Amputation Benefits in Alabama: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a qualifying disability and enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) [6]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability [1]. Both programs use the same medical criteria, but SSI is based on financial need, while SSDI is based on work history [1].

For 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. Earning above this limit usually means you cannot get benefits [1][2].

Alabama residents with amputation may qualify for SSDI or SSI, or both. Alabama’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) makes the initial medical decision for both programs. The state does not provide extra payments to SSI recipients, but SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid [1].

Alabama coordinates closely with federal programs for vocational rehabilitation and work incentives. The state also offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers for those who meet nursing facility level of care and financial eligibility, which may include people with amputation [3].

• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or visit your local Social Security office.
• Alabama DDS will review your medical evidence.
• If denied, you can appeal or request reconsideration.
• Contact Alabama Department of Mental Health for work incentive counseling [7].

• Collect Documents: Get medical records, proof of income, and work history.
• Apply: Submit your application online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office [6].
• Medical Review: Alabama DDS will review your medical evidence to determine disability [1].
• Decision: You will receive a decision by mail. If denied, you can appeal or request reconsideration.
• Medicaid: If approved for SSI, you will automatically qualify for Medicaid in Alabama [1].
• Work Incentives: Contact Alabama Department of Mental Health for free benefits counseling and work incentive planning [7].
• Waivers: If you need home and community-based services, apply for HCBS waivers through the Alabama Department of Mental Health [3].

• SSDI: Monthly payments for workers with enough work credits and a qualifying disability.
• SSI: Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• Medicare: Available to SSDI recipients after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Automatic for SSI recipients in Alabama; SSDI recipients may apply separately.
• Work Incentives: Programs to help you return to work without losing benefits [1][2].

• Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: For individuals who are elderly or disabled and meet nursing facility level of care. Financial eligibility: $2,901/month income limit, $2,000 resource limit [3].
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Alabama coordinates with federal programs to help people with disabilities return to work.
• Work Incentives Planning & Assistance: Free benefits counseling for SSDI and SSI recipients through the Alabama Department of Mental Health [7].
• Medicaid: Automatic for SSI recipients; SSDI recipients may apply separately.
• No State Supplemental Payments: Alabama does not add extra payments to SSI benefits [1].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Alabama residents can open an ABLE account to help pay for disability-related expenses [internal_links].

• SSI: $943/month for individuals (2025), $2,000 resource limit [1].
• SSDI: No income limits once approved, but SGA limit is $1,550/month (2025) [1][2].
• HCBS Waivers: $2,901/month income limit, $2,000 resource limit [3].

You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Use the SSA’s online portal or contact your local office to report changes [internal_links].

• Alabama Department of Mental Health
  Phone: 1-800-361-4491

  Website

  For HCBS waiver applications and work incentive counseling.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI applications and questions.

• Can I get both SSDI and SSI in Alabama?

  Yes, if you meet the work history requirements for SSDI and the financial need for SSI. Alabama allows dual eligibility, but total benefits may be reduced to avoid overlap [1].

• Does Alabama add extra money to SSI?

  No, Alabama does not provide state supplemental payments to SSI recipients. However, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in Alabama [1].

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Alabama?

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. Alabama DDS will review your medical evidence to determine eligibility [1][6].

• What is the income limit for SSI in Alabama?

  For 2025, the SSI income limit is $943 per month for individuals. The resource limit is $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples [1].

• Do SSDI recipients get Medicaid in Alabama?

  SSDI recipients may apply for Medicaid separately. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in Alabama [1].

• Can I work while getting disability benefits in Alabama?

  Yes, but you must stay below the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals). Exceeding this limit may result in loss of benefits [1][2].

• What are HCBS waivers in Alabama?

  HCBS waivers provide home and community-based services for people who meet nursing facility level of care. Financial eligibility: $2,901/month income limit, $2,000 resource limit [3].