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Alabama • Sensory
People in Alabama with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and special work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs for 2025.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Deaf-Blindness, you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. This means your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For adults, you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. For children, the rules are different and focus on how the disability affects daily life and development. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses medical evidence, school records, and sometimes a medical exam to decide eligibility. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above these amounts may affect your benefits[1][5].
In Alabama, people with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for Medicaid through several programs, including SSI-related Medicaid and Home and Community-Based Waivers. These waivers help people live in the community instead of institutions. Alabama also has special programs for the elderly and disabled, including those who are homebound or have certain diagnoses. The state agency may need more than just medical records to decide eligibility, so be ready to provide school records or other facts. Alabama’s approval rates and wait times for disability benefits can vary by office, so it’s helpful to know local trends. Free benefits counseling is available through the Alabama Department of Mental Health for SSDI and SSI recipients[2][3][6].
ABLE accounts let people with Deaf-Blindness save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation. Alabama offers ABLE accounts, and you can learn more about how to open one and the rules for using it[3].
In 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620 per month, and for blind individuals, it is $2,700 per month. Earning above these amounts may affect your SSDI or SSI benefits. For SSI, there are also resource limits: $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. These limits help decide if you qualify for SSI[5].
It’s important to report any changes in your condition, income, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. The Social Security Administration has rules for reporting changes and dealing with overpayments. You can learn more about how to avoid overpayments and what to do if you get one[5].
The Alabama Department of Mental Health offers free benefits counseling for SSDI and SSI recipients. This can help you understand your rights and options.
If your child has a severe condition like total blindness or deafness, the state agency may make immediate SSI payments for up to 6 months while they decide if your child meets the criteria for disability.
Deaf-Blindness is a condition where a person has both hearing and vision loss. This can make communication, mobility, and daily living more challenging. People with Deaf-Blindness may need special support and services.
Yes, children with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for SSI if they meet the medical and financial criteria. The state agency may need medical records, school records, and sometimes a medical exam to decide eligibility[4][5].
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple[5].
You can apply for Medicaid in Alabama through the Alabama Medicaid Agency or your local office. You may qualify for SSI-related Medicaid or a Home and Community-Based Waiver if you have Deaf-Blindness[2].
Work incentives help people with Deaf-Blindness work and keep their benefits. These include free benefits counseling, trial work periods, and special rules for reporting earnings[6].
If your child has a severe condition like total blindness or deafness, the state agency may make immediate SSI payments for up to 6 months while they decide if your child meets the criteria for disability[4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation[3].
The state agency may take 6 to 8 months to decide if your child’s condition meets the criteria for disability. For adults, the time can vary by office and case complexity[4][3].
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with low income and resources, including children. Both can help people with Deaf-Blindness[5].
The Alabama Department of Mental Health offers free benefits counseling for SSDI and SSI recipients. You can also get help from Aging and Disability Resource Centers[6][7].
