If you have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Alabama, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, state Medicaid programs, and community support services. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, benefit details, and local resources—helping you navigate the system and connect with the help you need.
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, you must have a medically documented diagnosis from a qualified medical professional. For SSDI, you need a work history with enough Social Security credits. For SSI, you must meet strict income and asset limits, regardless of work history. Disability determinations for both programs rely on the Social Security Administration’s criteria, which include showing your PTSD severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death[1][6]. If you’re working in 2025, you generally cannot be considered disabled if your earnings average more than $1,620 a month (non-blind) or $2,700 (blind)[6].
Children with PTSD may also qualify for SSI if their family meets the financial limits and the child’s condition is severe enough; immediate payments are possible for very serious conditions[5].
Alabama follows federal guidelines for SSI and SSDI disability decisions but does not provide a state supplement to SSI—only the federal benefit is available[1]. For SSI recipients, Alabama automatically provides Medicaid coverage, which can include mental health services[1]. Alabama’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) handles initial medical reviews for both SSI and SSDI, so expect your application to go through the state before a final federal decision[1].
Individuals with PTSD who are also elderly or disabled may apply for Medicaid’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver to receive support at home instead of in a facility. Eligibility for this waiver requires meeting nursing facility level of care, and income/resource limits apply ($2,901/month income, $2,000 resources as of the first of each month in 2025)[3]. Alabama does not have additional state-level disability programs, but local vocational rehabilitation and work incentive counseling services are available[1].
Prepare your information: Gather medical records, work history, and proof of income and assets. Apply online, by phone, or in person: Start your SSI or SSDI application at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office[1]. Apply for Medicaid: If you qualify for SSI, you’ll be enrolled in Alabama Medicaid automatically. For other Medicaid waivers, contact the Alabama Department of Mental Health[1][3]. Get help: Consider working with a disability advocate or lawyer if your case is complex, especially for PTSD, which may require detailed medical evidence.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Step 4: Track Your Application
Step 5: Medicaid Coordination
Step 6: Appeal If Needed
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly payments to people who have worked, paid Social Security taxes, and have a severe disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. SSDI does not have income or resource limits after approval, but you must meet work credit requirements. Dependents may also qualify for benefits[1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or aged 65+. SSI has strict income and asset limits ($943/month for individuals, $2,000 in resources for 2025)[1]. In Alabama, SSI recipients get automatic Medicaid coverage[1].
Medicare is available to SSDI recipients after a 24-month waiting period but is not automatic for SSI recipients—you may qualify separately based on age or other factors[1].
Children with disabilities may qualify for SSI if their family meets income and resource limits and the child’s condition is severe enough[5].
Alabama coordinates closely with federal disability programs but does not offer a state supplement to SSI[1]. Key state-level supports include:
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): The Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver lets eligible individuals with PTSD receive services at home instead of in a nursing facility. Services include case management, personal care, respite, adult day health, and more. To qualify, you must meet nursing facility level of care, have income under $2,901/month, and resources under $2,000 (2025)[3]. Apply through the Alabama Department of Mental Health.
Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA): Free benefits counseling helps SSDI and SSI recipients understand how working affects benefits[7].
Vocational Rehabilitation: Alabama’s Department of Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep employment. This may include mental health services for those with PTSD.
ABLE Accounts: Alabama residents with a disability that began before age 26 can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility[1].
Alabama does not have additional state cash assistance programs for adults with disabilities, so most benefits come from federal sources. For behavioral health, Medicaid covers outpatient and inpatient mental health services for eligible individuals.
Alabama residents with PTSD (if the disability began before age 26) can open an ABLE account to save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. These accounts help pay for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, transportation, and healthcare. Learn more at our [ABLE Accounts] guide.
SSI has strict income and resource limits: for individuals, income must be under $943/month and resources under $2,000 (2025)[1]. Couples have slightly higher limits. For the Elderly and Disabled Medicaid Waiver, income must be under $2,901/month and resources under $2,000 (2025)[3]. SSDI has no income or resource limits, but you cannot engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)—earning over $1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals ($2,700 if blind)[2][6].
If you receive too much SSI or SSDI (an “overpayment”), you must repay it. Always report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition immediately. Learn how to avoid and manage overpayments in our [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes] guide.
SSA and Alabama reviewers look for thorough medical evidence—not just a diagnosis, but details on symptoms, treatments, and how PTSD affects your daily life and ability to work. Include therapy notes, medication records, and statements from mental health professionals.
Alabama offers free benefits counseling through the Alabama Department of Mental Health for SSI and SSDI recipients—especially helpful for navigating work incentives and avoiding benefit loss as you return to work[7].
Yes, you can apply for both if you meet the requirements for each. SSDI is based on work history, while SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Sometimes people get both, but usually you’ll qualify for one or the other[1].
Most decisions take 3 to 5 months, but the wait can be longer if your case is complex or requires more medical evidence. Some severe medical conditions qualify for faster decisions[1].
Yes, SSI recipients in Alabama are eligible for Medicaid, which covers mental health services, including therapy and medication management for PTSD[1].
Yes, both programs have work incentives. You can earn a limited amount without losing benefits; in 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals[2][6]. See the [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives] guide for details.
You can appeal. Most denials are due to missing medical evidence. Consider working with an advocate or attorney and provide any new information to support your case[1].
The Elderly and Disabled Waiver provides in-home supports for those who would otherwise need nursing home care. You must meet specific income, resource, and level-of-care criteria[3].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Step 7: Use Work Incentives
Yes, veterans can access VA benefits and treatment programs in addition to SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. VA benefits do not count as income for SSI, but some VA payments may affect eligibility.
Contact Social Security immediately by phone, online, or in person. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments or loss of benefits. See our [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes] guide.
Yes, if their family meets income and resource limits and their PTSD severely affects functioning, children may qualify for SSI. Some severe conditions may qualify for immediate payments[5].
Alabama Disability Determination Services, local Social Security offices, and nonprofit advocates can help. The Alabama Department of Mental Health offers free benefits counseling[1][7].
