Louisiana residents with Muscular Dystrophy (a physical/mobility disability) may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Louisiana Medicaid programs, Medicaid Waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, important tips, and official contact information.
To be eligible for SSDI, you must have a severe medical condition (like Muscular Dystrophy) that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death, and your condition must prevent you from doing previous work or adjusting to new work due to your impairment, education, and experience[4]. You generally need at least 40 Social Security credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability begins[7]. For SSI, there is no work requirement, but income and assets must be very low[6]. If you are working, the SSA uses a 'Substantial Gainful Activity' (SGA) test—in 2025, earning $1,620/month (for non-blind individuals) is usually too much to qualify, and $2,700/month for blind individuals[3][4]. You can attempt work within SSDI’s trial work period (9 months at or above $1,050/month in 2025)[3]. Learn more at SSI vs SSDI.
Louisiana does not have a state-level disability cash benefit, but does have state-managed benefits that are important for people with Muscular Dystrophy. Louisiana Medicaid covers many medical services, and new federal rules in 2025 may slightly increase your SSDI/SSI payment to help with the cost of living[2]. The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs can help with advocacy, information, and networking, and you can contact them for assistance in navigating the system[5]. For home care supports, Louisiana’s Medicaid waivers (HCBS) can help you live independently in your community—an important option for many with Muscular Dystrophy needing daily assistance. State-specific information on Muscular Dystrophy programs is limited; start with the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs and Louisiana Department of Health for details on Medicaid programs, vocational rehabilitation, and more.
Step 1: Confirm your diagnosis and collect documentation
Obtain recent medical records confirming your Muscular Dystrophy diagnosis. Gather information about your work history (past 15 years), education, medications, and treatments. If you have never worked, focus on SSI; if you have a work history, consider SSDI[6][7].
Step 2: Apply for SSDI/SSI
Step 3: Apply for Louisiana Medicaid
Medicaid covers many services and supports not available through Medicare. Apply online through the Louisiana Medicaid portal, by phone, or with help from a local office. Louisiana Medicaid may also cover in-home services through HCBS waivers, which are helpful for those needing daily living support.
Step 4: Explore supports for returning to work
If you want to try working, SSDI offers a trial work period; you keep benefits even if you earn more than usual for up to 9 months[3]. SSI has its own work incentives. If you need benefits counseling, contact the SSA’s Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (TTY 1-866-833-2967)[1].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly cash benefits to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes before becoming disabled[6]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and assets, regardless of work history[6]. Medicare is health insurance for SSDI recipients after a 24-month waiting period. Medicaid is health coverage for people with low income, including SSI recipients and those approved for Louisiana Medicaid waivers. ABLE accounts let beneficiaries save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI eligibility up to certain limits. For details, see SSI/SSDI Work Incentives and ABLE Accounts.
Louisiana’s main benefits for Muscular Dystrophy are managed by state agencies but follow federal rules for SSI and SSDI. Louisiana Medicaid covers a wide range of medical and in-home services and offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, which help people stay at home or in the community rather than in institutions. While Louisiana does not have a state disability cash program, the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs is a vital resource for advocacy, education, and connecting individuals to available services[5]. For caregiving support, HCBS waivers can fund personal care attendants, respite care, and home modifications. To find out what waivers are available, contact your Area Agency on Aging or the Louisiana Department of Health. For help navigating these programs, contact the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs, which can help address concerns and make sure individuals with Muscular Dystrophy get the full range of supports they need.
Louisiana offers ABLE accounts, which let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility (up to a $100,000 limit for SSI). This tool is especially useful for managing extra costs from Muscular Dystrophy. For more, see ABLE Accounts.
For SSI in 2025, you must have very low income and assets to qualify. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but your disability must prevent you from working (SGA is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals in 2025)[3][4]. Medicaid eligibility varies by program, so check with Louisiana Medicaid for the latest limits. You can use the SSI Income Estimator to see if your income might qualify.
You must report changes in your earnings, assets, living situation, or medical condition to the Social Security Administration and Louisiana Medicaid as soon as possible. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. For more details, see Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Louisiana’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers provide in-home care, respite, home modifications, and more—helping people with Muscular Dystrophy live independently. These are especially important if you need daily support but want to stay at home rather than in a facility.
If you want to try working, SSDI offers a 9-month trial work period where you can earn any amount and still get full benefits. SSI also has work incentives. Contact Ticket to Work (1-866-968-7842) for personalized advice on balancing work and benefits[1][3].
Louisiana does not offer a separate cash benefit for people with disabilities. Your main options are federal SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, and HCBS waivers for in-home care. The state’s Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs can help you connect to all available supports[5].
SSDI requires a work history and your benefit is based on your earnings. SSI is for people who have never worked or have low income/assets and provides a basic monthly payment. You can sometimes get both together if you meet the requirements for both programs[6]. See [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi) for details.
No, Louisiana does not offer a state-funded disability cash benefit. However, Louisiana Medicaid and HCBS waivers can pay for personal care, home modifications, and other supports that help you live independently[5].
Yes, both SSDI and SSI have work incentives. SSDI includes a trial work period (9 months with no earnings limit) and extended eligibility. SSI has income limits, but you may still qualify for benefits depending on your earnings and expenses[3]. See [SSI/SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) for more.
If you get SSDI, you will qualify for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. SSI recipients get Medicaid automatically in Louisiana. You may also qualify for Louisiana Medicaid directly if your income is low enough, regardless of SSI status. For in-home services, explore Medicaid waivers.
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility (up to certain limits). This account is helpful for managing extra costs from Muscular Dystrophy. See [ABLE Accounts](/guides/able-accounts) for details.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Step 5: Seek additional help and advocacy
Reach out to the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs for local resources and advocacy. They can help connect you with benefits, legal aid, and community services[5].
Step 6: Report changes and avoid overpayments
You must report changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to the SSA and Louisiana Medicaid to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits. See Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for details.
Contact your Area Agency on Aging or the Louisiana Department of Health to ask about HCBS waivers. These waivers provide services like personal care and respite that help you stay in your home.
The income and asset limits for SSI are strict and change annually. Generally, you must have very low income and few assets to qualify. You can check the latest numbers on ssa.gov or use our [SSI Income Estimator](/tools/ssi-income-estimator).
You have the right to appeal. The first step is reconsideration, then a hearing before an administrative law judge. Contact the Disability Rights Louisiana or your local Social Security office for help with your appeal.
Report any changes to the Social Security Administration and Louisiana Medicaid immediately. Failing to report can lead to overpayments or loss of benefits. See [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes](/guides/overpayments-and-reporting) for details.
The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs offers advocacy, information, and help connecting to resources for people with disabilities in Louisiana[5]. You can call them at (225) 219-7553 or visit their website.
