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Texas • Chronic Illness
If you have asthma in Texas and it limits your ability to work, you may qualify for federal benefits like SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. This guide explains eligibility, income rules, and the application process, with tips for accessing work incentives and medical supports.
To qualify for SSDI or SSI with asthma, you must show that your asthma is severe, lasts at least 12 months, and prevents you from working or earning more than $1,620 per month in 2025 ($2,700 if blind)[1][2]. For children, asthma must cause 'marked and severe functional limitations'[4]. SSDI also requires sufficient work credits (typically at least 20 credits earned in the last 10 years)[2][5]. Social Security uses a 5-step process: check if you’re working, assess severity, check if asthma is a 'listed impairment,' test if you can do past work, and see if you can do any other work[1].
Texas follows federal eligibility rules for SSI/SSDI. State-specific resources are limited, but Texas Medicaid (HHSC) may cover asthma medications, doctor visits, and emergency care if you meet income and asset limits. Some Texans with asthma may also qualify for Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, but these are not autism-specific. Start by applying for Medicaid or SSI/SSDI—these programs are the main gateways to state health benefits. If you are denied, consider appealing or contacting a legal aid nonprofit for help. For most Texans, the process and rules are the same as the national standards.
Start by gathering your medical records, work history (for SSDI), and proof of income/resources (for SSI). Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person at your local Social Security office. Texas does not have a separate state disability program; use the federal process. Expect to wait several months for a decision. You can appeal if denied[5].
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Step 2: Gather Documents
Step 3: Apply
Step 4: Follow Up
Step 5: Appeal if Denied
Step 6: Explore Medicaid
Step 7: Check for Waivers
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) pays monthly benefits if you have a work history and a qualifying disability like severe asthma[5]. The 2025 maximum SSDI benefit is $4,018/month[7]. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for those with limited income/resources, paying up to $967/month for individuals in 2025[2]. Medicare starts 24 months after SSDI approval. Medicaid covers low-income individuals and may provide extra health supports.
Work Incentives: Both SSDI and SSDI offer programs to help you return to work without losing benefits right away[2].
ABLE Accounts let Texans with disabilities save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
Texas does not have a separate state disability benefit program. Texans with asthma rely on federal SSI/SSDI and Medicaid. Medicaid in Texas (HHSC) covers asthma medications, doctor visits, and hospital care if you meet income and asset limits. Some Texans may also qualify for Medicaid waivers (like HCBS), which offer extra supports for people who need help living at home. These waivers have waiting lists and specific eligibility rules. For children with severe asthma, SSI may be available if family income and resources are low[4].
No state-specific asthma benefit exists—start with SSI/SSDI and Medicaid, then explore waivers if you need more help. Always report income and life changes to avoid overpayments.
Texas ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses. These accounts are a smart way to manage money while keeping federal and state benefits. Learn more at a local nonprofit or the Texas ABLE program website.
In 2025, SSI pays up to $967/month for individuals and $1,450 for couples, with resource limits of $2,000 (individuals) and $3,000 (couples)[2]. SSDI does not have strict income limits, but you cannot earn over $1,620/month from work ($2,700 if blind) and still qualify[1][2]. Medicaid has its own income and asset limits, which vary by program.
Always report changes in income, living situation, or health to Social Security and Texas Medicaid. Mistakes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Use the Social Security portal or call your local office to update your information. For Medicaid, report through YourTexasBenefits.com. See our guide on avoiding overpayments for more tips.
Asthma alone rarely qualifies for disability unless it is severe, persistent, and not controlled by medication. You must show repeated hospitalizations, ER visits, or ongoing breathing problems that limit your ability to work. Gathering detailed medical records is key to a strong application.
If you need more help than regular Medicaid provides, ask about home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers. These waivers can pay for personal care, respite, and other supports, but usually have waiting lists and strict eligibility rules. Start by applying for Medicaid through YourTexasBenefits.com.
Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months and meets Social Security’s strict rules. You must also meet income and work history requirements depending on whether you apply for SSI or SSDI[1][2][5].
In 2025, non-blind applicants cannot earn over $1,620/month from work; blind applicants cannot earn over $2,700/month. SSI also has strict income and resource limits, while SSDI focuses on work credits[1][2].
Yes, children with severe asthma that causes 'marked and severe functional limitations' and whose family meets income and resource limits may qualify for SSI[4].
SSI is needs-based, for people with low income/resources. SSDI requires a work history and is based on how long you have paid Social Security taxes. Both require that your asthma is severe and disabling under federal rules[5][7].
Yes, Medicaid covers asthma medications, doctor visits, and hospital care for eligible Texans with low income and resources. Some may also qualify for home and community-based waiver services[4].
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. Gather all medical records and proof of income/resources before you start. For Medicaid, apply at YourTexasBenefits.com[5].
Disclaimer: This guide offers general information only, not legal advice. Rules and benefit amounts change. Always check with official agencies for the latest updates.
You can appeal by requesting reconsideration, then a hearing. Many Texans are denied at first but win on appeal. Consider reaching out to a legal aid organization for help[5].
Both SSDI and SSI have work incentive programs that let you work part-time without losing benefits right away. There are rules about how much you can earn—the 2025 SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind people[2].
ABLE accounts let Texans with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses[2].
The process can take several months, or even years if you appeal. Start early, be patient, and keep all your records up to date.
You must report any major changes in your health, income, or living situation to Social Security and Texas Medicaid. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, penalties, or loss of benefits[2].
