Alabama • Chronic Illness

Fibromyalgia Benefits in Alabama: 2025 Guide

If you have fibromyalgia in Alabama, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid waivers, and other support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.

Fibromyalgia can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it prevents work for 12+ months.
Alabama has Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services.
2025 income limits for SSI and Medicaid waivers are updated.
Work incentives help you keep benefits while trying to work.
Alabama offers free benefits counseling for SSDI/SSI recipients.

Last reviewed: 2025-03-01

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Eligibility

To get SSDI, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a disability that stops you from working for at least 12 months, and meet the work credit rule (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years) [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, 2025-03-01].
For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, be disabled, and meet other federal rules [ssa.gov/disability/eligibility, 2025-03-01].
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 this may affect your benefits [ssa.gov/disability/eligibility, 2025-03-01].
Fibromyalgia is considered a disability if it meets SSA criteria, which include severe symptoms that limit your ability to work [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, 2025-03-01].

Alabama uses federal rules for SSDI and SSI eligibility, but local offices may have different approval rates and wait times [citizensdisability.com/state-by-state-information/alabama-and-social-security-disability-benefits/, 2025-03-01].
Alabama offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities who need home and community-based services. To qualify, you must meet the nursing facility level of care and have income below $2,901 per month and resources below $2,000 [medicaid.alabama.gov, 2025-03-01].
Alabama also has a Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Program that provides free benefits counseling for SSDI and SSI recipients [mh.alabama.gov, 2025-03-01].
If you have fibromyalgia, you may qualify for these programs if your condition meets the disability criteria and you meet the financial requirements.

How to apply in Alabama

Check if you meet federal SSDI/SSI rules for disability and work history.
Gather medical records and work history.
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
For Medicaid waivers, contact the Alabama Department of Mental Health Call Center.
Use free benefits counseling if you need help.

Step 1: Review eligibility for SSDI or SSI. Make sure your fibromyalgia prevents you from working for at least 12 months and you meet the work credit or income/resource rules [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, 2025-03-01].
Step 2: Collect medical records, work history, and personal information.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You can also apply for Medicaid waivers through the Alabama Department of Mental Health [medicaid.alabama.gov, 2025-03-01].
Step 4: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Alabama has a high denial rate at the initial level, so be prepared to appeal if needed [citizensdisability.com/state-by-state-information/alabama-and-social-security-disability-benefits/, 2025-03-01].
Step 5: If approved, you may receive benefits and be eligible for Medicaid waivers or other support programs.
Step 6: Report any changes in income, work, or medical status to avoid overpayments [ssa.gov, 2025-03-01].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Payments are based on your work history [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, 2025-03-01].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with limited income and resources. Payments are based on financial need [ssa.gov/disability/eligibility, 2025-03-01].
Medicaid: For people with low income and resources. Provides health coverage [medicaid.gov, 2025-03-01].
Medicare: For people who get SSDI after 24 months. Provides health coverage [medicare.gov, 2025-03-01].

Medicaid Waivers (Home and Community Based Services): For people with disabilities who need help at home. Services include case management, personal care, respite care, and more. Income limit is $2,901 per month, resource limit is $2,000 [medicaid.alabama.gov, 2025-03-01].
Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Program: Free benefits counseling for SSDI and SSI recipients. Helps you understand work incentives and avoid overpayments [mh.alabama.gov, 2025-03-01].
Alabama Department of Mental Health: Provides support and resources for people with disabilities, including fibromyalgia [mh.alabama.gov, 2025-03-01].

Money & Banking

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses. Alabama has its own ABLE program [able.gov, 2025-03-01].

SSDI: No strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025) [ssa.gov/disability/eligibility, 2025-03-01].
SSI: Income limit is $943/month for an individual in 2025 (federal, may be lower with state supplements) [ssa.gov/disability/eligibility, 2025-03-01].
Medicaid Waivers: Income limit is $2,901/month, resource limit is $2,000 [medicaid.alabama.gov, 2025-03-01].

Report any changes in income, work, or medical status to Social Security and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties [ssa.gov, 2025-03-01].
If you get an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan [ssa.gov, 2025-03-01].

Tips & Gotchas

Free Benefits Counseling

Alabama offers free benefits counseling for SSDI and SSI recipients through the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Program. This can help you understand your options and avoid overpayments.

Contacts

Alabama Department of Mental Health
Phone: 1-800-361-4491
Website
For Medicaid waivers and benefits counseling.
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Website
For SSDI and SSI applications and questions.

FAQs

Can I get disability benefits for fibromyalgia in Alabama?
Yes, if your fibromyalgia prevents you from working for at least 12 months and you meet the SSA's disability criteria. You may qualify for SSDI or SSI if you meet the work or financial requirements.
What are the income limits for disability benefits in Alabama?
For SSI, the federal limit is $943/month in 2025. For Medicaid waivers, the limit is $2,901/month. SSDI has no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620/month).
How do I apply for disability benefits in Alabama?
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. For Medicaid waivers, contact the Alabama Department of Mental Health Call Center.
What is the SGA limit for 2025?
The SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals in 2025. Earning above this may affect your benefits.
What Medicaid waivers are available in Alabama?
Alabama offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. These include case management, personal care, respite care, and more. You must meet the nursing facility level of care and financial requirements.
Can I work while getting disability benefits in Alabama?
Yes, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit. Alabama has work incentives and free benefits counseling to help you keep benefits while trying to work.

Official resources

Social Security Disability Benefits(federal)
Medicaid Waivers in Alabama(state_agency)
Alabama Work Incentives Planning & Assistance(state_agency)
Apply for Social Security Benefits(portal)
Alabama Department of Mental Health(state_agency)

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

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