If you have a spinal cord injury in Alabama, you may qualify for federal and state disability 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), you must have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and have enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. In 2025, the monthly earnings limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620; for blind individuals, it is $2,700. Exceeding this limit may affect your benefits. Children with disabilities may also qualify for benefits if their condition meets SSA criteria and their family meets income limits [1][5].
In Alabama, eligibility for Medicaid for people with disabilities is often tied to SSI approval. If you qualify for SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid. Alabama also offers Home and Community-Based Waivers for people with disabilities who need long-term care but want to live at home. These waivers cover services like personal care, home modifications, and therapy. To qualify, you must meet both medical and financial criteria set by the Alabama Medicaid Agency. Some programs are for people who are homebound or have certain diagnoses, including spinal cord injury [2][3].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation. Alabama residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to apply [internal_links.ABLE Accounts].
For 2025, the monthly earnings limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620; for blind individuals, it is $2,700. Exceeding this limit may affect your SSDI or SSI benefits. For SSI, there are also limits on countable income and resources. Use the SSI income estimator to see how your income affects your benefits [internal_links.SSI Income Estimator].
If your income or work status changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit suspensions. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments [internal_links.Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Contact the Alabama Aging and Disability Resource Centers for free application help and counseling.
The Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Program offers free counseling to help you keep benefits while working.
The main benefits are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Alabama Medicaid, and Home and Community-Based Waivers. These programs provide monthly payments, health coverage, and long-term care services for people with spinal cord injury.
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records, work history, and financial documents to complete your application.
Yes, Alabama Medicaid covers medical care and long-term services for people with spinal cord injury. Eligibility is often linked to SSI approval, but there are also special programs for home and community-based care.
These waivers provide services like personal care, home modifications, and therapy for people with disabilities who want to live at home. You must meet medical and financial criteria to qualify for these programs.
Yes, there are work incentives that let you keep benefits while trying to work. The monthly earnings limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620 in 2025. Exceeding this limit may affect your benefits.
You must report changes in income or work status to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit suspensions. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Join thousands of families who trust Purple to protect their benefits
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation.
Children with spinal cord injury may qualify for SSI if their family meets income limits and their condition meets SSA criteria. Some children may also qualify for Medicaid and other state programs.
The approval process can take several months. The state agency may take 6 to 8 months to decide if your condition meets the criteria for disability. Some conditions may qualify for immediate payments.
The Alabama Department of Mental Health offers free benefits counseling through the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Program. Aging and Disability Resource Centers also provide free information and counseling.
