If you have a traumatic brain injury in Alabama, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state Medicaid waivers and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a disability that prevents you from working and have enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years) [6]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability [1].
Both SSDI and SSI use the same medical criteria to decide if your traumatic brain injury is disabling. In 2025, you generally cannot earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) and still get benefits. This is called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) [9].
If approved, SSDI may cover your spouse and children, while SSI is for individuals only [1].
In Alabama, the Social Security Administration (SSA) handles benefit payments and most decisions. Alabama’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) makes the initial medical decisions for both SSDI and SSI [1].
Alabama does not provide extra state payments to SSI recipients. However, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in Alabama, which helps cover medical costs [1].
Alabama also offers Home and Community Based Waivers for people with disabilities who need help at home. These waivers have their own income and resource limits, and require a nursing facility level of care [3].
Alabama works closely with federal programs to help people with disabilities find jobs and keep some benefits while working [7].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Alabama offers ABLE accounts through the state’s ABLE program. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one [internal_links].
You must report changes in income, work, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you get too much, you may have to pay it back. Learn how to avoid overpayments and report changes [internal_links].
Alabama’s Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Program offers free counseling for SSDI and SSI recipients. Contact them for help with applications and work incentives [7].
If you need help at home, apply for a Medicaid waiver through the Alabama Department of Mental Health. These waivers can cover personal care, respite care, and more [3].
Yes, if you meet the work history for SSDI and the income/resource limits for SSI. Alabama does not add extra payments to SSI, but you can get both federal benefits [1].
No, Alabama does not provide state supplemental payments to SSI recipients. You only get the federal SSI amount [1].
If you get SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid in Alabama. For home care, apply for a Medicaid waiver through the Alabama Department of Mental Health [3].
The income limit for SSI in Alabama is $943 per month for individuals in 2025. The resource limit is $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples [1].
Yes, but you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) without risking your benefits. Alabama offers work incentives to help you keep some benefits while working [1][7].
A Medicaid waiver helps people with disabilities get home and community-based services instead of living in a nursing home. Alabama offers waivers for people who meet income and care level requirements [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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Alabama DDS usually takes 6 to 8 months to decide on a disability claim. Some conditions may get faster decisions [5].
Yes, you must report changes in income, work, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Not reporting can lead to having to pay back benefits [internal_links].
Yes, children with traumatic brain injury may qualify for SSI if they meet the medical and financial rules. Some conditions get faster decisions [5].
SSDI is for workers with enough work history. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both use the same medical rules in Alabama [1].
