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Alabama • Chronic Illness
If you have heart disease in Alabama, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs such as Medicaid waivers and work incentives. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key resources for Alabama residents.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with heart disease, your condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your heart disease must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also meet work and income requirements. For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. For SSI, your income and resources must be below set limits. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn above these amounts, you may not qualify for benefits.
Children with heart disease may also qualify for benefits if their condition meets SSA criteria and they meet income and resource limits for SSI.
In Alabama, people with heart disease may qualify for Medicaid if they meet financial and medical criteria. Alabama Medicaid offers programs for the elderly and disabled, including Home and Community-Based Waivers for those who are homebound or have certain diagnoses. These waivers can help pay for services like home health care, personal care, and therapy. If you qualify for SSI, you may also qualify for Medicaid. Alabama also has special programs for people who are no longer receiving SSI but still need Medicaid. The state also offers free benefits counseling through the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Program for SSDI recipients.
Step 1: Review SSA’s disability criteria for heart disease. Your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
Step 2: Gather all necessary documents, including medical records, work history, and proof of income.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. You can also apply for Alabama Medicaid online or at your local Medicaid office.
Step 4: If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Request a reconsideration or hearing within 60 days of the denial.
Step 5: If approved, you will receive monthly benefits. You must report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments.
Step 6: Contact Alabama’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers for free counseling and help with applications.
Step 7: Explore work incentives and ABLE accounts to help you save and work while keeping your benefits.
Source: Alabama Medicaid Agency, 2025
ABLE accounts let people with heart disease in Alabama save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation. To open an ABLE account, you must have a qualifying disability that began before age 26. Alabama residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program.
In 2025, the SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn above these amounts, you may not qualify for SSDI. For SSI, the income and resource limits are lower. You must report any changes in your income to avoid overpayments.
If your income or condition changes, you must report it to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or loss of benefits. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. Alabama’s Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Program can help you understand how to report changes and avoid overpayments.
Alabama’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers offer free information, counseling, and help with applications for people with disabilities.
Yes, if your heart disease is severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also meet work and income requirements for SSDI or SSI.
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income.
In 2025, the SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. For SSI, the income and resource limits are lower.
Yes, but you must not earn above the SGA limit. Alabama offers work incentives and free benefits counseling to help you keep benefits while working.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation.
Alabama offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, SSI-related Medicaid, and free benefits counseling through the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Program.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice on your specific situation.
The state agency may take 6 to 8 months to decide if your condition meets SSA criteria. For some conditions, immediate payments may be made for up to 6 months.
You have the right to appeal. Request a reconsideration or hearing within 60 days of the denial. Alabama’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers can help you with the appeal process.
Yes, children with heart disease may qualify for SSI if their condition meets SSA criteria and they meet income and resource limits.
Alabama’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers offer free information, counseling, and help with applications for people with disabilities.
