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Louisiana • Neurological/Developmental
If you have a traumatic brain injury in Louisiana, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key programs for support.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. For traumatic brain injury, this means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also meet work and income requirements. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require regular reporting of changes in your situation [ssa.gov, 2024-11-05].
In Louisiana, people with traumatic brain injury may also qualify for state-specific programs. These include Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, ABLE accounts for saving without losing benefits, and emergency SNAP assistance for vulnerable groups. The state prioritizes support for the elderly, disabled, and children during federal benefit disruptions. Eligibility for state programs often depends on income, assets, and medical need. Louisiana’s Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs can help connect you to resources and advocacy [ldh.la.gov, 2024-11-05; gov.louisiana.gov, 2024-11-05].
Louisiana’s ABLE program allows people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits. You can use ABLE funds for disability-related expenses like housing, education, and transportation. Contributions are limited, but earnings grow tax-free. To open an account, visit the state’s ABLE program website [gov.louisiana.gov, 2024-11-05].
Federal SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the individual resource limit is $2,000. SSDI has no resource limit, but income must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level, which is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025. State programs may have different limits. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments [ssa.gov, 2024-11-05; ldh.la.gov, 2024-11-05].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and other agencies. Failing to report can lead to overpayments and penalties. Keep records of all changes and communications. If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency to discuss repayment options [ssa.gov, 2024-11-05; ldh.la.gov, 2024-11-05].
During federal shutdowns, Louisiana provides emergency SNAP aid for vulnerable groups, including the disabled. Households with only able-bodied adults may not receive aid. Check with LDH for updates.
Social Security encourages work through incentives like the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility. You can test your ability to work without losing benefits.
You may qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and SNAP. SSI and SSDI provide monthly payments. Medicaid covers medical care. SNAP helps with food costs. Eligibility depends on your medical condition, income, and work history [ssa.gov, 2024-11-05].
Apply through the Louisiana Department of Health. You’ll need medical records and proof of income. Medicaid can cover medical care and long-term services. Ask about Medicaid waivers for home and community-based support [ldh.la.gov, 2024-11-05].
Medicaid waivers let you get home and community-based services instead of living in an institution. These can help with daily living, therapy, and support. Ask your caseworker about available waivers for traumatic brain injury [ldh.la.gov, 2024-11-05].
Yes, Social Security has work incentives. You can test your ability to work during a Trial Work Period. If your earnings are below the SGA level, you keep benefits. After the trial, you have a 36-month safety net [ssa.gov, 2024-11-05].
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses. Louisiana’s ABLE program is open to residents with qualifying disabilities [gov.louisiana.gov, 2024-11-05].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult official sources or a benefits expert for your specific situation.
During a federal shutdown, Louisiana may provide emergency state-funded SNAP assistance for vulnerable groups, including the disabled. Households with only able-bodied adults may not receive aid. Check with the Louisiana Department of Health for updates [ldh.la.gov, 2024-11-05].
Report changes in income, living situation, or health to Social Security and other agencies. Failing to report can lead to overpayments and penalties. Keep records of all changes and communications [ssa.gov, 2024-11-05; ldh.la.gov, 2024-11-05].
Louisiana offers Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, and emergency SNAP assistance. The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs can connect you to resources and advocacy. Ask about family support programs when applying for benefits [gov.louisiana.gov, 2024-11-05; disabilityrightsla.org, 2024-11-05].
Yes, Louisiana connects beneficiaries to work incentives programs. These help you keep benefits while trying to return to work. Contact Disability Rights Louisiana for free benefits counseling and work incentives planning [disabilityrightsla.org, 2024-11-05].
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. If your earnings are below this level, you can keep SSDI benefits. If you earn more, you may lose benefits after a safety net period [ssa.gov, 2024-11-05].
