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Louisiana • Chronic Illness
If you have heart disease in Louisiana, you may qualify for federal disability (SSDI/SSI), Medicaid, SNAP, and state programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) with heart disease, your condition must prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months. In 2025, SGA is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a 5-step process to decide if your heart disease is severe enough to qualify. You must have a medical condition that stops you from doing your past work and adjusting to other work. If you are working and earning above SGA, you generally won’t qualify. If your earnings are below SGA, SSA reviews your medical records and work history[4][5][7].
In Louisiana, people with heart disease may qualify for Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS) if they meet medical and financial criteria. The state also provides emergency SNAP food benefits for households with elderly, disabled, or children members during federal shutdowns. Able-bodied adults without these household members do not receive state-funded SNAP. Louisiana’s Governor’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs monitors state compliance with disability laws and can help resolve issues[1][6].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Louisiana residents can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Learn more at the ABLE National Resource Center[8].
SSDI and SSI have different income limits. In 2025, SGA is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. Earnings above this may affect your benefits. SSI has strict income and asset limits. Medicaid and SNAP have their own income rules[5][7].
If your income or work status changes, you must report it to SSA and state agencies. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Learn how to avoid overpayments and report changes at the official SSA and Louisiana DCFS websites[8].
Call the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs at (225) 219-7553 or toll-free at (844) 860-1413 for support with state benefits and disability issues.
Yes, if your heart disease stops you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. The Social Security Administration reviews your medical records and work history to decide eligibility[4][5][7].
Contact Louisiana Medicaid for home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers. These programs help with home care, therapy, and other supports for people with disabilities[8].
During federal shutdowns, Louisiana provides emergency SNAP food benefits for households with elderly, disabled, or children members. Able-bodied adults without these members do not receive state-funded SNAP[1].
Yes, Social Security has work incentives that let you test employment without losing benefits. If your earnings are below SGA ($1,620/month in 2025), you may keep your benefits[3][5].
Report changes in income or work status to SSA and state agencies. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Learn how to avoid overpayments and report changes at the official SSA and Louisiana DCFS websites[8].
Louisiana’s Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs monitors state compliance with disability laws and helps resolve issues for residents with disabilities. They can provide information and support[6].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Louisiana residents can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses[8].
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. Earnings above this may affect your SSDI or SSI benefits[5].
Disability Rights Louisiana’s WIPA program provides free benefits counseling and work incentives planning for Social Security disability beneficiaries who are working or want to work[2].
SSDI is for people who worked and paid into Social Security. SSI is for low-income people with disabilities, regardless of work history. Both programs have different eligibility rules and payment amounts[8].
