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Vermont • Chronic Illness
If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Vermont, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and food assistance. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with COPD, your condition must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. This means COPD must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. For SSI, you must have low income and resources. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs require medical proof of your disability. You must live in the U.S. and be a citizen or legal resident. [^1]
If you get SSI, you may also qualify for Medicaid and food assistance. SSDI does not have strict income limits, but work history matters. [^1]
In Vermont, people with disabilities—including COPD—can get extra help with food and medical costs. If you get disability payments like SSI, SSDI, or Veteran’s Disability, you may not have to meet income or resource limits for 3SquaresVT (food assistance). You can get higher monthly food benefits if you have out-of-pocket medical costs, such as oxygen, medications, or home health care. [^2]
Vermont also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help pay for home care, medical equipment, and support services. These waivers are for people who need long-term care but want to stay at home. [^3]
Get medical proof: Ask your doctor for records showing your COPD diagnosis, test results, and how it affects your ability to work.
Apply for SSI or SSDI:
Apply for 3SquaresVT:
Apply for Medicaid and HCBS waivers:
Report changes: Tell Social Security and DCF if your income, health, or living situation changes. This helps avoid overpayments. [^1][^2][^3][^4]
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the money for housing, education, transportation, and more. Vermont offers ABLE accounts through the ABLE United program. [^6]
For SSI in Vermont, the resource limit is $2,000 for a single person and $3,000 for a married couple. The home and one car are not counted. SSDI has no strict income limits, but work history matters. [^1]
You must report changes in income, resources, or health to Social Security and DCF. Not reporting can lead to overpayments and penalties. See the guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes. [^7]
If you need help with your application or have questions about your rights, contact Legal Services Vermont at 1-800-889-2047. They can help with appeals, complaints, and getting services.
Yes, if your COPD is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months and you have low income and resources. You must apply through Social Security and provide medical proof. [^1]
If you have COPD and get disability payments, you may not have to meet income or resource limits for 3SquaresVT. You can get higher benefits if you have medical costs like oxygen or medications. [^2]
Vermont offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. These can help pay for home care, medical equipment, and support services for people who need long-term care. [^3]
Yes, Social Security has work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. You can keep Medicaid and Medicare while you work. See the work incentives guide. [^7]
You can open an ABLE account through the ABLE United program. You must have a disability that started before age 26. The account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. [^6]
You can appeal the decision. Contact Legal Services Vermont for help with appeals and complaints. You can also file a complaint if an agency doesn’t respect your rights. [^4]
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, you must report changes to Social Security and DCF. Not reporting can lead to overpayments and penalties. See the guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes. [^7]
Yes, Medicaid and HCBS waivers can help pay for medical bills, home care, and equipment. You may also get higher 3SquaresVT benefits if you have medical costs. [^2][^3]
SSI is for people with low income and resources. SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require medical proof of disability. [^1]
The Vermont Communication Support Project offers free help for people with disabilities in court or hearings. They provide communication specialists but not legal advice. [^4]
