Disability Benefits and Help in Vermont

SSDI and SSI in Vermont

Social Security disability works the same in every state: SSA takes your application, and a state agency makes the medical decision. In Vermont, that agency is the Disability Determination Services (Vermont Department for Children and Families). In 2026, SSI pays up to $994 a month for an individual before any state supplement, and work above $1,690 a month generally rules out disability benefits.

Start with how to apply, SSDI vs SSI and the eligibility screener. To visit an office, find Social Security offices in Vermont on socialsecurityofficesnearme.com, the office finder from the same publisher.

Does Vermont Add to SSI?

Vermont's SSI state supplement is federally administered: SSA adds a state amount to the federal SSI payment, with levels that depend on living arrangement (independent living, Chittenden County, residential care levels III and IV, custodial family homes, living in another's household, and Medicaid institutions). SSA pays it together with your SSI.

Source: SSA. See how SSI works and the SSI calculator.

Paid Medical Leave in Vermont

Vermont has no temporary disability insurance, but Vermont Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) pays benefits for your own serious health condition. State employees July 2023; employer plans with benefits from July 1, 2024; individual purchase with benefits from July 1, 2025. Vermont Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) details

Compare every state program in state disability insurance.

Medicaid for People With Disabilities in Vermont

Vermont's Medicaid program is run by the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA), Green Mountain Care. The state has a 1634 agreement with SSA, so SSA makes the Medicaid decision for SSI recipients: when SSA approves your SSI, Medicaid generally follows. (SSA)

Working with a disability: Working People with Disabilities (WPWD) Program Named in a DVHA procedure document (P2421E, December 8, 2023); program details not read.

Home and Community Services in Vermont

• Choices for Care: People 65 or older, or 18 or older with a physical disability, who meet nursing home level of care
• Developmental Disabilities Home and Community Based Services: People with developmental disabilities (arranged through local Designated Agencies)
• Brain Injury Program: People with brain injuries
• Intensive Home and Community Based Treatment: Clinical eligibility determined by the Department of Mental Health

More on Medicaid for people with disabilities and getting paid as a family caregiver.

Vocational Rehabilitation in Vermont

Vermont's vocational rehabilitation agencies help people with disabilities prepare for, find and keep jobs:

• Vocational Rehabilitation Division
• Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (for people who are blind or visually impaired)

How it works: vocational rehabilitation.

Disability Rights Help in Vermont

Disability Rights Vermont is Vermont's protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities.

Know your rights: the ADA, accommodations at work, IEPs and 504 plans.

ABLE Accounts in Vermont

Vermont ABLE: Provides STABLE accounts to Vermont residents whose qualifying disability began before age 46. The Vermont State Treasurer promotes the program. In 2026 you can contribute up to $20,000 a year, and the disability must have started before age 46.

Details: ABLE accounts.

Disability Parking Placards in Vermont

Apply through the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles using Disabled Parking Placard application (form VD-120), with Universal Medical Evaluation/Progress Report (form VS-113). A new medical form is required every four years for placards and at every third registration renewal for plates (no more than every four years), unless the condition was certified permanent and stable.

How placards work everywhere: disability parking placards.

Vermont Disability Help: Common Questions