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Alabama • Sensory
People in Alabama who are deaf may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, plus Medicaid and work incentives. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and state-specific programs.
To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for deafness, you must meet federal medical and financial rules. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the same medical criteria for all disabilities, including deafness. For SSDI, you need enough work history and Social Security taxes paid. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. Both programs require that your deafness is severe enough to stop you from doing substantial work. In 2025, the SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If your earnings are above these amounts, you may not qualify for benefits[7][8].
Alabama follows federal rules for SSDI and SSI eligibility for deafness. The state does not provide extra payments to SSI recipients, but SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid[1]. Alabama’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) makes the first medical decision for both programs. If you are deaf and need home or community-based services, you may qualify for Medicaid waivers if you meet financial and care level requirements. The income limit for the Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver is $2,901 per month, and the resource limit is $2,000[3][5]. Alabama also coordinates with federal work incentive programs to help people who are deaf try working without losing benefits[1].
ABLE accounts let people who are deaf save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for education, housing, transportation, and other disability-related expenses. Alabama offers ABLE accounts through the state’s ABLE program[internal_link_able_accounts].
Report any changes in income, work, or living situation to the SSA and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office to report changes[internal_link_overpayments_and_reporting].
Contact your local Social Security office or Alabama’s Department of Rehabilitation Services for help with your application.
Yes, if your deafness meets SSA’s medical criteria and you meet the work or financial requirements. Both programs use the same medical standards for all disabilities, including deafness[1][7].
No, Alabama does not provide state supplemental payments to SSI recipients. However, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid[1].
If you get SSI, you will be enrolled in Medicaid automatically. If you don’t get SSI, you can apply for Medicaid through the Alabama Medicaid Agency or when you apply for disability benefits[5].
The SSI income limit is $943 per month for individuals in 2025. There is no income limit for SSDI after approval[1][2].
Yes, but there are limits. In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620 per month without losing SSDI or SSI. Work incentive programs help you try working without losing benefits[2][4].
Alabama offers home and community-based waivers for people who are deaf and meet financial and care level requirements. The E&D Waiver covers services like personal care and home-delivered meals[3][5].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
The time varies, but it can take several months. Alabama’s DDS makes the first medical decision. If denied, you can appeal within 60 days[6].
You must report any changes in income, work, or living situation to the SSA and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties[internal_link_overpayments_and_reporting].
Yes, children who are deaf may qualify for SSI if they meet the medical and financial criteria. The income limit is $943 per month for individuals in 2025[1][8].
Yes, Alabama participates in federal work incentive programs. These programs help people who are deaf try working without losing benefits[1][4].
