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Alabama • Chronic Illness
People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in Alabama may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, Medicaid, and work incentives. Alabama does not add extra payments to SSI, but offers strong coordination with Medicaid and vocational services.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a qualifying disability and enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years)[^6]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability[^1]. Both programs use the same medical criteria to determine disability, but SSDI is based on work history, while SSI is based on financial need[^1].
For 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals[^1][^2]. If you earn more than this, you usually cannot get benefits. The income limit for SSI is $943 per month for individuals, and the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples[^1].
Alabama residents may qualify for one or both federal disability programs. The state does not provide additional payments to SSI recipients, but SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid[^1]. Alabama’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) makes initial medical decisions for both SSDI and SSI[^1]. The state also coordinates closely with federal programs through strong links between DDS and state vocational rehabilitation, and participation in federal work incentive programs[^1].
For Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers, the income limit is $2,901 per month and the resource limit is $2,000 as of the first day of each month[^3]. The individual must meet the nursing facility level of care to qualify for these services[^3].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and other benefits. Alabama residents can open an ABLE account through the state's ABLE program[^8].
It is important to report any changes in your income or resources to avoid overpayments. If you receive an overpayment, you may be required to repay the amount. Contact the Social Security Administration for more information on how to report changes and avoid overpayments[^1].
Contact the Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) for free information, counseling, and access to programs and services. They can help you with your application and answer your questions[^9].
Alabama offers the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Program, which provides FREE benefits counseling for SSDI and SSI recipients. This can help you plan for work without losing benefits[^7].
You can work, but your earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit of $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025. Exceeding this limit may affect your benefits[^1][^2].
No, Alabama does not provide state supplemental payments to SSI recipients. However, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in Alabama[^1].
Contact the Alabama Department of Mental Health Call Center at 1-800-361-4491 to apply for HCBS waivers. You must meet the nursing facility level of care to qualify[^3].
The income limit for SSI in Alabama is $943 per month for individuals in 2025. The resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples[^1].
Medicaid is not automatic for SSDI recipients in Alabama. You may qualify separately based on your income and resources[^1].
Alabama offers the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Program, which provides FREE benefits counseling for SSDI and SSI recipients. This can help you plan for work without losing benefits[^7].
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.
Contact the Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) for free information, counseling, and access to programs and services. They can help you with your application and answer your questions[^9].
The SGA limit for 2025 in Alabama is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. This is the amount you can earn without losing your benefits[^1][^2].
Yes, Alabama residents can open an ABLE account through the state's ABLE program. This allows you to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and other benefits[^8].
HCBS waivers in Alabama provide services such as case management, homemaker services, personal care, respite care, adult day health, adult companion services, home delivered meals, medical supplies, skilled nursing, pest control, family empowerment/systems navigation counseling, respite care, positive behavior supports, community transportation (non-emergency), and community integration connections and skills training[^3].
