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Washington • Chronic Illness
People with asthma in Washington may qualify for federal and state disability benefits if their condition prevents substantial work for at least 12 months. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with asthma, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must determine that your asthma is severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Both SSI and SSDI use the same medical definition of disability, but eligibility differs. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI requires a work history and enough Social Security credits. The SSA evaluates your medical records, work history, and how your asthma affects daily activities and ability to work [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, 2025-11-06].
In Washington, people with asthma may qualify for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) cash assistance program if they are low-income, have a disabling condition (including asthma), and are not receiving SSI or TANF. ABD is for those who are temporarily disabled or waiting for SSI approval. To qualify, you must be at least 18, have a medical condition that prevents work for at least 12 months, and meet income and resource limits. You cannot get ABD if you are already receiving SSI or TANF benefits. The program provides a monthly cash grant and helps with SSI applications [dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/aged-blind-or-disabled-cash-program, 2025-11-06].
Get Medical Documentation: Ask your doctor for records that show your asthma diagnosis, treatment history, and how it affects your ability to work. Include test results, medication lists, and notes on hospitalizations or ER visits.
Check Eligibility: Review the income and resource limits for SSI and ABD. For SSI, your income and resources must be below federal limits. For ABD, your income must be low and you must not be receiving SSI or TANF [dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/aged-blind-or-disabled-cash-program, 2025-11-06].
Apply for Benefits:
Follow Up: Respond to any requests for more information. Attend any required interviews or medical exams.
Report Changes: If your income, resources, or health changes, report it to SSA or DSHS to avoid overpayments [dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/aged-blind-or-disabled-cash-program, 2025-11-06].
Federal programs for people with asthma in Washington include:
Both SSI and SSDI require a medical determination that your asthma prevents substantial work for at least 12 months [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, 2025-11-06].
Washington offers several programs for people with asthma:
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Washington, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Contributions are limited, and funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and more. Learn more at the WA ABLE account page [ableaccount.wa.gov, 2025-11-06].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. For ABD in Washington, income and resource limits are set by state rules and are lower than SSI limits. Check with DSHS for current limits [dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/aged-blind-or-disabled-cash-program, 2025-11-06].
If your income, resources, or health changes, you must report it to SSA or DSHS. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/aged-blind-or-disabled-cash-program, 2025-11-06].
Contact your local DSHS office or a disability advocate for help with your application. They can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to prevent substantial work for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical evidence showing how your asthma limits your ability to work [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, 2025-11-06].
ABD is a state cash assistance program for low-income people with disabilities who are waiting for SSI approval. It provides a monthly cash grant and helps with SSI applications [dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/aged-blind-or-disabled-cash-program, 2025-11-06].
ABD pays up to $450 per month for individuals and $570 for couples. The amount depends on your income and resources [dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/aged-blind-or-disabled-cash-program, 2025-11-06].
Yes, ABD is considered a loan. If you start receiving SSI, you must repay the state for ABD benefits you received. This payback requirement is still in effect until at least 2028 [publicola.com/2024/06/27/state-will-continue-requiring-low-income-people-to-pay-back-disability-benefits-through-2025/, 2025-11-06].
Yes, if you meet income and disability requirements, you can get Medicaid. Medicaid covers medical care for people with asthma, including medications and doctor visits [dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/aged-blind-or-disabled-cash-program, 2025-11-06].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for serious health conditions, including asthma. You must meet eligibility requirements and apply through the state [wa.gov/paid-leave, 2025-11-06].
You can apply for SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records, proof of income, and other personal information [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, 2025-11-06].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can use it for asthma-related expenses like medications, doctor visits, and equipment [ableaccount.wa.gov, 2025-11-06].
Yes, you must report any changes in your health, income, or resources to DSHS or SSA to avoid overpayments and penalties [dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/aged-blind-or-disabled-cash-program, 2025-11-06].
Yes, SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. You can earn a certain amount and still get benefits. Learn more about work incentives [ssa.gov/disability/work, 2025-11-06].
