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Alabama • Chronic Illness
People with HIV/AIDS in Alabama may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, and state support programs. Eligibility depends on medical status, income, and work history. This guide explains how to apply and what benefits are available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a qualifying disability and enough work credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources. Both programs use the same medical definition of disability. In 2025, you generally cannot earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) and still qualify for benefits. HIV/AIDS is listed as a qualifying condition if it causes severe symptoms or complications that prevent substantial work activity. Children with HIV/AIDS may qualify for SSI if their condition is severe enough to meet SSA criteria. Adults with HIV/AIDS who became disabled before age 22 may be eligible for benefits based on a parent’s record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased [1][3][4][8].
In Alabama, people with HIV/AIDS can qualify for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. SSI recipients automatically get Medicaid in Alabama. Alabama does not provide extra state payments to SSI recipients, but it coordinates closely with federal programs. The state also offers Home and Community Based Waiver (HCBS) programs for people with HIV/AIDS who need long-term care services. To qualify for these waivers, you must meet financial and medical eligibility, including a nursing facility level of care. Alabama’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) makes initial medical decisions for both SSI and SSDI. The state also offers free benefits counseling and work incentive programs for people with disabilities [1][2][7].
ABLE accounts allow people with HIV/AIDS to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses. Alabama residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. Learn more about ABLE accounts and eligibility [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
Report any changes in income, resources, or medical status to Social Security and Medicaid. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Contact your local Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for free help with applications, counseling, and referrals to programs. Call 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463) or visit your county ADRC.
Yes, people with HIV/AIDS can qualify for SSI or SSDI if their condition meets Social Security’s definition of disability. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI requires work history. Alabama follows federal rules for eligibility [1][4][8].
No, Alabama does not provide extra state payments to SSI recipients. However, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid, which covers medical care and some home care services [1].
If you qualify for SSI, you will automatically get Medicaid in Alabama. If you do not qualify for SSI but need Medicaid, you can apply for a Medicaid waiver through the Alabama Department of Mental Health. You must meet financial and medical eligibility requirements [1][2].
Yes, children with HIV/AIDS may qualify for SSI if their condition is severe enough to meet Social Security’s criteria. Some conditions, including severe HIV, may qualify for immediate payments while the application is processed [3][4].
Alabama offers Home and Community Based Waiver (HCBS) programs for people with HIV/AIDS who need home care or long-term services. These services include case management, personal care, respite care, and more. You must meet financial and medical eligibility requirements [2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current eligibility and application rules.
Yes, you can work while receiving SSI or SSDI, but there are limits on how much you can earn. In 2025, earnings over $1,620/month (or $2,700 if blind) may affect your benefits. Alabama offers work incentive programs and free counseling to help you return to work [1][4][7].
Contact your local Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for free counseling and help with applications. ADRCs can help you apply for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and other programs. Call 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463) for assistance [5].
You will need medical records that show your HIV/AIDS diagnosis, treatment history, lab results, and how your condition affects your ability to work. Social Security may ask for additional exams or tests, which they will pay for [3][4].
Yes, adults with HIV/AIDS who became disabled before age 22 may be eligible for benefits based on a parent’s Social Security record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. This is called a Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefit [4].
Yes, to qualify for Medicaid waivers like the Elderly and Disabled Waiver, you must meet financial and medical eligibility, including a nursing facility level of care. HIV/AIDS may qualify if it causes severe symptoms or complications that require long-term care [2].
