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Indiana • Chronic Illness
If you have severe asthma in Indiana, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI, as well as state programs for income, healthcare, and support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked enough years and paid Social Security taxes. Your asthma must be severe enough to stop you from doing any substantial work for at least 12 months. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you do not need work history, but your income and resources must be low. Both programs require a medical review to prove your disability meets federal rules [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, 2025-11-05].
In Indiana, the state agency reviews your medical records to decide if your asthma is disabling. If you are approved for SSDI or SSI, you may also qualify for Indiana Medicaid and other state benefits. Indiana’s programs look at how your asthma affects your ability to work or learn. If you are a child, Indiana may provide extra support through schools and health programs. Adults with asthma may be referred to vocational rehab if they want to try working [in.gov/fssa/disability-services/disability-determination-bureau, 2025-11-05].
Federal programs for asthma include SSDI (if you have a work history) and SSI (if you have low income). Both provide monthly payments and access to Medicare or Medicaid. Children with severe asthma may qualify for SSI if their condition meets federal rules [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, 2025-11-05].
Indiana offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including asthma, to help with home care, therapy, and other services. The state also has a disability determination bureau that reviews medical records for federal benefits. Indiana’s vocational rehab program can help adults with asthma find work or training. State employees may qualify for short- and long-term disability benefits if they cannot work due to asthma [in.gov/fssa/disability-services/disability-determination-bureau, 2025-11-05; in.gov/spd/benefits/disability-and-workers-compensation, 2025-11-05].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Indiana residents can open an ABLE account to pay for medical costs, education, or other needs related to asthma. Learn more about Indiana ABLE accounts and how to apply [ssa.gov/programs/able, 2025-11-05].
For 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for SSDI is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals. This means you can earn up to this amount and still keep your SSDI benefits. SSI has different income limits based on your living situation and other factors [disabilitylawgroup.com/blog/2025-ssdi-proposed-changes-and-how-they-could-impact-you, 2025-11-05; parmeledisability.com/blog/social-security/social-security-disability-changes-for-2025, 2025-11-05].
If your income or health changes, you must report it to Social Security. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/reporting-changes.html, 2025-11-05].
Call the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau at 800-622-4968 for help with your disability claim. You can also visit your local SSA office for support.
Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Indiana’s state agency will review your medical records to decide if you meet the rules.
For 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to be $1,530 per month. This means you can earn up to this amount and still keep SSDI benefits if you have asthma.
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. Indiana’s Disability Determination Bureau will review your medical records for federal benefits.
Yes, if you qualify for SSI, you may get Indiana Medicaid. If not, you can apply for Medicaid through the state’s health portal. Medicaid can help pay for asthma care and medications.
Medicaid waivers in Indiana can help people with asthma get home care, therapy, and other services not covered by regular Medicaid. Ask your caseworker about waiver programs for chronic illnesses.
Yes, you can work and still get benefits if your earnings are below the SGA limit. Indiana’s vocational rehab program can help you find work that fits your health needs.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
You need medical records, doctor’s notes, and test results that show your asthma is severe and stops you from working. Indiana’s state agency may ask for more tests or information.
It can take several months to get a decision. Indiana’s state agency may take 6–8 months to review your medical records and decide if you qualify.
Yes, children with severe asthma may qualify for SSI if their condition meets federal rules. Indiana’s state agency will review medical and school records to decide.
Indiana offers vocational rehab, Medicaid waivers, and state disability programs for people with asthma. You may also qualify for ABLE accounts to save for medical costs.
