Prader-Willi Syndrome Benefits in Louisiana

• Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that can cause severe physical, cognitive, and behavioral challenges. The Social Security Administration (SSA) may approve disability benefits if the condition meets their medical criteria.
• For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits.
• Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome may qualify for SSI if their family meets income limits.
• Adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome may qualify for SSDI if they have a qualifying work history, or SSI if they have limited income and resources.
• The SSA uses a 5-step process to decide if a medical condition is disabling. Prader-Willi Syndrome often meets or equals the SSA’s listing for genetic disorders.
• You must report changes in income, living situation, or health to keep benefits.

Citations: Social Security Disability Qualifying Conditions, SSA Disability Evaluation Process

• In Louisiana, people with Prader-Willi Syndrome may qualify for Medicaid waivers, which help pay for home and community-based services.
• Louisiana provides state-funded SNAP benefits for vulnerable groups, including children and people with disabilities, if federal benefits are interrupted.
• The state may offer additional support through programs like the Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) for families caring for children with disabilities.
• Louisiana does not have a separate state disability program, but residents can access federal benefits and state-funded emergency aid when needed.
• Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome may qualify for early intervention services through the Louisiana Department of Health.
• Adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services to help with employment.

Citations: Louisiana Department of Health SNAP Emergency Aid, Louisiana Medicaid Waivers (Medicaid Waivers landing page), Louisiana Kinship Care Subsidy Program (Kinship Care landing page)

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or at a local Social Security office.
• Apply for Medicaid through the Louisiana Department of Health.
• Contact local agencies for early intervention or vocational rehab services.
• Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to check eligibility.

Citations: SSA Apply for Benefits, Louisiana Medicaid Application

• Step 1: Collect medical records that show your diagnosis and how Prader-Willi Syndrome affects your daily life.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical records.
• Step 3: If you are applying for Medicaid, visit the Louisiana Department of Health website and fill out the application. You may need to provide proof of income and disability.
• Step 4: For children, contact the Louisiana Early Intervention Program for developmental services.
• Step 5: For adults, contact the Louisiana Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for job training and support.
• Step 6: If you need help with food, apply for SNAP through the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services.
• Step 7: Report any changes in your situation to the SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.

Citations: SSA Apply for Benefits, Louisiana Medicaid Application, Louisiana Early Intervention, Louisiana Vocational Rehabilitation, Louisiana SNAP Application (SNAP landing page)

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people with disabilities who have a qualifying work history.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities, regardless of age.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Food benefits for low-income individuals and families.
• Work Incentives: Programs that allow people with disabilities to work and keep some benefits.

Citations: SSA Disability Benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP

• Louisiana Medicaid Waivers: Programs that help pay for home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These waivers can cover things like personal care, respite care, and supported employment.
• State-Funded SNAP Emergency Aid: Louisiana provides temporary state-funded SNAP benefits for vulnerable groups, including children and people with disabilities, if federal benefits are interrupted.
• Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP): Financial help for relatives caring for children with disabilities.
• Early Intervention Services: Services for children with developmental delays, including those with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Job training and support for adults with disabilities.
• Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP): Cash assistance for families with children, including those with disabilities.

Citations: Louisiana Medicaid Waivers, Louisiana SNAP Emergency Aid, Louisiana Kinship Care Subsidy Program, , , (FITAP landing page)

• ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• You can use ABLE funds for disability-related expenses like housing, education, and transportation.
• Louisiana residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program.
• Contributions to ABLE accounts are not tax-deductible, but earnings grow tax-free.
• The annual contribution limit is $18,000 (2025).

Citations: Louisiana ABLE Program, ABLE National Resource Center

• SSI income limits change each year. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for an individual.
• The SSA counts most income, but some is not counted (like the first $20 of unearned income).
• For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals).
• Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size.

Citations: SSA SSI Income Limits, SSA SGA Limits

• You must report changes in income, living situation, or health to the SSA and Medicaid.
• Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties.
• If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan.
• Keep records of all communications with benefit agencies.

Citations: SSA Reporting Changes, Louisiana Medicaid Reporting

• Louisiana Department of Health
  Phone: 1-866-549-2144

  Website

  For Medicaid, SNAP, and early intervention services.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and ABLE accounts.
• Louisiana Workforce Commission
  Phone: 1-866-783-5567

  Website

  For vocational rehabilitation services.

• Can children with Prader-Willi Syndrome get SSI in Louisiana?

  Yes, children with Prader-Willi Syndrome may qualify for SSI if their family meets income limits. The SSA considers the severity of the condition and how it affects daily life. Medical records are required to prove eligibility.

• What is the SGA limit for SSDI in 2025?

  In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may lose SSDI benefits unless you are in a trial work period.

• Does Louisiana have a state disability program?

  Louisiana does not have a separate state disability program. Residents rely on federal programs like SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. The state may provide emergency aid if federal benefits are interrupted.

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Louisiana?

  To apply for Medicaid waivers in Louisiana, contact the Louisiana Department of Health. You will need to provide medical records and proof of income. The department will review your application and determine eligibility.

• Can I work and still get SSI/SSDI?

  Yes, you can work and still get SSI/SSDI if your earnings are below the SGA limit. The SSA offers work incentives, including a trial work period and extended eligibility, to help people with disabilities return to work.

• What is an ABLE account and how does it help?

  An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses. Louisiana residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program.