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New Mexico • Chronic Illness
If you have asthma in New Mexico, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and food assistance. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs for New Mexicans with asthma.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least one year or is expected to result in death. You also need enough work credits from paying Social Security taxes. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your asthma must meet SSA’s definition of disability. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 for blind individuals. The SSA uses the Blue Book to determine if your asthma meets the criteria for disability. If your asthma is severe and well-documented, you may qualify for benefits.
In New Mexico, people with asthma may qualify for Medicaid, SNAP, and state disability programs. Medicaid eligibility is based on income and disability status. If you lose SSI eligibility due to a change in income, you may still qualify for Medicaid for up to two months. SNAP provides food assistance to low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. The State of New Mexico also offers a voluntary disability plan for state employees, which provides financial assistance if you are unable to work due to a sickness or injury. To qualify for these programs, you must meet specific income and medical criteria.
Step 1: Collect all medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history for your asthma.
Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at the SSA website or at your local Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence.
Step 3: Apply for Medicaid and SNAP through the New Mexico Human Services Department. You can apply online, by phone, or in person.
Step 4: If you are a state employee, contact your employer or EASI Gov, Inc. to enroll in the state disability plan.
Step 5: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Consider hiring a disability attorney to help with the appeals process.
Step 6: Report any changes in your income or medical condition to avoid overpayments.
SSA: Apply for Disability (date_accessed: 2025-11-06)
New Mexico Human Services Department: Apply for Benefits (date_accessed: 2025-11-06)
New Mexico State Disability Policy (date_accessed: 2025-11-06)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources.
Medicaid: Provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families.
SNAP: Provides food assistance to low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
SSA: Disability Benefits (date_accessed: 2025-11-06)
Medicaid: Overview (date_accessed: 2025-11-06)
SNAP: Overview (date_accessed: 2025-11-06)
New Mexico Medicaid: Provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families, including those with asthma.
SNAP (Food Assistance): Provides food benefits to low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
State Disability Plan: Provides financial assistance to state employees who are unable to work due to a sickness or injury.
Children’s Medical Services: Provides coordinated care for children with chronic illnesses, including asthma.
New Mexico Health Care Authority: Medicaid (date_accessed: 2025-11-06)
New Mexico Human Services Department: SNAP (date_accessed: 2025-11-06)
New Mexico State Disability Policy (date_accessed: 2025-11-06)
Children’s Medical Services (date_accessed: 2025-11-06)
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. In New Mexico, you can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. Funds in an ABLE account can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as medical care, education, and housing.
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $914 per month for an individual and $1,371 for a couple. For Medicaid in New Mexico, the income limit is 138% of the federal poverty level. For SNAP, the income limit is 130% of the federal poverty level. These limits may vary based on household size and other factors.
If your income or medical condition changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Report changes to the SSA, Medicaid, and SNAP as soon as possible. Keep records of all communications and payments.
Contact a disability attorney or advocate for help with your application. They can guide you through the process and increase your chances of approval.
Yes, if your asthma is severe and prevents you from working for at least one year, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical evidence and meet income and work credit requirements.
You can apply online at the SSA website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence.
In 2025, the federal income limit for SSI is $914 per month for an individual and $1,371 for a couple. These limits may vary based on household size and other factors.
Yes, if you have asthma and meet income and disability criteria, you may qualify for Medicaid in New Mexico. Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families.
The State Disability Plan provides financial assistance to state employees who are unable to work due to a sickness or injury. Participation is voluntary, and the premium is paid by the employee.
You can apply for SNAP online, by phone, or in person at a local Human Services office. You will need to provide proof of income and household size.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses.
You must report any changes in income to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Report changes to the SSA, Medicaid, and SNAP as soon as possible.
Yes, children with asthma may qualify for Medicaid, SNAP, and Children’s Medical Services. These programs provide health coverage and coordinated care for children with chronic illnesses.
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Consider hiring a disability attorney to help with the appeals process.
