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Connecticut • Chronic Illness
If you have asthma in Connecticut, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, and state cash assistance. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your asthma must be severe enough to prevent you from working full time. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of medical conditions called the Blue Book. Asthma is listed under respiratory disorders. If your asthma is not listed, you may still qualify if it severely limits your ability to work. You must also meet income and asset limits for SSI. For SSDI, you need enough work credits. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for most people with disabilities, or $2,700 if you are blind. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for benefits. [^1]
Children with asthma may qualify for SSI if their condition is severe and meets SSA’s definition of disability. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may qualify for benefits based on a parent’s Social Security record. [^1]
In Connecticut, you may qualify for the State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled if you are 65 or older, or between 18 and 64 with a disability that meets Social Security’s criteria. You must have another source of income, such as Social Security, SSI, or Veterans benefits. Your net income must be below the state’s standard of living, and your assets cannot exceed $1,600 for an individual or $2,400 for a couple. If you own a home, a lien may be placed on it. People who get the State Supplement are also eligible for Medicaid. [^2]
Connecticut also offers Medicaid waivers and other programs for people with disabilities, including the Personal Services Program and the Acquired Brain Injury Waiver. These programs help people with severe disabilities stay in the community instead of institutions. [^3]
If you have asthma and want to apply for disability benefits in Connecticut, start by checking if you qualify for SSI, SSDI, or the State Supplement. You can apply online at www.connect.ct.gov, at a DSS regional office, or by calling the Benefit Center at 1-855-626-6632. You will need to provide medical records and proof of income. [^2]
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. In Connecticut, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. [^4]
For SSI in 2025, the asset limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For the State Supplement in Connecticut, the asset limit is $1,600 for an individual and $2,400 for a couple. [^2]
If your income or assets change, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to penalties or loss of benefits. [^2]
If you need help with your application, call the Connecticut Benefit Center at 1-855-626-6632 or visit a DSS regional office. Legal aid organizations can also help with questions.
Yes, asthma can qualify as a disability if it is severe enough to prevent you from working full time. You must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability and income and asset limits for SSI or SSDI. [^1]
The State Supplement is cash assistance for people with disabilities who also get Social Security, SSI, or Veterans benefits. It helps maintain a standard of living set by the state. [^2]
You can apply online at www.connect.ct.gov, at a DSS regional office, or by calling the Benefit Center at 1-855-626-6632. You will need to provide medical records and proof of income. [^2]
The asset limit is $1,600 for an individual and $2,400 for a couple. If you own a home, a lien may be placed on it. [^2]
Yes, people who get the State Supplement are also eligible for Medicaid. [^2]
SSI is for people with low income and assets. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both provide cash assistance for people with disabilities. [^1]
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most up-to-date eligibility and application rules.
Yes, children with severe asthma may qualify for SSI if they meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. [^1]
The Personal Services Program provides grants for personal assistants to help people with severe disabilities live in the community instead of institutions. [^3]
The Family Support Grant Program provides subsidies to families raising children with disabilities to help with extra expenses. [^3]
The Acquired Brain Injury Waiver is a Medicaid program for adults with acquired brain injury, not a developmental or degenerative disorder. It helps people live in the community instead of institutions. [^3]
