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Montana • Chronic Illness
People with asthma in Montana can access federal and state benefits, including Social Security Disability, Medicaid, and work incentives. Eligibility depends on severity, income, and work history. This guide explains how to apply and what support is available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your asthma must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration uses a medical guide called the Blue Book to decide if your asthma meets the criteria. If your asthma is not listed, you may still qualify if it severely limits your ability to work [^1].
In Montana, people with asthma may qualify for Medicaid if their income is low enough, or through the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) program if they are working but still need health coverage. The MWD program lets people with disabilities earn more without losing Medicaid, as long as they pay a cost-share based on their net income. Montana also offers support programs for employment and independent living, which can help people with asthma find jobs and live independently [^2][^3].
ABLE Accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Montana residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. Funds can be used for things like medical care, education, and housing. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one [^6].
For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. The Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program uses a sliding fee scale based on net-countable income. Check with your local Office of Public Assistance for exact limits [^2].
If your income or health changes, you must report it to Social Security or Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes, and you may have to pay back the money. Learn more about how to report changes and avoid overpayments [^7].
Contact your local Social Security office or Office of Public Assistance for help with your application. Disability advocates can also provide support.
Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical evidence showing how your asthma limits your ability to work.
You can apply for Medicaid in Montana through your local Office of Public Assistance. If you are working, ask about the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program, which lets you keep Medicaid while earning income.
The Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program lets people with disabilities keep Medicaid while working. You pay a cost-share based on your net income, so you can earn more without losing health coverage.
Yes, Montana has work incentives that let you keep Medicaid and some disability benefits while working. The Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program and SSI/SSDI work incentives can help you earn income without losing support.
You will need medical records, doctor notes, test results, and information about your work history. You may also need proof of income and resources for SSI or Medicaid.
It can take several months to get a decision on your disability claim. The process may be faster if you have all your documents ready and respond quickly to requests for more information.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. You have 60 days to file an appeal. You may want to get help from a disability advocate or attorney.
Montana may offer grants or programs to help with home modifications for people with disabilities, including asthma. Check with the Department of Public Health and Human Services for available programs.
You must report changes in income or health to Social Security or Medicaid to avoid overpayments. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person at your local office.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Montana residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program.
