Traumatic Brain Injury Benefits in Alabama

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].

• Check if you meet SSDI or SSI work and income rules.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• If denied, ask for a review by Alabama DDS.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact Alabama Department of Mental Health [3].

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSDI (work history needed) or SSI (limited income/resources) [1].
• Step 2: Collect medical records, proof of income, and work history.
• Step 3: Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office [6].
• Step 4: Alabama DDS will review your medical records and may ask for more tests [1].
• Step 5: If denied, you can appeal. Alabama DDS handles reconsiderations [1].
• Step 6: If approved for SSI, you will automatically get Medicaid in Alabama [1].
• Step 7: For home care, apply for a Medicaid waiver through Alabama Department of Mental Health [3].
• Step 8: Use work incentives to keep some benefits while working [7].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For workers with enough work history.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with limited income and resources.
• Medicare: Available after 24 months on SSDI.
• Medicaid: Automatic for SSI recipients in Alabama.
• Work Incentives: Programs to help you work while keeping some benefits [1].

• Home and Community Based Waivers (HCBS): For people with disabilities who need help at home. Income limit is $2,901/month, resource limit is $2,000. Services include case management, personal care, respite care, and more [3].
• Alabama Disability Determination Services (DDS): Makes initial medical decisions for SSDI and SSI [1].
• Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Program: Free benefits counseling for SSDI and SSI recipients [7].
• Alabama Department of Mental Health: Coordinates with federal programs and helps with Medicaid waivers [3].

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].

• SSDI: No income limit once approved.
• SSI: $943/month for individuals in 2025.
• Medicaid Waivers: $2,901/month for individuals in 2025.
• Resource limits: $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples for SSI and Medicaid waivers [1][3].

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 Department of Mental Health
  Phone: 1-800-361-4491

  Website

  For Medicaid waivers and work incentives counseling.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI applications and questions.

• Can I get both SSDI and SSI in Alabama?

  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].

• Does Alabama have extra payments for SSI?

  No, Alabama does not provide state supplemental payments to SSI recipients. You only get the federal SSI amount [1].

• How do I apply for Medicaid with a traumatic brain injury in Alabama?

  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].

• What is the income limit for SSI in Alabama in 2025?

  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].

• Can I work while getting disability benefits in Alabama?

  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].

• What is a Medicaid waiver in Alabama?

  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].

• How long does it take to get a decision on my disability application in Alabama?