using MNsure.
The only way you can apply for Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) is by filling out the Minnesota Health Care Programs Application for Certain Populations and taking it or mailing it to your local county or tribal human services office. You cannot sign up online.
If you need help completing an application, contact your county or tribal human services office. MNsure Assisters can also help you with your application.
If you want to learn more about the types of benefits available, Benefits.gov has a helpful list of many different types of benefits, sorted by topic.
Bridge to Benefits is a useful tool that can help you figure out which of these programs you may qualify for.
Learn About Work and Benefits - Chat with a Hub expert!
When you have questions or need help, use Chat with a Hub expert. This feature connects you to a DB101 Expert using live chat, phone, or secure email. Anything you talk about is private.
- Understand your current benefits
- Get help using DB101.org
- Connect to resources
- Plan next steps
Free Legal Help
The Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC) provides free assistance to people with civil legal issues related to their disability. Call the MDLC Intake Line at 1-612-334-5970 (Twin Cities metro area), 1-800-292-4150 (Greater Minnesota), or 1-612-332-4668 (TTY).
Find Local Services
You can use MinnesotaHelp.info to find social services near you, from benefits applications to job counseling. |
![]() |
Try these searches:
Learn more
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Understand the key laws that protect you from discrimination.
Job Supports and Accommodations
Learn about reasonable accommodations and programs that help make work possible.
Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD)
For people with disabilities who work. No income limit.