What disability programs are available in Louisiana

Louisiana runs several programs that provide cash payments, medical coverage, or both to people with disabilities. The largest are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), both federal programs administered through Social Security. Louisiana also operates its own programs: Medicaid for people with disabilities, which covers medical care; Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, which helps people return to work; and Temporary information for Needy Families (TANF), which provides cash to families including those with disabled members.

Which program you may be able to use depends on your work history, current income, and whether you need cash, medical coverage, or job training. Some people receive benefits from more than one program at the same time. The programs have different rules about how much money you can have, what counts as income, and how long you can receive help.

Key Takeaways

  • SSI and SSDI are federal programs; Louisiana Medicaid and Rehabilitation Services are state-run, and the rules differ between them.
  • SSI is for people with low income and few assets; SSDI is for people with a work history who became disabled before retirement age.
  • You contact Social Security directly for SSI and SSDI, but you contact the Louisiana Department of Health for Medicaid and the Louisiana Department of Education for Rehabilitation Services.
  • Louisiana Medicaid covers medical care for people with disabilities regardless of whether they receive cash from SSI or SSDI.
  • Processing times vary: Social Security decisions can take three to six months, while Medicaid coverage decisions usually take 30 to 45 days.

SSI and SSDI: The federal programs

Both SSI and SSDI require you to have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. Social Security uses the same medical standard for both programs, but the money comes from different sources and has different rules about income and assets.

SSDI is based on your own work history. You must have worked long enough and recently enough to have earned enough Social Security credits. The amount you receive is based on your past earnings. There is no limit on how much money or property you can have. You can work part-time and still receive SSDI, as long as your earnings stay below a certain level (called the substantial gainful activity limit, which changes each year).

SSI is based on financial need, not work history. You can receive SSI if you have little or no income and own fewer than $2,000 in countable assets (or $3,000 if you are married). The monthly payment is the same for everyone in Louisiana who receives only SSI, though it may be higher if you have work income. You can work and still receive SSI, but your payment will be reduced based on how much you earn.

To start the process for either program, contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213, visit your local Social Security office, or go online to ssa.gov. You will need to provide medical records, work history, and proof of identity. Social Security will schedule you for a decision, which typically takes three to six months.

Louisiana Medicaid for people with disabilities

Louisiana Medicaid covers medical care—doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, mental health services, and more—for people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits. You do not have to receive SSI or SSDI to get Louisiana Medicaid; you can have Medicaid alone. However, if you receive SSI, you are automatically enrolled in Medicaid. If you receive SSDI, you may be able to get Medicaid depending on your income.

To explore for Louisiana Medicaid, contact the Louisiana Department of Health's Office of may be able to access and Services. You can explore online through the Louisiana Wallet app, by mail, in person at a local office, or by phone. The phone number is 1-888-342-6207. You will need to provide proof of income, assets, identity, and your medical condition. The Department of Health usually makes a decision within 30 to 45 days.

Income limits for Medicaid vary depending on your household size and whether you are receiving SSI. If you are receiving SSI, your Medicaid coverage continues as long as you remain on SSI. If you are not receiving SSI, the income limit is usually around 100 to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, depending on the category you fall into.

Louisiana Rehabilitation Services and work support

If you want to return to work or learn a new job, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (part of the Louisiana Department of Education) can help. The program pays for training, education, assistive technology, job coaching, and other services to help you work. You do not have to be receiving SSI or SSDI to use this program, though many people do.

To contact Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, call 1-800-737-2958 or visit the office nearest you. You will work with a counselor who will assess your abilities, interests, and barriers to work. Together you will create a plan. The program is free, but you may be asked to contribute to the cost of some services if you have income.

Louisiana Rehabilitation Services can work alongside SSDI. If you are receiving SSDI and you work with a Rehabilitation Services counselor, Social Security has a program called Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) that allows you to set aside income and resources for a work goal without losing your SSDI benefits. This is useful if you are saving for training or starting a business.

