If asthma severely limits your ability to work or live independently, you may qualify for federal and Nevada disability benefits. These include monthly payments, healthcare, and support services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Nevada, your asthma must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide eligibility. You must not be doing substantial work (Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA), and your condition must match or equal a listing in the SSA’s Blue Book or prevent you from doing past or other work. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you meet these criteria, you may qualify for SSDI (based on work history) or SSI (based on financial need)[8][6][5].
Nevada does not have a separate state disability program, but residents can access Medicaid and other state services if they qualify for federal benefits. For example, if you receive SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid in Nevada. Nevada also offers support through the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS), including food, housing, and medical help. If your asthma is severe and you meet federal disability rules, you may be eligible for these state programs as well[9][7].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities, including asthma, to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. You must have become disabled before age 26. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses[internal_link_ABLE_Accounts].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. Nevada does not have a separate income limit for state disability benefits, but Medicaid and other programs may have their own rules[8][9].
If your condition improves or your income changes, you must report it to the SSA and Nevada DWSS. Failure to report can result in overpayments and loss of benefits. Keep records of all changes and report them promptly[internal_link_Avoiding_Overpayments_Reporting_Changes].
If you need help with your application or have questions about eligibility, contact Nevada Legal Services or your local Social Security office for free assistance.
Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must meet SSA’s medical and financial criteria[8][6].
In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) without losing SSDI or SSI benefits. Earning more may affect your eligibility[8][6].
You need medical records showing your asthma diagnosis, treatment history, test results, and how it limits your ability to work. A doctor’s statement is also important[8][6].
You must not be doing substantial work (SGA). If you can work and earn above the SGA limit, you may not qualify for disability benefits[8][6].
Children with severe asthma may qualify for SSI if they meet SSA’s medical and financial criteria. Benefits are based on the child’s condition and family income[6].
The process can take several months to over a year. It depends on how quickly you provide medical records and how complex your case is[8][6].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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You can appeal the decision. The first step is to request a reconsideration. You may also want to get help from a disability advocate or attorney[8][6].
Yes, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. There are work incentives that allow you to try working without losing benefits[internal_link_SSI_SSDI_Work_Incentives].
Nevada does not have a separate state disability program, but you may qualify for Medicaid and other state services if you get federal disability benefits[9][7].
If you get SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid in Nevada. You can apply through Access Nevada or your local DWSS office[9][7].
