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Louisiana • Speech/Language
People with aphasia in Louisiana may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, state Medicaid waivers, and emergency food assistance. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. For aphasia, this means your condition must severely limit your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You generally need to have earned enough work credits for SSDI, or have limited income and resources for SSI. The Social Security Administration reviews medical records, work history, and how your aphasia affects daily life and work. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. If your earnings are below this, you may still qualify for benefits[2][3][6][7].
In Louisiana, people with aphasia may qualify for Medicaid waivers that provide home and community-based services, such as speech therapy and personal care. The state also offers emergency food assistance through SNAP for households with elderly, disabled, or children members. Able-bodied adults without these household members do not receive state-funded SNAP in November 2025 due to the federal shutdown. The Governor's Office of Disability Affairs and Disability Rights Louisiana provide advocacy and support for people with disabilities, including those with aphasia. State programs may have additional eligibility requirements, such as residency and income limits[1][4][5].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Louisiana, you can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, and transportation. Contributions are limited, and there are annual and lifetime limits. Check with the Louisiana ABLE program for details[3].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit of $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. Medicaid and SNAP have their own income and resource limits, which vary by program and household size[2][3][6][7].
If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Louisiana Department of Health. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for help with reporting[3].
Due to the federal shutdown, Louisiana is providing state-funded SNAP benefits for households with elderly, disabled, or children members in November 2025. Able-bodied adults without these household members do not receive state-funded SNAP[1].
Yes, aphasia can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. You must show that your aphasia severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Medical records are required[6][7].
To apply for Medicaid waivers in Louisiana, contact the Louisiana Department of Health. These waivers provide home and community-based services, such as speech therapy and personal care. You will need to meet income and disability requirements[4].
In November 2025, Louisiana is providing state-funded SNAP benefits for households with elderly, disabled, or children members. Able-bodied adults without these household members do not receive state-funded SNAP. Apply through the Louisiana Department of Health[1].
Yes, you can work and still get disability benefits if your earnings are below the SGA limit of $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. The Social Security Administration offers work incentives, such as the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility[3].
The Governor's Office of Disability Affairs provides advocacy, support, and information about state disability programs and services. They can help you navigate benefits and resolve issues related to disability[5].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify eligibility and requirements with official agencies.
Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Louisiana Department of Health. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for help with reporting[3].
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use it for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, and transportation. Check with the Louisiana ABLE program for details[3].
SSI is for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. SSDI is for people with disabilities who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both provide monthly cash payments, but eligibility requirements differ[6][7].
Contact the Social Security Administration, Louisiana Department of Health, or the Governor's Office of Disability Affairs for help with applying for benefits. Disability Rights Louisiana also offers legal advocacy and support[4][5].
If you earn above the SGA limit, your benefits may be suspended or terminated. The Social Security Administration offers work incentives, such as the Extended Period of Eligibility, to help you transition back to work[3].
