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Louisiana • Chronic Illness
If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Louisiana, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what help is available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked enough years and paid Social Security taxes. Your COPD must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of medical conditions called the Blue Book. COPD is listed under respiratory disorders. If your symptoms match the listing, you may qualify. If not, you can still apply if your condition limits your daily activities and work.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. You must be disabled, blind, or 65 or older. SSI helps cover basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. Both SSI and SSDI can be paid together if you meet the rules for each.
Medicaid is available for people with disabilities who have low income. It covers medical care, including COPD treatments and medications.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps with food costs. During federal shutdowns, Louisiana may provide emergency state-funded SNAP for vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities.
[Source: SSA.gov, Medicaid.gov, LDH.La.gov]
In Louisiana, people with COPD may qualify for state and federal disability programs. The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) manages Medicaid and SNAP. If you are disabled, you may get Medicaid even if you do not have children or are not elderly. You must meet income and asset limits.
During federal government shutdowns, Louisiana may provide emergency state-funded SNAP benefits for households with the elderly, disabled, or children. Able-bodied adults without dependents may not receive this aid. Unused SNAP benefits stay on your EBT card.
Louisiana also offers work incentives and support programs for people with disabilities. These include job training, counseling, and help with transportation. You can apply for these through the Louisiana Workforce Commission or Vocational Rehabilitation.
[Source: LDH.La.gov, Louisiana.gov, SSA.gov]
[Source: LDH.La.gov, Louisiana.gov, DCFS.La.Gov]
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like medical care, housing, and education. In Louisiana, you can open an ABLE account through the state program. Contributions are limited each year, and there are rules about how much you can have in the account.
[Source: ABLE.NationalResourceCenter.org]
Income limits for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and SNAP change each year. For 2025, the SSI federal benefit rate is $943 per month for an individual. The SSDI amount depends on your work history. Medicaid and SNAP have different limits based on household size and income. You can use the SSI Income Estimator tool to see if you qualify.
[Source: SSA.gov, Medicaid.gov, DCFS.La.Gov]
If you get more benefits than you should, it is called an overpayment. You must report changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to avoid overpayments. If you get an overpayment notice, you can ask for a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Always keep records of your reports and communications.
[Source: SSA.gov, DCFS.La.Gov]
If the federal government shuts down, Louisiana may provide emergency state-funded SNAP for households with the elderly, disabled, or children. Able-bodied adults without dependents may not receive this aid.
Yes, if you meet the rules for both programs. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. SSDI is for people with a work history. You can get both if you qualify for each.
You can apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office. For Medicaid and SNAP, apply online at Access Health Louisiana or DCFS.La.Gov.
You need a detailed report from your doctor showing your COPD diagnosis, test results, treatments, and how it limits your daily activities and work.
Yes, you can use work incentives like the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility. These let you test employment without losing benefits.
During a federal shutdown, Louisiana may provide emergency state-funded SNAP for households with the elderly, disabled, or children. SSI and SSDI payments may be delayed.
Report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to Social Security, Medicaid, and SNAP right away. You can do this online, by phone, or in person.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can use it for medical care, housing, and education.
You can get help from a local disability advocate, legal aid office, or the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
Medicaid is for people with low income and disabilities. Medicare is for people 65 or older or with certain disabilities. You can have both if you qualify.
Report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition right away. Keep records of your reports and communications.
