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Louisiana • Chronic Illness
Louisiana residents with cancer may qualify for state and federal disability benefits, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide covers eligibility, application steps, and key programs for cancer patients and survivors in Louisiana.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI with cancer, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability, which typically means your condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death and prevents you from working. For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, 20 earned in the last 10 years before the disability began[5]. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs have strict medical and non-medical eligibility rules. To see if you qualify, use the SSI Income Estimator tool on this site.
Louisiana provides additional help for vulnerable groups—including people with disabilities such as cancer—during federal benefit disruptions. Starting November 1, 2025, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is offering temporary state-funded emergency SNAP (food) assistance for households with the elderly, disabled, or children if federal SNAP is unavailable[1]. Able-bodied adults living alone do not qualify for this emergency aid[1]. Regular Louisiana Medicaid eligibility for adults with cancer follows federal poverty guidelines and state rules. For state-funded supports, contact the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs for the latest Louisiana disability policies[6].
Start your application for cancer disability benefits in Louisiana:
Step-by-step guide to applying for disability benefits in Louisiana:
Federal programs available to Louisiana residents with cancer:
Learn about SSI vs SSDI and SSI & SSDI Work Incentives in our guides.
Louisiana state programs and supports for cancer patients:
State-specific information is limited; start here: Louisiana Department of Health and Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs.
Louisiana offers ABLE accounts to help residents with disabilities, including cancer, save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. ABLE accounts allow up to $17,000 per year in tax-free deposits. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation.
SSI has strict income and asset limits; in 2025, the federal SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals[4]. SSI cash benefits are reduced as your income rises. Louisiana Medicaid also has income and asset limits—check current guidelines each year.
Always report changes in income, health, or household to SSA and Louisiana Medicaid. Failure to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide has step-by-step advice.
Louisiana is providing temporary state-funded SNAP emergency assistance to eligible households with elderly, disabled, or children if federal SNAP benefits are interrupted. Able-bodied adults without dependents are not eligible for this aid[1].
You can work while receiving SSDI—there are special rules for the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals[4]. If you earn less, your benefits continue. Visit our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for details.
Yes, through work incentives like the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility. You can test your ability to work for nine months without losing SSDI, and benefits continue if your earnings stay below the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025)[4].
Yes, Louisiana temporarily provides state-funded SNAP emergency assistance to households with elderly, disabled, or children if federal benefits are disrupted. Eligible recipients receive regular updates directly from the Louisiana Department of Health[1].
Medicaid is state-run, for low-income residents, and may include extra services via waivers. Medicare is federal, available after 24 months on SSDI, and covers hospital and doctor visits. Some people qualify for both. See our Medicaid vs Medicare guide for details.
Most disability programs in Louisiana cover all qualifying conditions, including cancer. The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs advocates for all disabilities, and Medicaid may cover cancer-related treatments and supports[6].
ABLE accounts let you save up to $17,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid. Funds can pay for qualified disability expenses, offering more financial flexibility for medical and daily living costs.
Disclaimer: This information is accurate as of publication and is not legal advice. Eligibility and benefits may change. Always confirm details with official agencies directly.
You can appeal the decision. Many applications are approved on appeal. Contact a legal aid organization or disability advocate in Louisiana for help with the appeals process.
Apply online, by phone at 1-888-342-6207, or in person. Provide proof of income, residency, and disability. Ask about Medicaid waivers for additional home care or services.
Medical expenses may reduce your countable income for SSI and Medicaid, potentially helping you qualify. Always report all medical bills and changes to your health status.
Some people with limited income and work history may qualify for both, a situation called "concurrent benefits." Your local Social Security office can help determine your eligibility.
Contact local Legal Aid, the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs, or Louisiana Medicaid. Local nonprofit agencies may also offer application assistance and advocacy[6].
