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Alabama • Rare/Genetic
People with Prader-Willi Syndrome in Alabama may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, plus Medicaid and home care waivers. Eligibility depends on medical need, income, and resources. Alabama does not add extra payments to SSI, but offers strong Medicaid coordination and work incentives.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, and meet the SSA’s work credit requirements (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years)[6]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must be disabled, blind, or age 65+, with limited income and resources[1]. Both programs use the same medical definition of disability, which includes conditions like Prader-Willi Syndrome if they severely limit your ability to work[1].
For 2025, the SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals[1]. If you earn more than this, you usually cannot get benefits. For children, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month[5].
In Alabama, the Social Security Administration (SSA) handles benefit payments and appeals, while Alabama’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) makes initial medical decisions for both SSDI and SSI[1]. Alabama does not provide state supplemental payments to SSI recipients, but SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid[1].
Alabama offers home and community-based waivers for people with disabilities, including the Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver Program. To qualify for the E&D Waiver, you must meet the nursing facility level of care and have income under $2,901 per month and resources under $2,000[3]. These waivers help people with Prader-Willi Syndrome live in the community instead of institutions.
Alabama also participates in federal work incentive programs and offers free benefits counseling through the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) program[7].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Alabama residents can open an ABLE account through the national ABLE program. These accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation[8].
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in benefit reductions or repayment. Use the SSA’s online portal or contact your local office to report changes[8].
Children with severe conditions like Prader-Willi Syndrome may qualify for immediate SSI payments for up to 6 months while their application is processed[5].
Alabama’s WIPA program offers free benefits counseling and support for SSDI/SSI recipients who want to work[7].
Yes, if their condition meets the SSA’s disability criteria and they have limited income and resources. SSI is for people with financial need, regardless of work history[1].
No, Alabama does not provide state supplemental payments to SSI recipients. However, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid[1].
Contact the Alabama Department of Mental Health Call Center at 1-800-361-4491 to apply for the Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver Program. You must meet the nursing facility level of care and income/resource limits[3].
For 2025, the SSI income limit is $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples. This is the same across the U.S.[1]
Yes, but there are limits. For SSI, your income must stay below $943 per month. For SSDI, earnings over $1,550 per month may affect your benefits (SGA limit)[1].
The SGA limit for 2025 is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you usually cannot get benefits[1].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult official sources or a benefits expert for your specific situation.
Yes, if their condition meets the SSA’s disability criteria and their family has limited income and resources. Children may also qualify for immediate SSI payments for certain severe conditions[5].
The Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) program provides free benefits counseling and support for SSDI/SSI recipients who want to work. A counselor is assigned to help you navigate work incentives[7].
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to the SSA online or by phone. This helps avoid overpayments and benefit reductions[8].
Yes, Alabama residents can open an ABLE account through the national ABLE program. These accounts help people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[8].
