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Mississippi • Chronic Illness
People in Mississippi with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state programs such as Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical costs, daily living expenses, and assistive devices.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a severe COPD that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and have enough work credits from recent employment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical listing for chronic respiratory disorders, including COPD, to determine eligibility. You must also earn less than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) in 2025 to meet the income test for SSDI. Family members may also qualify for benefits based on your work record. There is a 5-month waiting period before SSDI payments start, and most people must wait 24 months for Medicare. Exceptions exist for certain conditions like ALS or end-stage renal disease.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSI has strict asset limits: $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Both SSDI and SSI require that your COPD is severe enough to stop you from doing substantial work.
[Source: SSA.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html; https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/financial-resilience-center/benefits/)
Mississippi does not offer state-funded cash disability benefits for people with COPD. However, the state provides important support through Medicaid Waiver Programs, which can help with in-home care, medical assistance, and support services for those with physical or developmental disabilities, including COPD. The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) offers employment services and financial aid for assistive devices like wheelchairs and oxygen equipment. Mississippi also has an ABLE program, which allows people with disabilities to save money in tax-advantaged accounts without losing eligibility for public benefits. To qualify for Medicaid, your monthly income must be below $6,587 for an individual or $8,879 for a couple in 2025.
[Source: American Disability Action Group, 2025; Mississippi Division of Medicaid, 2025; Mississippi ABLE Program, 2025](https://www.americandisabilityactiongroup.com/state-specific-disability-benefits-lesser-known-help-beyond-ssdi-and-ssi/; https://medicaid.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Working-Disabled-2025.pdf; https://musedisability.com/what-changes-are-coming-to-social-security-disability/)
[Source: SSA.gov, Mississippi Division of Medicaid, Mississippi ABLE Program, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/apply.html; https://medicaid.ms.gov/apply/; https://www.mdrs.ms.gov/public-information/mississippi-able)
[Source: SSA.gov, Medicaid.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html; https://www.medicaid.gov/)
[Source: American Disability Action Group, Mississippi ABLE Program, 2025](https://www.americandisabilityactiongroup.com/state-specific-disability-benefits-lesser-known-help-beyond-ssdi-and-ssi/; https://www.mdrs.ms.gov/public-information/mississippi-able)
ABLE accounts are savings accounts for people with COPD in Mississippi. You can save up to $19,000 per year (2025) and up to $235,000 total. The money in the account is not taxed if spent on qualified disability expenses. Contributions can be made by anyone and may qualify for a state tax deduction. If your account balance goes over $100,000, SSI benefits will be suspended, but other benefits are not affected.
Source: Mississippi ABLE Program, 2025
[Source: National Disability Institute, Mississippi Division of Medicaid, 2025](https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/financial-resilience-center/benefits/; https://medicaid.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Working-Disabled-2025.pdf)
You must report any changes in income, work, or medical status 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. Always keep records of all communications and payments.
Mississippi does not offer state-funded cash disability benefits. Federal programs like SSDI and SSI are the main sources of support for people with COPD.
Yes, you may qualify for federal SSDI or SSI if your COPD is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. Mississippi does not offer state cash disability benefits, but you may qualify for Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts.
You can apply online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income. If denied, you can appeal the decision.
For SSDI, you must earn less than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) in 2025. For SSI, you must have less than $2,000 in assets for individuals or $3,000 for couples.
Yes, but your earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity limit ($1,620 per month in 2025). There are work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits.
A Medicaid waiver provides home care, medical assistance, and support services for people with COPD who have physical or developmental disabilities. These waivers can help with daily living, home modifications, and transportation.
An ABLE account is a savings account for people with COPD that does not affect eligibility for public benefits. You can save up to $19,000 per year (2025) and use the money for disability-related expenses.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult official government sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
You can apply online, by mail, or in person at the Mississippi Division of Medicaid. You will need to provide proof of income and assets. If you qualify, you may be eligible for Medicaid Waiver Programs.
The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services offers financial aid for assistive devices like wheelchairs and oxygen equipment for people with COPD.
Yes, you must report any changes in income, work, or medical status to the SSA and Medicaid. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties.
Yes, you can get both SSDI and Medicaid if you meet the eligibility criteria for each program. SSDI is based on work history, while Medicaid is based on income and assets.
