Spina Bifida Benefits in Louisiana: 2025 Guide

To get federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a qualifying disability that limits your ability to work. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) and a disability that meets Social Security’s definition [^1]. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs cover Spina Bifida if it meets the medical criteria and limits your daily activities [^1].

In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind people. If you earn less than this, you may still qualify for SSDI [^5].

Medicaid is available for people with disabilities who meet income and asset rules. Louisiana expanded Medicaid, so more people qualify [^6].

In Louisiana, people with Spina Bifida may qualify for Medicaid waivers, which help pay for home and community-based services. These waivers are for people who need long-term care but want to live at home [^6].

Louisiana also offers state-funded SNAP benefits for vulnerable groups, including the disabled, during federal government shutdowns. This means if federal SNAP stops, the state will step in to help disabled people get food [^1].

To get state disability benefits, you must meet both federal and state rules. Louisiana’s Department of Health and Office of Aging and Adult Services can help you apply and find local resources [^1].

If you are working or want to work, Louisiana’s Work Incentives Planning Assistance (WIPA) program offers free counseling to help you understand how work affects your benefits [^2].

• Check if you meet federal SSI/SSDI rules.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
• Apply for Medicaid through Louisiana’s Medicaid portal or local office.
• Contact Disability Rights Louisiana for help with applications and work incentives.
• Ask about Medicaid waivers if you need home care services.

• Step 1: Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI at the Social Security website or local office. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 for help [^6].
• Step 3: Apply for Medicaid through Louisiana’s Medicaid portal or local office. You can also call 1-888-342-6207 for help [^6].
• Step 4: If you need home care, ask about Medicaid waivers. These programs have waiting lists, so apply early [^6].
• Step 5: Contact Disability Rights Louisiana for free benefits counseling and help with work incentives [^2].
• Step 6: Report any changes in income or living situation to avoid overpayments [^9].
• Step 7: If you are working, use the Ticket to Work program to keep your benefits while you try to work [^2].

• 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 work history.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income rules.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who get SSDI after 24 months.
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Food benefits for low-income people, including those with disabilities.
• Work Incentives: Programs that help you keep benefits while you try to work, like the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility [^5].

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Louisiana offers waivers for home and community-based services. These help people with disabilities live at home instead of in institutions. There are waiting lists, so apply early [^6].
• State-Funded SNAP: During federal government shutdowns, Louisiana provides emergency food benefits for vulnerable groups, including the disabled [^1].
• Work Incentives Planning Assistance (WIPA): Free counseling for people with disabilities who want to work. This program helps you understand how work affects your benefits [^2].
• Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP): Cash assistance for families with children, including those with disabilities [^1].
• Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP): Help for relatives caring for children with disabilities [^1].
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. You can save up to $18,000 per year without losing benefits [^9].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Louisiana, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. You can save up to $18,000 per year, and the account grows tax-free. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like housing, education, and transportation [^9].

• SSI: In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual. Louisiana does not add a state supplement. To qualify, your countable income must be below this amount [^6].
• Medicaid: Income limits vary by program. For most Medicaid programs, you must earn less than 138% of the federal poverty level. For a single person, that’s about $20,120 per year in 2025 [^6].
• SNAP: Income limits depend on household size. For a household of one, the gross monthly limit is about $1,500 in 2025 [^1].

If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit cuts or repayment demands. Report changes to Social Security, Medicaid, and SNAP as soon as possible. Keep records of all reports and communications [^9].

• Louisiana Department of Health
  Phone: 1-888-342-6207

  Website

  For Medicaid, SNAP, and general health questions.
• Disability Rights Louisiana
  Phone: 1-866-968-7842

  TTY: 1-866-833-2967

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm

  Website

  Free benefits counseling and help with work incentives.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and Medicare questions.

• Can I get SSI for Spina Bifida in Louisiana?

  Yes, if your Spina Bifida limits your ability to work and you meet income and resource rules. SSI is for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. You can apply online or at a local Social Security office [^6].

• 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 people. If you earn less than this, you may still qualify for SSDI. For blind people, the limit is $2,700 [^5].

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Louisiana?

  You can apply for Medicaid waivers through Louisiana’s Medicaid office. These waivers help pay for home and community-based services. There are waiting lists, so apply early. Contact your local Medicaid office for help [^6].

• What happens to SNAP benefits during a federal shutdown?

  During a federal shutdown, Louisiana provides emergency state-funded SNAP benefits for vulnerable groups, including the disabled. This means you will still get food benefits even if federal SNAP stops [^1].

• Can I work and still get disability benefits?

  Yes, Social Security has work incentives that let you try to work while keeping your benefits. The Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility help you keep benefits if your earnings drop below the SGA limit [^5].

• What is an ABLE account and how do I open one in Louisiana?

  An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $18,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can open an account through Louisiana’s ABLE program [^9].