Illinois • Chronic Illness

Asthma Benefits in Illinois: Eligibility, Programs & How to Apply

If you have asthma in Illinois, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, and special programs for workers with disabilities. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.

Asthma can qualify for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid if it severely limits your ability to work.
Illinois offers Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) for those working but needing Medicaid.
You can keep Medicaid while working if you qualify for HBWD or other work incentives.
Income limits for SSI and Medicaid vary; check current 2025 amounts.
Contact Illinois agencies or Social Security for help applying.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-05

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Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, and meet the work credit requirements (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years)[^6].
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your asthma must cause marked and severe functional limitations that prevent you from doing substantial work[^3].
In 2025, the SSI income limit for a single person is $967 per month, and for a couple, it is $1,450 per month[^7].
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for non-blind individuals in 2025 is $1,620 per month; if you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSI or SSDI[^3].
Your asthma must be documented by a doctor and meet Social Security’s definition of disability[^6].

In Illinois, you may qualify for Medicaid if your asthma is severe enough to limit your ability to work and you meet income and asset requirements[^1].
The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program allows people with disabilities who are working to keep Medicaid coverage. For 2025, a single person can earn up to $4,393 per month and a couple up to $5,962 per month and still qualify for HBWD[^1].
HBWD allows up to $25,000 in assets, which is higher than most Medicaid programs[^1].
If you are under 18 and have asthma, your family’s income and resources may be considered for SSI eligibility[^3].
Illinois also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can provide additional services and supports[^8].

How to apply in Illinois

Gather medical records showing your asthma diagnosis and how it limits your ability to work.
Check your income and resources to see if you meet SSI or Medicaid limits.
Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person.
For Medicaid or HBWD, apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) or online at the Illinois Benefits Portal.
Contact local agencies for help with the application process.

Step 1: Get a complete medical evaluation from your doctor. Make sure your records show how asthma affects your daily activities and ability to work.
Step 2: Review your income and resources. Compare them to the current SSI and Medicaid limits for Illinois[^7][^1].
Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI. You can apply online at ssa.gov, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local office[^6].
Step 4: Apply for Medicaid or HBWD. You can apply online at the Illinois Benefits Portal, by phone, or in person at an IDHS office[^1].
Step 5: If you are working, ask about work incentives like HBWD, which lets you keep Medicaid while working[^1].
Step 6: If you need help, contact the Illinois Department of Human Services, The Arc of Illinois, or a local disability advocate[^5][^4].
Step 7: Report any changes in your income, resources, or health to Social Security or IDHS to avoid overpayments[^7].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and now have a disability that prevents them from working[^6].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources[^3].
Medicare: If you get SSDI, you may qualify for Medicare after 24 months[^5].
Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and resource requirements[^5].

Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD): Allows people with disabilities who are working to keep Medicaid coverage. Income limits are higher than regular Medicaid, and you can have up to $25,000 in assets[^1].
Medicaid Waivers: Provide additional services and supports for people with disabilities, including those with asthma[^8].
SNAP (Food Stamps): Provides food assistance to people with disabilities who meet income requirements[^5].
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): Provides cash assistance to families with children, including those with disabilities[^5].
Illinois ABLE Accounts: Allow people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits[^9].

Money & Banking

IL ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[^9].
You can contribute up to $18,000 per year to an ABLE account in 2025[^9].
Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related expenses[^9].

SSI: $967/month for individuals, $1,450/month for couples (2025)[^7].
HBWD: $4,393/month for individuals, $5,962/month for couples (2025)[^1].
SGA limit for SSI/SSDI: $1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700/month for blind (2025)[^3].

Report any changes in income, resources, or health to Social Security or IDHS as soon as possible to avoid overpayments[^7].
If you receive an overpayment, contact Social Security or IDHS to set up a repayment plan[^7].
Keep records of all income and expenses related to your disability benefits[^7].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services or The Arc of Illinois for free help with your application.

Contacts

Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
Phone: 1-800-843-6154
Website
For Medicaid, HBWD, and other state benefits.
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Website
For SSI, SSDI, and Medicare.
The Arc of Illinois
Phone: 312-432-0600
Email: [email protected]
Website
For advocacy and support.

FAQs

Can I get disability benefits for asthma in Illinois?
Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to limit your ability to work and meet Social Security’s definition of disability, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid in Illinois[^6][^1].
How much can I earn and still get disability benefits in Illinois?
For SSI, you can earn up to $967/month as an individual in 2025. For HBWD, you can earn up to $4,393/month as an individual and keep Medicaid[^7][^1].
What is the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program?
HBWD is an Illinois program that lets people with disabilities who are working keep Medicaid coverage, even if their income is higher than regular Medicaid limits[^1].
How do I apply for disability benefits for asthma in Illinois?
Apply for SSI or SSDI through Social Security, and for Medicaid or HBWD through the Illinois Department of Human Services. You can apply online, by phone, or in person[^6][^1].
Can I work and still get disability benefits in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois has work incentives like HBWD that let you keep Medicaid while working. You can also earn up to the SGA limit and still get SSI or SSDI[^1][^3].
What medical records do I need for disability benefits in Illinois?
You need records from your doctor showing your asthma diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits your ability to work or do daily activities[^6].

Official resources

Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD)(state_agency)
Benefits For Children With Disabilities 2025(federal)
How Does Someone Become Eligible for Disability Benefits?(federal)

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

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