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Minnesota • Chronic Illness
If you have asthma in Minnesota, you may qualify for disability benefits, health coverage, and work support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs can help.
To get federal disability benefits for asthma, your condition must be severe enough to stop you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at how asthma affects your breathing, daily activities, and ability to work. You may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you have low income and resources, or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you have a work history. Both programs require medical proof, like doctor reports and test results [1].
If you get SSI or SSDI, you may also qualify for Medicaid or Medicare health coverage. Medicaid is for low-income people, while Medicare is for those on SSDI after 24 months [2].
In Minnesota, people with asthma may qualify for Medical Assistance (MA), which covers doctor visits, medications, and hospital care. You may also get Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) for extra help with living costs. To qualify, your income and assets must be below certain limits, which are updated yearly with the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) [3].
Minnesota also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with home care, therapy, or equipment if your asthma is severe. These waivers have waiting lists and specific eligibility rules [4].
If you are a public safety worker (like a firefighter or police officer) disabled by asthma, new 2025 laws change how long you get health insurance. Most get coverage for five years, but those with total and permanent disability still get it until age 65 [5].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. In Minnesota, you can open an ABLE account if your disability started before age 46. The account can pay for things like medical care, housing, and education. Money in the account doesn’t count toward SSI or Medicaid asset limits [9].
Income limits for Minnesota benefits change each year. For 2025, the limits include the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). For example, a single person can have up to $2,000 in assets for SSI, and income limits for Medical Assistance depend on household size and type of benefit. Check mnbenefits.mn.gov for current numbers [10].
If your income or health changes, you must report it to the agency. Not reporting can cause overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you get an overpayment notice, ask for help from Disability Hub MN to appeal or set up a payment plan [11].
Disability Hub MN offers free help with applications, planning, and appeals. Call 1-866-627-5465 or visit disabilityhubmn.org.
Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Medical Assistance. You need medical proof from your doctor.
Medical Assistance (MA) covers doctor visits, medications, and hospital care. Medicaid waivers can help with home care or therapy if your asthma is severe.
Gather medical records and proof of income, then apply online, by phone, or in person for SSI, SSDI, or Medical Assistance. Disability Hub MN can help you apply.
Income limits change yearly. For 2025, they include the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment. Check mnbenefits.mn.gov for current numbers based on your household size.
Yes, work incentives let you keep benefits while you try to work. SSI and SSDI have rules about how much you can earn and still get help.
An ABLE account is a savings account for people with disabilities. If your asthma started before age 46, you can open one. It helps pay for medical care, housing, and more.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Report changes online, by phone, or in person to the agency that gives you benefits. Not reporting can cause overpayments, which you may have to pay back.
If you get an overpayment notice, ask for help from Disability Hub MN. They can help you appeal or set up a payment plan.
Yes, if you are a firefighter or police officer disabled by asthma, new 2025 laws change how long you get health insurance. Most get coverage for five years, but those with total and permanent disability still get it until age 65.
Call Disability Hub MN at 1-866-627-5465 for free help with applications, planning, and appeals.
