If you have rheumatoid arthritis in Alabama, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, Medicaid, and state programs. Eligibility depends on your work history, income, and medical condition. Alabama does not offer extra state payments for SSI, but Medicaid is automatic for SSI recipients.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Alabama, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. For rheumatoid arthritis, this means your condition must severely limit your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA uses the same medical criteria for both SSI and SSDI. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, while SSI is for those with limited income and resources. If you earn more than $1,550 per month (2025), you usually cannot get benefits, known as “substantial gainful activity” (SGA)[^1].
In Alabama, the initial medical decision for both SSI and SSDI is made by the state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS). Alabama does not provide state supplemental payments to SSI recipients. However, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid, which covers medical care and some home and community-based services. Alabama also offers Medicaid waivers for people who are elderly or disabled, including those with rheumatoid arthritis, who meet the nursing facility level of care. These waivers can help pay for services like personal care, respite care, and home-delivered meals. Financial eligibility for the Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver Program is $2,901 per month in income and $2,000 in resources as of the first day of each month[^2].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Contributions are tax-free, and funds can be used for qualified disability expenses. Alabama residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program.
It is important to report any changes in your income, resources, or medical condition to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment requirements and loss of benefits. For more information, see our guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.
The Alabama Department of Mental Health offers free benefits counseling for SSDI and SSI recipients. Call 1-800-361-4491 for help.
If you need home and community-based services, apply for the Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver Program. Contact the Alabama Department of Mental Health Call Center at 1-800-361-4491.
Yes, if your rheumatoid arthritis severely limits your ability to work and you meet the income and resource limits for SSI, you may qualify. SSI recipients in Alabama automatically get Medicaid.
For SSDI, yes, you need a work history. For SSI, no work history is required, but you must meet income and resource limits.
In 2025, the income limit for SSI is $943 per month for individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSI.
The E&D Waiver Program provides home and community-based services for people who are elderly or disabled and meet the nursing facility level of care. Services include personal care, respite care, and home-delivered meals.
If you are approved for SSI, you will automatically get Medicaid in Alabama. You may also qualify for Medicaid waivers if you meet the nursing facility level of care.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. For Medicaid waivers, contact the Alabama Department of Mental Health Call Center at 1-800-361-4491.
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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The income limit for the E&D Waiver Program is $2,901 per month and the resource limit is $2,000 as of the first day of each month.
Yes, the Alabama Department of Mental Health provides free benefits counseling services for recipients of SSDI and SSI.
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Alabama residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program.
You must report any changes in your income to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment requirements and loss of benefits.
