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Alabama • Physical/Mobility
People with Spina Bifida in Alabama may qualify for federal and state benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs for 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with Spina Bifida, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. Spina Bifida is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under Section 111.07 (Neurological Disorders), so if your medical records match the criteria, you may qualify automatically. If not, you can still qualify if your condition is equally severe. Children with Spina Bifida may also qualify for SSI if their family meets income limits and their condition meets medical criteria[5][4].
In Alabama, people with Spina Bifida may qualify for Medicaid through the Elderly and Disabled (E&D) program if they meet financial and medical criteria. Alabama also offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with disabilities who need support but want to live in the community instead of an institution. These waivers can help pay for personal care, therapy, and other services. To qualify for Medicaid, you must be disabled (as defined by SSA or Medicaid), meet income and asset limits, and be a resident of Alabama. Alabama’s Medicaid program may also cover services not covered by Medicare, such as long-term care and personal care assistance. If you receive SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid in Alabama[2].
Alabama offers ABLE accounts, which let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use ABLE funds for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation. To open an ABLE account, visit the Alabama ABLE program website[3].
If your income, work, or medical condition changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for step-by-step help[8].
Alabama’s Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Program offers free counseling to help you understand how work affects your benefits. Call or visit their website for help.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) in Alabama provide free information, counseling, and help finding programs and services for people with disabilities.
Yes, if your Spina Bifida meets the Social Security Administration’s disability criteria. You may qualify for SSDI if you have enough work credits, or SSI if you have limited income and resources. Alabama Medicaid may also cover you if you meet financial and medical criteria[5][2].
In 2025, SSDI and SSI payments increase by 2.5% due to COLA. The exact amount depends on your work history (SSDI) or income/resources (SSI). Check the SSA website for current payment amounts[1].
Yes, Alabama Medicaid offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with disabilities who need help with daily living. These waivers can pay for personal care, therapy, and other supports[2].
Yes, Alabama offers work incentives and free benefits counseling to help you keep your benefits while working. The SGA limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals[5][6].
You can apply for Medicaid online, by phone, or in person at a local county office. If you get SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid. Otherwise, you’ll need to provide proof of income, assets, and disability[2].
You need medical records that show your Spina Bifida diagnosis, how it affects your daily life, and your treatment history. The SSA may ask for more tests or exams if needed[5][4].
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.
Yes, children with Spina Bifida may qualify for SSI if their family meets income limits and their condition meets medical criteria. Alabama Medicaid may also cover children with disabilities[4][2].
The SGA limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning more than this may affect your SSDI or SSI benefits[5].
Alabama’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) offer free information and counseling. The Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Program provides free benefits counseling for people with disabilities[7][6].
Yes, you must report changes in your income, work, or medical condition to Social Security and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties[8].
