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New York • Chronic Illness
If you live in New York and have asthma, you may qualify for disability benefits, Medicaid health coverage, and state-specific support programs. Federal programs like SSI and SSDI offer income support, while New York Medicaid waivers help with home and community-based care. ABLE accounts help you save without losing benefits.
To get federal disability benefits for asthma, you must show your illness is severe enough to prevent you from working. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and resources must be low. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits. Asthma usually must interfere with daily life for at least 12 months to count as a disability under federal rules[4]. For SSI, the income and asset limits are strict—check current numbers with the Social Security Administration (SSA) before applying. For SSDI, work credits are key, and the exact number needed depends on your age when you became disabled[4].
State-specific information is limited; start here: New York Medicaid is the main state health program for people with low income and disabilities, including asthma. If you have Medicaid, you can also apply for special waiver programs, like the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) waiver or the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) waiver, if you need home care or help to avoid nursing homes. Eligibility for Medicaid depends on income, so check with the New York Department of Health for the latest rules. There is no separate New York state disability insurance program—rely on SSI/SSDI for income support.
Start by applying for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI) online at SSA.gov if asthma prevents you from working[4]. Apply for New York Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services or online at the NY State of Health marketplace. If you need long-term care services at home, ask about Medicaid waiver programs. Contact your local Independent Living Center for help with applications and appeals.
Step 1: Gather medical records showing your asthma diagnosis, treatments, and how it limits your daily life. Include notes from your doctor about your inability to work. Step 2: File for SSI and/or SSDI online at SSA.gov[4]. If you can’t do it yourself, call Social Security for help. Expect to wait several months for a decision. Step 3: If your income is low, apply for New York Medicaid through your county Department of Social Services or the NY State of Health website. Medicaid can help pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, and medicines. If you need home care, ask about Medicaid waiver programs. Step 4: If denied, appeal. You can get help from a lawyer or advocate. Keep copies of all your paperwork. Step 5: Once approved, report any income or work changes to keep your benefits. Consider opening an ABLE account to help you save money.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is based on financial need and pays a monthly benefit. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history and pays monthly benefits if you have enough work credits[4]. SSI recipients usually get Medicaid automatically. SSDI recipients may qualify for Medicare after a waiting period. ABLE accounts let you save up to $17,000 per year ($18,000 in 2025) without affecting SSI eligibility.
New York Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage, including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions, for people with asthma and other chronic illnesses—if income and resource rules are met. Medicaid waiver programs help people who need long-term care stay at home instead of in a nursing facility. These waivers include the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) waiver and the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) waiver (applicable for some with severe asthma complications). New York does not have a state disability insurance program; federal SSI and SSDI are your main income support options. For extra help, contact your local Independent Living Center or the New York State Department of Health.
New York residents can open ABLE accounts to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Up to $17,000 can be deposited each year (rising to $18,000 in 2025). Earnings grow tax-free, and there are no income limits for opening an ABLE account.
For SSI, monthly income limits are strict—$943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple in 2024 (check SSI Income Estimator for updates). Medicaid income limits vary by household size and program. Some waivers have higher limits. Always check with the New York Department of Health for the latest numbers.
Report any change in income, living situation, or work to Social Security and New York Medicaid as soon as it happens. Failing to report can cause overpayments, which you may have to pay back. For guidance, see our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
Independent Living Centers across New York offer free help with disability applications, appeals, and understanding your rights. Find a center near you at nysilc.org.
Asthma alone may not qualify for SSI/SSDI unless it is severe, long-lasting, and prevents you from working full-time. If you have other health problems, mention them on your application.
Don’t forget to renew your Medicaid every year. You’ll get a notice in the mail. If you don’t renew, you could lose coverage.
Asthma is a chronic illness and can qualify as a disability under federal SSI/SSDI rules if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to, but New York does not have a separate state disability insurance program.
Apply online at the NY State of Health marketplace or at your county Department of Social Services. You’ll need proof of income, residency, and your asthma diagnosis.
Medicaid waivers help people with disabilities get services at home. While asthma alone may not qualify, if you have other health needs, ask about the NHTD or TBI waivers through your Medicaid caseworker.
Yes, special work incentive programs let you work, earn more, and keep Medicaid and cash benefits for a time. Report all income to avoid overpayments. See our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for details.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. It’s for people whose disability began before age 26. Earnings grow tax-free, and you can spend on disability-related expenses.
It often takes several months to get a decision. If denied, you can appeal. Get help from a disability advocate or lawyer to improve your chances.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not replace legal or medical advice. Benefits and rules change often. Always check with official sources for the latest information.
You can appeal. Contact your local Independent Living Center or a disability lawyer for help with the process.
Yes, both SSI and New York Medicaid require regular reviews of your income, resources, and disability status.
Contact your local Independent Living Center, the New York State Department of Health, or a disability benefits counselor for free help with applications and appeals.
Report any health changes to Social Security and Medicaid. If you start or stop working, or your income changes, notify both agencies right away to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.
