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Alabama • Chronic Illness
If you have kidney disease in Alabama, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and other support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You also need enough work credits, usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. In 2025, the SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits [1].
Children with kidney disease may also qualify for SSI if their family meets income and resource limits and their condition meets SSA’s criteria for disability [5].
In Alabama, eligibility for Medicaid for people with disabilities is often tied to SSI. If you receive SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid. Alabama also offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with disabilities who need support to live at home or in the community. These waivers can help cover costs for personal care, home modifications, and other services. To qualify for these waivers, you must meet both medical and financial criteria. State-specific eligibility may vary, so it’s important to check with the Alabama Medicaid Agency for the most current information [2].
Alabama does not have a state-funded disability program separate from federal programs, so most benefits are administered through federal agencies with state support. If you have kidney disease, you may qualify for these programs if your condition meets the SSA’s definition of disability and you meet financial requirements [2].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support. To open an ABLE account, you must have a disability that began before age 26 and meet other requirements. Alabama residents can open an ABLE account through the national ABLE program [3].
In 2025, the SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. For SSI, the income limit is based on your countable income, which is your total income minus certain deductions. The exact limit can vary based on your situation, so it’s important to check with the SSA or use an SSI income estimator tool [5].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much, get other benefits, or fail to report changes. If you receive an overpayment, you may have to repay it, but you can request a waiver if you can’t afford to pay. Always report changes as soon as possible to avoid problems [8].
Free benefits counseling is available through the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) program in Alabama. They can help you understand eligibility, fill out forms, and plan for the future [7].
Yes, if your kidney disease prevents you from working and meets the SSA’s definition of disability, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must also meet work credit or income requirements. Contact the SSA to apply and learn more about eligibility [5].
If you receive SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid. If not, you can apply for Medicaid through the Alabama Medicaid Agency. You will need to provide medical and financial information to determine eligibility [2].
Medicaid waivers in Alabama help people with disabilities get support to live at home or in the community. These waivers can cover costs for personal care, home modifications, and other services. To qualify, you must meet medical and financial criteria [2].
Yes, you can work while getting disability benefits, but there are limits on how much you can earn. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may lose your benefits [5].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support [3].
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.
The approval process can take several months. The SSA may need to review your medical records and other information before making a decision. If you need help, consider using free benefits counseling from the WIPA program [7].
Children with kidney disease may qualify for SSI if their family meets income and resource limits and their condition meets SSA’s criteria for disability. You can apply for SSI on their behalf and get help with medical care and other support [5].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to the SSA to avoid overpayments. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office [8].
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to disability. SSI is for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Both programs provide monthly payments, but eligibility requirements are different [5].
Yes, you can get free help with your disability application from the WIPA program or from local advocacy groups. These services can help you understand eligibility, fill out forms, and prepare for interviews [7].
