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Vermont • Chronic Illness
If you have asthma in Vermont, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like Medicaid, SSI, 3SquaresVT, and more. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To get federal disability benefits for asthma, you must show that your asthma is severe enough to limit your ability to work or do daily activities. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at how often you need treatment, how much your asthma limits your breathing, and if you have frequent hospital stays or emergency visits. You must also meet income and resource limits for programs like SSI. For SSI, you must have less than $2,000 in resources if you are single, or less than $3,000 if you are married and living together. Your home and one car usually do not count. You must live in the U.S. and be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. [^1]
If you get SSI, you may also qualify for Medicaid and 3SquaresVT (food stamps). Medical costs for asthma, like prescriptions and doctor visits, can help you get higher benefits. [^1]
In Vermont, people with disabilities—including asthma—may qualify for extra help with benefits. For example, if everyone in your household gets disability benefits, you may not have to meet income or resource limits for 3SquaresVT. You can also get higher 3SquaresVT benefits if you have out-of-pocket medical costs for asthma, like prescriptions, inhalers, or doctor visits. Vermont also offers Medicaid waivers for people with chronic illnesses, which can help pay for home care, assistive devices, and other services. [^2]
Vermont’s developmental disability services may help if your asthma is severe and affects your daily life. You can appeal if your services are denied or cut. Vermont also has laws against disability discrimination in housing and employment. [^2]
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the money for qualified disability expenses, like asthma medications, doctor visits, and assistive devices. To open an ABLE account, you must have a disability that started before age 26. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to apply. [^2]
For SSI, you must have less than $2,000 in resources if you are single, or less than $3,000 if you are married and living together. Your home and one car usually do not count. For 3SquaresVT, Vermonters with disabilities may not have to meet income or resource limits if everyone in the household gets disability benefits. [^1][^2]
If your income, resources, or medical costs change, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Report changes to the Vermont Department of Children and Families or the Social Security Administration. If you get an overpayment, you can ask for a waiver or set up a payment plan. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes. [^2]
Vermont Legal Aid and the Vermont Communication Support Project can help you apply for benefits and appeal decisions. Call 1-800-889-2047 for legal help or 1-888-686-8277 for communication support.
Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to limit your ability to work or do daily activities, and you meet income and resource limits. You must apply and provide medical records. [^1]
Yes, Vermonters with disabilities may not have to meet income or resource limits for 3SquaresVT if everyone in the household gets disability benefits. Medical costs for asthma can help you get higher benefits. [^2]
You can apply for Medicaid waivers through the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living. You must show that your asthma is severe and affects your daily life. [^2]
Yes, Medicaid and 3SquaresVT can help pay for asthma medications. You can also get help through Vermont’s developmental disability services and Medicaid waivers. [^2]
You can appeal if your benefits are denied. Vermont Legal Aid and the Vermont Communication Support Project can help you with appeals and hearings. [^2]
Yes, 3SquaresVT can help you buy groceries. Vermonters with disabilities may not have to meet income or resource limits if everyone in the household gets disability benefits. [^2]
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized help.
Report changes to the Vermont Department of Children and Families or the Social Security Administration. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits up to date. [^2]
Yes, Vermont Legal Aid and the Vermont Communication Support Project can help you apply and appeal. You can also get help from the Vermont Department of Children and Families. [^2]
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the money for qualified disability expenses, like asthma medications and doctor visits. [^2]
Yes, Vermont has laws against disability discrimination in housing and employment. You can file a complaint if an agency doesn’t respect your rights. [^2]
