Ohio • Chronic Illness

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Benefits in Ohio

If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Ohio, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI. Ohio does not offer extra cash supplements to SSI, but provides strong Medicaid coverage, housing help, food assistance, and other support services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs are available.

Ohio does not provide state cash supplements to SSI recipients.
COPD may qualify you for federal SSI or SSDI if it meets SSA criteria.
Ohio offers robust Medicaid, food, housing, and disability-specific services.
You can get help with applications from local agencies and nonprofits.
Work incentives and ABLE accounts are available for those who want to work.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-06

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Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. Your COPD must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months.
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your COPD must meet SSA’s medical criteria. SSI is for people with low income and assets, regardless of work history.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical guide called the “Blue Book” to decide if your COPD is disabling. COPD is listed under Section 3.02, which covers chronic respiratory disorders.
You must provide medical records showing your diagnosis, lung function tests, and how your COPD limits your daily activities and ability to work.
Both programs require that your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Ohio does not provide any mandatory or optional state cash supplements to SSI recipients. This means SSI payments in Ohio are only the federal amount ($943/month for individuals, $1,415/month for couples in 2025).
However, Ohio offers strong support through Medicaid, food assistance (SNAP), housing programs, and energy assistance (LIHEAP). These can help reduce living costs for people with COPD.
Ohio’s county boards of developmental disabilities and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services offer services for people with disabilities, including those with chronic illnesses like COPD.
Medicaid in Ohio covers a wide range of health services, including home care, therapy, and medical equipment, which can be especially helpful for managing COPD.
Ohio also has programs for affordable housing and help with utility bills, which can be important for people with chronic health conditions.

How to apply in Ohio

Gather your medical records, proof of income, and personal identification.
Visit the SSA website or your local Social Security office to start your SSI or SSDI application.
Ask for help from local agencies like Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) or Disability Rights Ohio.
Complete the application and submit all required documents.
Follow up on your application status and respond to any requests for more information.

Step 1: Get your medical records. You’ll need documentation from your doctor showing your COPD diagnosis, lung function tests, and how your condition affects your daily life.
Step 2: Collect proof of income, assets, and personal identification (like your Social Security card and driver’s license).
Step 3: Visit the SSA website (ssa.gov) or call 1-800-772-1213 to start your application. You can apply online, by phone, or in person.
Step 4: If you need help, contact Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) or Disability Rights Ohio. They offer free assistance with applications and appeals.
Step 5: Complete the application form and submit all required documents. Be honest and thorough.
Step 6: Wait for a decision. The process can take several months. Respond quickly to any requests for more information.
Step 7: If your application is denied, you can appeal. OOD and Disability Rights Ohio can help with the appeals process.
Step 8: If approved, you’ll start receiving benefits. Report any changes in your income or health to avoid overpayments.

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to disability.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
Medicaid: Provides health coverage to low-income people with disabilities, including those with COPD.
Medicare: Available to people who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
SNAP (Food Stamps): Provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families.
LIHEAP: Helps with heating and cooling costs for low-income households.
Work Incentives: Programs that help people with disabilities work without losing benefits.

Medicaid: Ohio offers comprehensive Medicaid coverage for people with disabilities, including home care, therapy, and medical equipment.
SNAP (Food Stamps): Provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families.
LIHEAP: Helps with heating and cooling costs for low-income households.
Ohio Housing Finance Agency: Offers affordable housing programs for people with disabilities.
County Boards of Developmental Disabilities: Provide assessment, service planning, and coordination for adults and children with developmental disabilities, including those with chronic illnesses.
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services: Offers services and support for people with disabilities, including those with chronic health conditions.
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA): Provides free help to people with disabilities who want to work, including benefits counseling and job support.
SOAR Ohio: Trains staff and community members to submit complete and quality SSI/SSDI applications for people with disabilities.

Money & Banking

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits.
You can use ABLE funds for qualified disability expenses like medical care, education, housing, and transportation.
Ohio offers the STABLE Account, which is Ohio’s ABLE program. You can open an account online at stableaccount.com.
Contributions to ABLE accounts are not tax-deductible, but earnings grow tax-free and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free.

For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943/month for individuals and $1,415/month for couples. Ohio does not add a state supplement.
SSDI income limits depend on your work history and earnings. There is no asset limit for SSDI.
Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. In general, you must have low income and limited assets to qualify.
SNAP income limits are based on household size and income. You can use the SSI Income Estimator tool to see if you qualify.

If your income or health changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments.
Overpayments can happen if you receive benefits you’re not eligible for. You may have to repay the overpayment.
Report changes as soon as possible to avoid penalties or loss of benefits.
If you get an overpayment notice, contact the SSA or Disability Rights Ohio for help.

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) or Disability Rights Ohio for free help with your application and appeals.

Save Without Losing Benefits

Open an Ohio STABLE ABLE account to save money for disability expenses without affecting your SSI or Medicaid eligibility.

Contacts

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)
Phone: 1-877-644-6641
Website
State agency for disability determination and support services.
Disability Rights Ohio
Phone: 1-800-282-9181
TTY: 1-800-642-8207
Email: [email protected]
Website
Legal advocacy and rights protection for people with disabilities.
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Website
Federal agency for disability benefits.

FAQs

Can I get disability benefits for COPD in Ohio?
Yes, if your COPD 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.
Does Ohio offer extra cash for SSI recipients?
No, Ohio does not provide any state cash supplements to SSI recipients. You will receive only the federal SSI amount.
What medical records do I need for a disability application?
You need documentation from your doctor showing your COPD diagnosis, lung function tests, and how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work.
How long does it take to get a decision on my application?
The process can take several months. Respond quickly to any requests for more information to avoid delays.
Can I work while getting disability benefits?
Yes, there are work incentives that allow you to work without losing benefits. Contact Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) for help.
What if my application is denied?
You can appeal the decision. Contact Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities or Disability Rights Ohio for help with the appeals process.
What other help is available in Ohio for people with COPD?
Ohio offers Medicaid, food assistance, housing programs, and energy assistance. County boards and state agencies provide additional support services.

Official resources

Social Security Disability Benefits(federal)
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)(state_agency)
Ohio Benefits Portal(state_agency)
Ohio Medicaid Waivers(state_agency)

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized assistance.

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