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Nebraska • Chronic Illness
If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Nebraska, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI. These programs help cover lost income and medical costs. Nebraska also offers state programs and Medicaid waivers for extra support.
To get federal disability benefits in Nebraska with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), your condition must be severe enough to stop you from doing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a "Listing of Impairments" to decide if a condition is severe enough. COPD is listed under respiratory disorders. If your COPD is not listed, you may still qualify if you can show it is just as severe as a listed condition. You must also meet work and income rules for SSDI or SSI[1][6].
In Nebraska, people with COPD can apply for federal programs like SSI and SSDI. The state also offers the Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) program. DPFS helps people with severe, chronic disabilities like COPD who need help with daily living. To qualify, you need a diagnosis from a licensed medical professional. DPFS can help pay for services up to $400 per month or $4,800 per year. Nebraska Medicaid may also cover extra care for people with COPD through waivers[5].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Nebraska, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. The account grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. ABLE accounts can help pay for COPD treatments, therapy, and other needs[3].
If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in income, work, or living situation to SSA right away. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits safe. For more info, see the guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes[3].
Centauri Health Solutions offers free help applying for SSI or SSDI in Nebraska. Call 1-866-879-0988 for support.
Yes, if your COPD is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. You must have a diagnosis from a doctor and meet federal rules for SSI or SSDI. Nebraska also has state programs for extra help[1][5].
You need a full diagnosis from a doctor, including test results, treatment plans, and notes about how COPD affects your daily life. This helps SSA decide if you qualify for benefits[1][6].
SSI pays up to $967 per month in Nebraska. SSDI pays more if you worked and paid Social Security taxes. DPFS can help pay for services up to $400 per month or $4,800 per year[2][5].
Yes, but you can't earn more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) in 2025 from work and still get benefits. Work incentives let you try working without losing benefits[3][6].
DPFS helps people with severe, chronic disabilities like COPD. It can pay for services up to $400 per month or $4,800 per year. Services may include home care, therapy, and help with daily living[5].
Contact Nebraska Medicaid or your local health department. Ask about waivers for home care and other services. You may need to show proof of your COPD diagnosis and how it affects your daily life[5].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, Centauri Health Solutions can help you apply for SSI or SSDI. Call 1-866-879-0988 for help. You can also apply online at SSA.gov or in person at a Social Security office[2].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use it to pay for COPD treatments, therapy, and other needs. Nebraska offers ABLE accounts for residents[3].
Yes, report any changes in income, work, or living situation to SSA right away. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits safe[3].
Yes, children with severe COPD may qualify for SSI if they meet the rules. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may also qualify for benefits on a parent's record[6].
