Is Asthma A Disability? How to Qualify for Benefits for Asthma

• Michael Burry
• Jun 04, 2025

You may get disability for asthma if your medical condition affects your day-to-day activities. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition and a chronic illness that can significantly impact daily life. Asthma causes inflammation and constriction of the bronchial tubes, leading to symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.

People who applied for asthma disability benefits got approved in 2022 as 244,399 people in 2021. In further sections, you will get to know whether your asthma qualifies for disability, how SSA defines asthma, and whether you should apply for asthma based on your work experience and medical condition.

Is Asthma A Disability?

Yes, Asthma is a disability according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is a disabilities act that recognizes asthma as a disability, and the Social Security Administration (SSA). Asthma is listed in the Blue Book under the respiratory disorders section.

How the SSA Defines Asthma

Asthma is regarded as a chronic disease by the Social Security Administration (SSA) because it involves intermittent wheezing, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. It is important to note that for one to qualify for benefits, the ailment must be grave, unyielding, and resistant to conventional treatment options. SSA considers asthma under its respiratory disorders listings and evaluates such things as frequency of the attacks and whether or not the individual needs to be placed on medication.

Common Types of Asthma that Qualify for disability Benefits

There are several types of asthma, each with unique characteristics, triggers, and symptoms. Understanding the specific type of asthma you have can help your healthcare provider suggest the right treatment. Exposure to cold air can also trigger or worsen asthma symptoms in some individuals. Here are some common types of asthma:

• Allergic asthma
• Non-allergic asthma
• Exercise-induced asthma
• Cough-variant asthma
• Occupational asthma
• Nocturnal asthma
• Asthma-COPD overlaps

Common Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma symptoms may vary from one individual to another. It may get worse with time and people may experience asthma attacks. Some of the asthma symptoms may include:

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Coughing
• Waking up at night
• Chest pains
• Difficulty breathing

Can You Get Disability Benefits for Asthma?

Yes, allergy-induced asthma is already classified as a disability under the SSA, assuming that it is worse than mild and debilitating for work. The SSA insists on medical proof of frequent and persistent asthma attacks while the patient is on treatment. 

Documented admissions, ER encounters, or the need for intensive therapy at least thrice annually might help clear the hurdles. Moreover, even if the asthma does not satisfy the listing criteria outlined by the SSA, one may still be able to prove a disability based on the impact that the ailment has on the individual’s daily life and employment. 

Asthma is mentioned under Section 3.00 of the Social Security Administration (SSA)'s Blue Book.

Eligibility Criteria for Getting Disability with Asthma

You may need to meet the following requirements to be considered eligible:

• Medical diagnosis: You must have a formal diagnosis of asthma from a qualified healthcare professional, typically a pulmonologist or an immunologist.

• The severity of symptoms: Your asthma must be severe enough that it significantly impairs your ability to perform work-related tasks, even with proper treatment and long-term control medication. This may include frequent and severe asthma attacks, persistent symptoms, or limitations on physical activity due to shortness of breath. Severe asthma may result in attacks requiring hospitalization or emergency medical attention.

• Intensive treatment: Your condition may require intensive treatment, such as frequent use of corticosteroids or other advanced therapies.

• Medical documentation: You must provide thorough medical documentation of your asthma, including treatment history, medications, frequency and severity of symptoms, and any hospitalizations or emergency room visits due to asthma attacks.

• Duration: Your asthma must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Along with these, your asthma may be eligible for benefits if you meet any of the following conditions:

The air you are exhaling during a forced breath is below or at the approved level of the SSA or hospitalized three times in 1 year, and hospitalization has been occurring at least 30 days and lasting for at least 48 hours. 

In the United States, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a specific listing for asthma in their “Blue Book” of impairments (Listing 3.03). If your condition meets or exceeds the severity level described in this listing, you may be considered for asthma social security disability. 

SSDI vs. SSI with Asthma

Applying for the appropriate disability benefit program is essential as it will increase your chances of approval. Therefore, people who have worked for at least 5 of the last ten years and have paid their taxes are eligible for  Social Security Disability Insurance SSDI for asthma.

People who have little assets and income can apply for Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) for asthma as it will be a better choice for them. 

What Happens If My Asthma Meets The Criteria?

If your asthma meets the criteria mentioned in the SSA’s Blue Book, you must apply as soon as possible. The applicants think that the application process is complicated and they will not qualify for the benefits. 

Apply if you satisfy the following conditions:

• You can apply if you are not working owing to your extreme medical impairment, such as 24-hour oxygen or multiple hospitalizations. 

• If an applicant is over 50 and you are unable to do the work you used to do previously, you may be found to be eligible. 

You must apply later or wait if the doctor suggests that your asthma will get better with treatment or you haven’t stopped working completely.

You must not apply at all if you are able to control your asthma through proper medications or if you are earning more than $1,550 every month. 

What Happens If You Do Not Meet The SSA’s Eligibility Criteria For Asthma?

If your asthma does not meet these criteria, you might still qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits if your overall health and functional limitations prevent you from doing any work. 

You can file an appeal and include additional information and medical evidence by consulting an experienced disability attorney who can help in the asthma disability claim process.

How Much is a Disability Check for Asthma?

The benefits to be paid out in 2025 will be determined by whether you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in regard to asthma.

• SSDI: This benefit is given to you because of your employment history and past income. The average SSDI payout is around $4,018 per month for individuals with higher lifetime earnings.

• SSI: Set for people who have few financial resources, the maximum federal SSI benefit is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples.

What Happens If You Do Not Meet the SSA’s Eligibility Criteria for Asthma?

If your asthma does not meet these criteria, you might still qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits if your overall health and functional limitations prevent you from doing any work.

You can file an appeal and include additional information and medical evidence by working with a Disability Attorney who can help strengthen your appeal and navigate the asthma disability claim process.