TANF and cash information for families

Temporary information for Needy Families (TANF) provides monthly cash to families with low income, including families where a member has a disability. The program is called Family Independence Temporary information Program (FITAP) in Louisiana. You do not have to be disabled to receive FITAP, but if you are, you may be exempt from work requirements.

To explore for FITAP, contact the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. You can explore online, by mail, or in person at a local office. The phone number is 1-888-524-3578. You will need to provide proof of income, assets, identity, and household composition. The Department usually makes a decision within 30 days.

FITAP has strict income and asset limits. The monthly payment depends on your household size and is set by the state. If you are disabled and unable to work, you may be able to receive FITAP without being required to look for a job, but you will need to provide medical documentation of your disability.

How these programs work together

You can receive benefits from more than one program at the same time. For example, you might receive SSDI and Louisiana Medicaid. Or you might receive SSI, Medicaid, and FITAP. The programs have different rules about income and assets, so receiving one does not automatically disqualify you from another.

However, the programs count income differently. For example, SSI counts most types of income, but SSDI allows you to earn up to a certain amount without losing benefits. Medicaid counts income one way, and FITAP counts it another. If you are receiving multiple benefits, you should tell each program about any changes in your income or living situation, because the change might affect your benefits from one program but not another.

A good strategy is to explore for all programs you think you might be able to use. Start with Social Security (for SSI or SSDI) and the Louisiana Department of Health (for Medicaid) at the same time. If you want to work, also contact Louisiana Rehabilitation Services. If you have children or are a parent, also explore for FITAP.

What to expect during the decision process

After you explore, each program will ask you for more information. Social Security may send you to a doctor for an exam. The Louisiana Department of Health may ask for recent pay stubs or bank statements. Louisiana Rehabilitation Services will schedule meetings with a counselor. FITAP may ask you to verify your household composition.

If a program denies your request, you have the right to appeal. For Social Security, you can request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. For Louisiana Medicaid, you can request a fair hearing within 60 days. For Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, you can file a complaint with the agency. For FITAP, you can request a hearing within 60 days. Each program has its own appeal process, and you can represent yourself or ask someone to help you.

During the decision process, keep copies of everything you send and everything you receive. Write down the names and phone numbers of the people you talk to. If you miss a important date or a request for information, your case may be closed. If that happens, you can reapply, but it is better to stay in touch and respond quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive SSDI and work at the same time?

Yes. SSDI allows you to earn up to a certain amount each month (the substantial gainful activity limit, which changes yearly) without losing your benefits. If you earn more than that, your benefits will stop, but you can continue to work. After your benefits stop, you have a nine-month trial work period during which you can test your ability to work without losing Medicaid coverage.

If I receive SSI, do I automatically get Medicaid?

Yes. In Louisiana, if you are receiving SSI, you are automatically enrolled in Medicaid. You do not have to explore separately. Your Medicaid coverage continues as long as you remain on SSI.

What is the difference between the income limit for SSI and the income limit for Medicaid?

SSI has a strict income limit: if you have any unearned income (such as a pension or family support), your SSI payment is reduced dollar for dollar. Medicaid has a higher income limit and counts income differently. You can have more income and still receive Medicaid than you can have and still receive SSI. This is why some people receive Medicaid but not SSI.

How long does it take to get a decision from Social Security?

Initial decisions usually take three to six months. If Social Security denies your request and you appeal, reconsideration decisions usually take another three to six months. If you appeal again and request a hearing before an administrative law judge, the wait can be one to two years, depending on the judge's workload.

Can I work with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services while I am receiving SSDI?

Yes. Louisiana Rehabilitation Services can help you return to work or learn a new job. If you are receiving SSDI, you can use a program called Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) to set aside income and resources for a work goal without losing your SSDI benefits. Talk to your Social Security representative about PASS before you start working with Rehabilitation Services.