Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Benefits in Connecticut

To qualify for federal disability benefits with COPD, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your COPD must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA uses a medical listing for chronic respiratory disorders (Listing 3.02) to evaluate COPD. If your condition matches or is as severe as the listing, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you generally cannot qualify for disability benefits unless you are blind or have special work incentives[3][5].

In Connecticut, you may also qualify for state-specific programs if you have COPD. The Aid to Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) program provides cash assistance to supplement income for those with disabilities. As of January 1, 2025, Connecticut will not count the federal Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) as income when determining AABD eligibility, which helps maintain benefits for recipients[1]. You must meet financial and medical criteria set by the Department of Social Services (DSS). Connecticut also offers Medicaid waivers, such as the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver, which can provide home and community-based services for adults with severe disabilities, including those with COPD who meet the criteria[2]. These waivers help people stay in their homes instead of institutions. To qualify, you must meet technical, procedural, and financial requirements of the Medicaid program.

• Check if you meet SSA’s disability criteria for COPD.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or by phone.
• Apply for Connecticut state benefits online at connect.ct.gov or by calling 1-855-6-CONNECT.
• Contact DSS for Medicaid waivers and cash assistance programs.

• Review the SSA’s disability criteria for COPD at ssa.gov. Make sure your condition meets or equals the medical listing for chronic respiratory disorders.
• Collect all necessary documents, including medical records, proof of income, and work history.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov or by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. You can also visit a local SSA office.
• For Connecticut state benefits, apply online at connect.ct.gov or call 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632). This covers programs like AABD, Medicaid, and food assistance.
• If you need home and community-based services, contact DSS to apply for Medicaid waivers such as the ABI Waiver. You can reach DSS at 1-855-6-CONNECT or visit a regional office.
• Submit all required forms and documentation. Follow up with SSA and DSS as needed.
• If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Seek help from legal aid organizations if needed[4].

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly cash payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Eligibility is based on financial need and medical criteria.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly benefits to people with disabilities who have a work history and have paid Social Security taxes. Eligibility is based on work credits and medical criteria.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and asset requirements. Medicaid can cover medical care, prescription drugs, and long-term services and supports.
• Medicare: Available to people who receive SSDI for 24 months or more. Covers hospital and medical services.
• Medicaid Waivers: Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities who would otherwise need institutional care[3][5].

• Aid to Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD): Provides cash assistance to supplement income for those with disabilities. As of January 1, 2025, Connecticut will not count the federal COLA as income for AABD eligibility, which helps maintain benefits for recipients[1].
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs like the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver offer home and community-based services for adults with severe disabilities, including those with COPD who meet the criteria. These waivers help people stay in their homes instead of institutions[2].
• Personal Services Program: Provides grants for personal assistants to help people with severe disabilities live independently.
• Family Support Grant Program: Offers subsidies to families raising children with developmental disabilities.
• State Supplement Program: Provides cash assistance to supplement income for the aged, blind, or disabled[2].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. In Connecticut, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as housing, education, and transportation. Contributions are limited to $18,000 per year in 2025. Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed[3].

For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Connecticut may have higher limits for state programs like AABD. The state disregards the federal COLA increase for AABD eligibility, which can help maintain benefits for recipients[1]. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620 per month in 2025) unless you have special work incentives[3][5].

If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA and DSS promptly. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties. If you have an overpayment, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Seek help from legal aid organizations if needed[4].

• Connecticut Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632)

  TTY: 1-800-842-4524

  Website

  For questions about state benefits, Medicaid waivers, and cash assistance.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For questions about SSI, SSDI, and federal disability benefits.

• Can I get disability benefits for COPD in Connecticut?

  Yes, if your COPD is severe enough to meet SSA’s disability criteria, you can qualify for SSI or SSDI. Connecticut also offers state programs like AABD and Medicaid waivers for those with disabilities.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Connecticut?

  You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or by phone. For state benefits, apply online at connect.ct.gov or call 1-855-6-CONNECT. Contact DSS for Medicaid waivers and cash assistance programs.

• What is the income limit for disability benefits in Connecticut?

  For SSI in 2025, the federal limit is $943 per month for an individual. Connecticut may have higher limits for state programs. The state disregards the federal COLA increase for AABD eligibility.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for COPD?

  Yes, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,620 per month in 2025). Special work incentives allow you to keep benefits while working. Report any changes in income to SSA and DSS.

• What is the AABD program in Connecticut?

  AABD provides cash assistance to supplement income for those with disabilities. As of January 1, 2025, Connecticut will not count the federal COLA as income for AABD eligibility, which helps maintain benefits for recipients.

• What are Medicaid waivers in Connecticut?

  Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities who would otherwise need institutional care. Programs like the ABI Waiver help people with severe disabilities stay in their homes.