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Alabama • Physical/Mobility
People in Alabama with mobility impairment can get help through federal programs like SSI and SSDI, plus Medicaid and home and community-based waivers. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a disability that stops you from working and enough work history. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Both programs use the same medical rules to decide if you are disabled. In 2025, the SSI income limit is $943 per month for individuals, and the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples. SSDI has no income or resource limits once approved, but you must have paid Social Security taxes through work.
If you are working, your monthly earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, this is $1,620 per month for non-blind people and $2,700 for blind people. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for benefits.
Both programs cover people with mobility impairment if the condition meets SSA’s definition of disability.
Alabama does not provide extra state payments to SSI recipients. However, if you get SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid in Alabama. This means you can get health care coverage without a separate application.
Alabama’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) makes the first medical decision for both SSI and SSDI. The Social Security Administration (SSA) handles payments and appeals.
Alabama offers home and community-based waivers for people with mobility impairment who need help to avoid nursing home care. These waivers have their own rules for income and resources. For example, the Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver has an income limit of $2,901 per month and a resource limit of $2,000. You must also meet the nursing facility level of care to qualify.
Alabama also has strong work incentive programs and free counseling for people who want to work while getting benefits.
Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI or SSDI. Make sure your mobility impairment meets SSA’s medical criteria and you have the right work history or financial need.
Step 2: Collect documents: medical records, proof of income, work history, and ID.
Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office.
Step 4: If approved for SSI, you will automatically get Medicaid in Alabama. No extra application is needed.
Step 5: If you need help at home, apply for a Medicaid waiver like the Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver. Call the Alabama Department of Mental Health Call Center at 1-800-361-4491 to start.
Step 6: If you want to work, ask about work incentives and free counseling through the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) program.
Step 7: Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people with mobility impairment who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
Medicare: Available after a 24-month waiting period for SSDI recipients.
Medicaid: Automatic for SSI recipients in Alabama.
Work Incentives: Programs that help you keep benefits while trying to work.
Alabama Medicaid Waivers: Programs like the Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver help people with mobility impairment get services at home instead of in a nursing home. These include case management, personal care, respite care, adult day health, home delivered meals, medical supplies, skilled nursing, and more.
Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA): Free counseling and support for people who want to work while getting SSI or SSDI.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Free information, counseling, and help applying for programs.
No State Supplemental Payments: Alabama does not add extra money to SSI checks.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Alabama residents with mobility impairment can open an ABLE account if they became disabled before age 26. Money in the account can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care, housing, education, and transportation. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits.
SSI: $943/month for individuals, $1,415/month for couples (2025).
SSDI: No income limit once approved.
E&D Waiver: $2,901/month for individuals, $2,000 resource limit.
SGA (work limit): $1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700/month for blind (2025).
You must report changes in income, resources, living situation, or work to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to SSA as soon as possible. You can report online, by phone, or in person.
Alabama offers free benefits counseling through the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) program. A counselor can help you understand your benefits and work options.
If you are approved for SSI in Alabama, you will automatically get Medicaid coverage. No separate application is needed.
Yes, if you meet the rules for both programs. SSDI is based on work history, and SSI is based on financial need. Many people with mobility impairment get both if they qualify.
No, Alabama does not provide state supplemental payments to SSI recipients. Your SSI check will be the federal amount only.
Yes, if you are approved for SSI in Alabama, you will automatically get Medicaid coverage without a separate application.
Alabama offers waivers like the Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver. These provide services such as personal care, respite care, adult day health, home delivered meals, and more to help you stay at home.
Call the Alabama Department of Mental Health Call Center at 1-800-361-4491 to apply for Medicaid waivers like the E&D Waiver. You must meet income, resource, and level of care rules.
Yes, work incentives let you keep benefits while trying to work. The SGA limit in 2025 is $1,620/month for non-blind people. Free counseling is available through WIPA.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind people and $2,700 for blind people. Earning more than this may affect your benefits.
The state agency may take 6 to 8 months to decide if your condition meets SSA’s criteria. Some conditions may get immediate payments for up to 6 months.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) and WIPA counselors offer free help with applications, benefits counseling, and work planning.
Yes, you must report changes in income, resources, living situation, or work to avoid overpayments. Report changes as soon as possible to SSA.
