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New Mexico • Chronic Illness
New Mexicans with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) have access to federal and state disability and health care benefits. Read our expert guide to understand SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, work incentives, and how to apply.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic illness that may qualify you for federal disability programs—SSI and SSDI. SSI is for low-income people with limited work history; SSDI is for those with enough work credits from paying Social Security taxes[1]. To qualify, your COPD must severely limit your ability to work and be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits—usually 40 credits, half earned in the last 10 years, with $1,810 needed per credit in 2025 (up to 4 per year)[7]. SSI is not based on work history and has strict income/resource limits. Both programs require medical proof of severe impairment preventing substantial gainful activity (SGA)—$1,470/month for non-blind applicants in 2025 (adjusts yearly)[4].
New Mexico Medicaid extends health coverage to adults and children with chronic illnesses like COPD if you meet income and disability requirements[3]. If you lose SSI because your income is just above the limit, you may still qualify for Medicaid under a special rule—ask your local HCA office[3]. New Mexico’s Children’s Medical Services (CMS) covers kids under 21 with chronic health issues, including COPD, and adults with cystic fibrosis—but not all adults with COPD[3]. For food benefits, New Mexico sometimes steps in during federal SNAP (food stamps) disruptions—check YES.NM.GOV for updates and apply if you need help[2]. The State of New Mexico Disability Policy is only for public employees, not the general public[5].
If you have COPD and can’t work, start by applying for SSI or SSDI at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213[7]. For Medicaid or food aid, apply at YES.NM.GOV or contact your local HCA Income Support Division office in New Mexico[2]. Gather your medical records, proof of income, and identification. If you have kids, ask about Children’s Medical Services at the New Mexico Department of Health[3].
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) provides cash benefits to low-income people with disabilities, including COPD, and Medicaid is usually automatic with SSI[1][7]. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) pays benefits to those with enough work credits from payroll taxes—your COPD must prevent substantial work for at least 12 months[1][7]. SNAP (food stamps) helps with food costs for low-income households—apply through New Mexico’s YES.NM.GOV portal[2]. If federal SNAP is interrupted, New Mexico may provide its own food aid[2]. Medicare starts after 24 months of SSDI payments. Work incentives let you try working without immediately losing benefits—check SSA.gov for details.
Medicaid: New Mexico’s Medicaid program covers adults and children with chronic illnesses, including COPD, if you meet income and disability rules. Some people who lose SSI can still get Medicaid for a limited time or under special state rules[3]. Children’s Medical Services (CMS): Available for children under 21 with chronic conditions like COPD—this is not for adults. State Disability Policy: Only for public employees who pay into this optional plan—not open to the general public[5]. State-funded Food Assistance: New Mexico sometimes fills gaps in federal SNAP, especially during government shutdowns—keep applying, as state benefits may be available[2]. While resources for adults with chronic illnesses are mostly federal, checking your eligibility for Medicaid and SNAP in New Mexico is essential.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. New Mexico does not have its own ABLE program, but you can enroll in any state’s plan. These accounts help you save for disability-related expenses while staying under federal benefit income and asset limits.
SSI has strict income and resource limits—if you earn above $943/month (2025) as an individual, you may lose SSI[7]. SSDI has no asset limit, but your earnings cannot exceed the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit—$1,470/month for 2025 for non-blind applicants[4]. Medicaid in New Mexico has its own income rules—check YES.NM.GOV for current limits[3].
If you receive SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, or SNAP, you must report changes in income, living situation, or health status promptly. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes, and you may have to pay the money back[internal_links]. Always keep records of your reports and receipts.
If federal SNAP benefits are interrupted, New Mexico may launch its own food assistance program. Eligible residents with COPD should continue applying for SNAP at YES.NM.GOV and watch for updates from the state[2].
Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease may qualify for Medicaid, even if you lose SSI for a small increase in income—New Mexico has special rules for this. Contact the HCA for details[3].
You can try working without losing SSI or SSDI, as long as your earnings stay below the SGA limit. SSI and SSDI both have work incentives—learn how to use them to your advantage[internal_links].
You may qualify for SSI if your COPD prevents you from working, you have limited income and resources, and your condition is expected to last at least a year or result in death. For SSDI, you also need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes[1][7].
If your COPD improves enough to let you return to substantial work (above the SGA limit), you may lose SSDI/SSI benefits. Always report health changes to the Social Security Administration and New Mexico HCA[4][internal_links].
New Mexico Medicaid covers adults with chronic illnesses like COPD if you meet income and disability requirements. Some special rules help if you lose SSI because your income is just above the limit[3].
Yes, if you meet income guidelines. Apply for SNAP via YES.NM.GOV. During federal gaps, New Mexico may offer its own food benefits—apply even if federal SNAP is interrupted[2].
New Mexico Children’s Medical Services (CMS) offers care coordination, treatment, and support for children under 21 with chronic illnesses like COPD. Contact the Department of Health for details[3].
Yes, SSI and SSDI have work incentives allowing trial work periods. Earnings must stay below the SGA limit—$1,470/month (2025) for most people[4][internal_links].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules and benefits may change. Always verify with official agencies.
You can appeal. Many people get denied at first—request reconsideration, then a hearing, if needed. Consider seeking help from a disability attorney or legal aid group.
Report changes in income, living situation, or health to the Social Security Administration and New Mexico HCA immediately. Use their online portals or call the numbers listed in your denial or approval letters[internal_links].
Yes, you may be eligible for an ABLE account, which lets you save for disability expenses without jeopardizing benefits. Enroll in any state’s ABLE plan, as New Mexico does not have its own[internal_links].
Contact your local HCA Income Support Division office, a Social Security office, or a licensed New Mexico disability attorney for free or low-cost help with SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, or SNAP applications.
