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Alabama • Mental Health
People with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Alabama may qualify for federal disability benefits and state support programs. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key resources for 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with OCD, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. You must have a diagnosis from a qualified medical professional and show that your symptoms make it hard to keep a job. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, your income and resources must be below set limits. The Social Security Administration uses a list of impairments, and OCD is considered under mental disorders. If your OCD is not listed, you can still qualify if it is as severe as a listed condition [5].
In 2025, the monthly SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limit is $1,620 for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI. The SGA limit is higher for blind individuals ($2,700) [4].
In Alabama, people with OCD may also qualify for Medicaid waiver programs if they meet both medical and financial criteria. The Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver Program helps those who need nursing-level care but want to live at home. To qualify, your monthly income must be below $2,901 and your resources below $2,000. You must also meet the nursing facility level of care, which means your OCD symptoms are severe enough to require institutional care if not supported at home [2].
Alabama also offers free Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) for SSDI recipients. This program helps you understand how work affects your benefits and how to keep them while trying to work. Contact the Alabama Department of Mental Health for more information [6].
ABLE accounts let people with OCD save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year in 2025. Funds can be used for housing, education, health, and more. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one [internal_link_ABLE_Accounts].
You must report any changes in income, work, or health to the Social Security Administration. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Learn how to avoid overpayments and what to do if you get one [internal_link_Avoiding_Overpayments_Reporting_Changes].
Alabama offers free counseling for disability benefit recipients through the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Program. Contact the Alabama Department of Mental Health for support.
Yes, if your OCD is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must meet federal rules for SSDI or SSI, and Alabama may have extra programs for home care.
In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620 per month and still get SSDI or SSI if you are not blind. If you are blind, the limit is $2,700. Earning more may stop your benefits.
This program helps people with OCD who need nursing-level care but want to live at home. It covers many services and has income and resource limits.
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and personal info. For home care, apply for Medicaid waivers.
Alabama offers free Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) for SSDI recipients. This helps you keep benefits while trying to work.
Yes, if you get SSI or meet Medicaid rules. Alabama also has waiver programs for home care if you need nursing-level care.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
The state agency may take 6–8 months to decide if your OCD meets the criteria. Some severe cases get payments right away.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can open one if your OCD started before age 26.
Yes, you must report any changes to the Social Security Administration. Not reporting can lead to overpayments and penalties.
Contact the Alabama Department of Mental Health for Work Incentives counseling or Aging and Disability Resource Centers for info and support.
