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Alabama • Learning
People with dyslexia in Alabama may qualify for federal disability benefits, Medicaid waivers, and work incentives. Eligibility depends on severity, work history, and financial need. This guide covers how to apply, what programs are available, and how to manage your benefits.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and have enough work credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet Social Security’s medical criteria. Both programs use the same definition of disability, which includes severe learning disorders like dyslexia if they significantly limit your ability to work or live independently [1].
For 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you usually cannot get benefits [1].
Children with dyslexia may qualify for SSI if their condition is severe enough to meet Social Security’s criteria for disability and they meet financial requirements [5].
In Alabama, the process for SSDI and SSI is the same as the federal process, but Alabama’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) makes the initial medical decision. Alabama does not provide state supplemental payments to SSI recipients, but SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid [1].
For Medicaid home and community-based waivers, individuals with dyslexia may qualify if they meet the nursing facility level of care and financial eligibility. The income limit for these waivers is $2,901 per month, and the resource limit is $2,000 as of the first day of each month [3].
Alabama also offers work incentives and counseling through the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) program, which can help you understand how work affects your benefits [7].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. In Alabama, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. These accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, and transportation [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
It is important to report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments. If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. For more information, see our guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for free help with applications and finding programs that fit your needs [9].
The WIPA program offers free, long-term benefits counseling for SSDI/SSI recipients. A Certified Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) can help you plan for work without losing benefits [7].
Yes, if dyslexia severely limits your ability to work or live independently, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. The Social Security Administration uses the same medical criteria for all disabilities, including severe learning disorders like dyslexia [1][5].
No, Alabama does not provide state supplemental payments to SSI recipients. However, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in Alabama [1].
Contact the Alabama Department of Mental Health Call Center at 1-800-361-4491 to apply for the Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver Program or other home and community-based waivers. You must meet nursing facility level of care and financial eligibility [3].
For 2025, the income limit for SSI is $943 per month for individuals. The resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples [1].
Yes, children with severe dyslexia may qualify for SSI if their condition meets Social Security’s criteria for disability and they meet financial requirements. School records and medical documentation are important [5].
For 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you usually cannot get benefits [1][2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult official government sources or a qualified professional for advice on your specific situation.
Alabama offers the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) program, which provides free benefits counseling and long-term support for SSDI/SSI recipients. A Certified Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) is assigned to each participant [7].
Contact the WIPA program for free benefits counseling. A Certified Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) can help you understand how work affects your benefits and provide long-term support [7].
SSDI is for workers with a disability and enough work history. SSI is for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Both programs use the same medical criteria for disability [1].
Yes, Alabama offers ABLE accounts, which allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. These accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
