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Louisiana • Rare/Genetic
People with Rett Syndrome in Louisiana may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and state-funded emergency food aid. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a severe medical condition that prevents substantial work for at least 12 months. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. For SSDI, you must have worked enough to earn work credits. Rett Syndrome is considered a severe disability by the Social Security Administration, so most applicants qualify if they meet the financial and work history rules. Children with Rett Syndrome may qualify for SSI even if they have not worked. Adults may qualify for SSDI if they have enough work credits. Both programs require medical proof of disability. [^1]
In Louisiana, people with Rett Syndrome may qualify for Medicaid waivers that provide home and community-based services, such as therapy, personal care, and respite care. These waivers help avoid institutionalization and support independence. Louisiana also provides state-funded emergency SNAP benefits for households with children, elderly, or disabled members during federal shutdowns. Able-bodied adults without these dependents do not receive state SNAP aid. [^2]
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation. Louisiana offers ABLE accounts through the state program. [^8]
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Failure to report can lead to overpayments and penalties. If you get an overpayment, contact the agency to set up a repayment plan. [^5]
During federal shutdowns, Louisiana funds SNAP for households with children, elderly, or disabled members. Able-bodied adults without these dependents do not get state aid. [^2]
Disability Rights Louisiana offers free benefits counseling and work incentives planning for people with disabilities. Call 1-866-968-7842 for help. [^4]
Yes, Rett Syndrome is considered a severe disability by the Social Security Administration. Most people with Rett Syndrome qualify for SSI or SSDI if they meet the financial and work history rules. Medical proof is required. [^1]
Contact the Louisiana Department of Health to apply for Medicaid waivers. They will help you determine which waiver you qualify for and guide you through the process. [^3]
During a federal shutdown, Louisiana provides emergency state-funded SNAP benefits for households with children, elderly, or disabled members. Able-bodied adults without these dependents do not get state aid. [^2]
Yes, Social Security has work incentives that let you keep some benefits while you try to work. You can earn up to $1,620/month in 2025 without losing SSDI. [^1]
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Louisiana offers ABLE accounts through the state program. [^8]
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Failure to report can lead to overpayments and penalties. [^5]
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Disability Rights Louisiana offers free benefits counseling and work incentives planning for people with disabilities. Call 1-866-968-7842 for help. [^4]
Louisiana offers Medicaid waivers, emergency SNAP, FITAP, KCSP, and advocacy through the Governor's Office of Disability Affairs. [^2][^7]
Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. Contact the Louisiana Department of Health to determine your eligibility. [^6]
Contact the agency that sent the notice to set up a repayment plan. Do not ignore overpayment notices, as they can lead to penalties. [^5]
