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Louisiana • Learning
Louisiana residents with dysgraphia—a learning disability affecting writing—may qualify for federal benefits like SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid, as well as Louisiana state programs such as SNAP and ABLE accounts. This guide covers how to apply, eligibility rules, and where to get help navigating Louisiana disability resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, dysgraphia must severely limit your ability to perform basic work activities—like writing, thinking, or remembering—for at least 12 months[3]. For SSDI, you must have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes[6]. For SSI, strict income and asset limits apply, and you do not need a work history. Eligibility decisions use a five-step process, including evaluating whether your condition meets or medically equals a listing for specific impairments[3]. If you are working and earn above the "substantial gainful activity" level, you generally won't qualify[3].
Louisiana does not have state-level cash assistance for adults with learning disabilities, but you may apply for federal SSI or SSDI. The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) provides emergency SNAP (food assistance) to households with children or a disabled member during federal shutdowns, but not to able-bodied adults without children or disabilities[1]. State Medicaid waivers (HCBS) may offer additional supports for those who qualify. The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs can help connect you with local resources and advocacy[5].
Start with federal programs: Apply online at ssa.gov for SSI/SSDI, or call 1-800-772-1213 for help. For food assistance: Check eligibility for SNAP through the Louisiana Department of Health. For Medicaid or waivers: Apply via the Louisiana Medicaid portal. For employment support: Contact Louisiana Rehabilitation Services or local nonprofits. For advocacy: Reach out to the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs[1][5].
SSI/SSDI: These provide monthly cash payments for people with disabilities who meet income and medical criteria. SSI is needs-based; SSDI is based on work credits[3][6]. Medicaid: Covers health care for low-income individuals and those with disabilities. Some with SSI qualify automatically. Medicare: Available after 24 months on SSDI. SNAP: Federal food assistance; Louisiana provides state-funded emergency aid when federal benefits are interrupted for vulnerable groups[1].
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Louisiana offers emergency state-funded SNAP to households with children, elderly, or disabled members during federal shutdowns, but not to able-bodied adults without these members[1]. Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provides community-based supports for people with disabilities who would otherwise require institutional care. Louisiana ABLE Account Program: Lets individuals with disabilities save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Louisiana Rehabilitation Services: Offers job training, education, and employment support, including for learning disabilities. Disability Rights Louisiana: Provides advocacy, legal help, and connection to benefits and services. Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs: Advises the governor and public on disability issues and resources in the state[5].
Louisiana ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without jeopardizing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Earnings grow tax-free, and funds can be used for education, housing, and health care. To qualify, your disability must have begun before age 26.
SSI has strict income and asset limits, which change annually. In 2025, SSDI benefits will see a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment, but SSI limits may remain unchanged[2]. SNAP and Medicaid also have income limits and asset tests that vary by household size and program.
Report any changes in income, living situation, or resources to the Social Security Administration or Louisiana benefits agency as soon as possible to avoid overpayments, which can lead to benefit reductions or repayment demands. Learn how to handle overpayments and stay compliant in our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
Louisiana steps in during a federal shutdown: If SNAP (food assistance) federal funding stops, Louisiana temporarily provides state-funded SNAP to households with children, elderly, or disabled members—not to able-bodied adults without these members[1].
Disability Rights Louisiana offers free advocacy, legal help, and connection to benefits—including help applying for SSI, SSDI, SNAP, and Medicaid—regardless of your disability type[4].
Yes, if your dysgraphia severely limits your ability to work, communicate, or manage daily tasks for at least 12 months. You must meet income, asset, or work credit requirements for SSI or SSDI, respectively[3][6].
No, Louisiana does not offer state cash assistance for adults with learning disabilities. Apply instead for federal SSI or SSDI, which provide monthly payments based on need or work history[1].
Adults with disabilities may qualify for SNAP (food assistance). During a federal shutdown, Louisiana offers emergency state-funded SNAP to households with children, elderly, or disabled members—but not to able-bodied adults without these members[1].
Apply online at ssa.gov for SSI/SSDI, or call 1-800-772-1213. For SNAP and Medicaid, use the Louisiana Medicaid portal or contact the Louisiana Department of Health[1].
Most Medicaid waivers are for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, not specifically for learning disabilities like dysgraphia. Contact your local Medicaid office for the latest options.
You can work part-time, but earning above the "substantial gainful activity" limit may affect eligibility. Work incentives and reporting changes are key—learn more in SSI & SSDI Work Incentives[3].
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Benefit rules and programs change frequently. Consult official agencies for the latest information and individual eligibility.
Yes, Louisiana ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or SNAP, as long as your disability began before age 26.
Contact Disability Rights Louisiana or the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs for advocacy, legal help, and connection to resources[5].
Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, Disability Rights Louisiana, and the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs offer employment support, advocacy, and connection to benefits[5].
See All benefits in your state for a complete list of programs and resources available for people with disabilities in Louisiana.
