The Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) program gives cash and medical assistance to some low-income people. The program is for persons who are 65 years or older, blind, or disabled and who need money. 

[no-lexicon]Asset Requirements[/no-lexicon]

DHS will decide if your assets, or property, are below the allowable limits for AABD cash assistance. You are not eligible if you own assets worth $2,000 or more. The asset limit is increased to $3,000 if you are living with a spouse or another dependent. The limit is further increased by $50 for each additional dependent.

DHS will not count certain assets. These are exempt assets, and include the following:

• The family home,
• Clothing, personal effects, and household furnishings (up to $2,000 total equity value),
• One automobile,
• Life insurance policies with a total face value of $1,500 or less, and all term life insurance policies,
• Burial spaces for the use of the adult, his or her spouse, and another immediate family member, and
• Funds set aside for the burial expenses of the adult and his or her spouse (up to a limit of $1,500 each).

Starting in May 2023, the asset limit for AABD medical assistance increased to $17,500. This limit applies regardless of the number of people in the household. 

Grant Amounts

DHS has set the minimum prices, called allowances, for certain kinds of needs. If your income does not meet these minimum living expenses, DHS will give you an AABD grant to make up the difference.

You may qualify for these allowances if you pay for these costs. DHS has set allowances for:

• housing,
• utilities,
• clothing,
• laundry,
• household supplies,
• personal essentials,
• food, and
• transit.

DHS then adds your sources of income. Certain payments do not count as income. For example, earned income tax credit and energy assistance payments do not count.

After adding up income from countable sources, DHS subtracts $25 from the total. If you work, DHS will subtract work-related other work-related expenses as income.

Your countable income is whatever is left after subtracting expenses.

The total needs allowances you qualify must be greater than your countable income. If so, you may receive an AABD cash grant.

Grant amounts vary based on income and needs, but the minimum payment is $1. Payments rarely exceed $70 if the person is receiving SSI.

Your eligibility for AABD cash assistance will be reevaluated every 6 months. To avoid an overpayment, make sure to fill out any redetermination forms that are mailed to you and report any changes in income or assets within 10 days.