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Louisiana • Chronic Illness
People with asthma in Louisiana may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and SNAP. 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 for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at how your asthma affects your ability to do basic work tasks, such as walking, standing, or breathing. You must also meet income and asset limits for SSI, and work credit requirements for SSDI. Medical records showing your diagnosis, treatment, and how asthma limits your daily life are required. The SSA uses a list of impairments called the Blue Book, and asthma is listed under respiratory disorders. If your asthma is not listed, you may still qualify if it is equally severe.
Source: SSA.gov, How to Qualify for Disability Benefits
In Louisiana, people with asthma may qualify for Medicaid waivers that provide home and community-based services for chronic illnesses. These waivers can help with personal care, therapy, and support services. Louisiana also offers state-funded emergency SNAP assistance for households with the elderly, disabled, or children during federal government shutdowns. If you have asthma and are disabled, you may be eligible for this aid. The state also provides vocational rehabilitation and employment support for people with disabilities, including those with chronic illnesses like asthma. To qualify for state programs, you must meet both medical and financial criteria set by the Louisiana Department of Health and the Governor's Office of Disability Affairs.
Source: Louisiana Department of Health, Medicaid Waivers, Governor's Office of Disability Affairs (accessed 2025-11-05)
Source: Louisiana Department of Health, Medicaid Waivers, Governor's Office of Disability Affairs, Social Security Administration (accessed 2025-11-05)
Source: SSA.gov, Medicaid.gov, Medicare.gov, Medicaid.gov, Medicare.gov (accessed 2025-11-05)
Source: Louisiana Department of Health, Medicaid Waivers, Governor's Office of Disability Affairs, Disability Rights Louisiana (accessed 2025-11-05)
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Louisiana, you can open an ABLE account through the state's ABLE program. The account can be used for things like medical care, housing, education, and transportation. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits, and the funds grow tax-free. To open an account, visit the Louisiana ABLE program website or contact the state's ABLE office.
Source: Louisiana ABLE Program (accessed 2025-11-05)
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but your earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025. Medicaid and SNAP have their own income limits, which vary by household size and state rules. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to check your eligibility.
Source: SSA.gov, Medicaid.gov, SNAP, Medicaid.gov, SNAP (accessed 2025-11-05)
If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. This is called an overpayment. To avoid overpayments, report any changes in your income, living situation, or disability status to the SSA and state agencies. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. For more information, see the guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Source: SSA.gov, Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes, Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-05)
During federal government shutdowns, Louisiana provides emergency SNAP assistance for households with the elderly, disabled, or children. If you have asthma and are disabled, you may be eligible for this aid.
The SSA offers work incentives like the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility. These allow you to test work without losing benefits if your earnings are below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit.
Yes, asthma can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must provide medical records showing your diagnosis, treatment, and how asthma limits your daily life.
Louisiana offers Medicaid waivers for chronic illness support, emergency SNAP aid for disabled households, and vocational rehabilitation services. These programs can help with medical care, food, and job training.
Gather medical records, check income limits, and apply for SSI/SSDI online or in person. Contact the Louisiana Department of Health for Medicaid waivers and SNAP. For vocational rehab, contact Louisiana Rehabilitation Services.
The federal SSI income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Medicaid and SNAP have their own income limits, which vary by household size.
Yes, you can work and still get disability benefits if your earnings are below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for disability-related expenses. In Louisiana, you can use it for medical care, housing, education, and transportation without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
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.
Report changes in income, living situation, or disability status to the SSA and state agencies online, by phone, or in person. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits accurate.
If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Contact the SSA or state agency for help with the process.
Yes, the SSA offers work incentives like the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility. These allow you to test work without losing benefits if your earnings are below the SGA limit.
Contact Disability Rights Louisiana, the Governor's Office of Disability Affairs, or the Louisiana Department of Health for help with your application and support services.
