Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Benefits in Alaska

To get federal disability benefits for ALS in Alaska, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so approval for SSDI is fast. You must:

• Have a confirmed ALS diagnosis from a doctor.
• Be unable to do any substantial work because of ALS.
• Meet the SSA’s definition of disability (expected to last at least 12 months or result in death).
• For SSDI, have enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes.
• For SSI, have limited income and resources (usually under $2,000 for an individual).

If you qualify, you can get monthly cash payments and access to Medicaid or Medicare. Children with ALS may also qualify for benefits if a parent receives Social Security benefits [6].

In Alaska, people with ALS may also qualify for state programs. The Adult Public Assistance (APA) program helps low-income adults who are blind or disabled, including those with ALS. To qualify:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be disabled (unable to work due to a medically verified condition like ALS).
• Your resources must be under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant and a resident of Alaska.
• You must apply for and use other benefits you qualify for, like SSI or SSDI.

Alaska also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help people with ALS stay independent at home [2].

• Get a medical diagnosis of ALS from your doctor.
• Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• Apply for Alaska Adult Public Assistance (APA) through the Alaska Department of Health.
• Ask about Medicaid waivers for extra support.
• Open an Alaska ABLE account to save for disability expenses.

• Step 1: Get a written diagnosis of ALS from your doctor. This is key for fast SSDI approval.
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so your application will be reviewed quickly.
• Step 3: Gather all medical records and work history. Submit these with your application.
• Step 4: Apply for Alaska Adult Public Assistance (APA) if you need extra cash help. You can apply online or by mail through the Alaska Department of Health.
• Step 5: Ask about Medicaid waivers for home care, equipment, or other services. These can help you stay at home.
• Step 6: Open an Alaska ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. This won’t affect your SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• Step 7: Report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to keep your benefits.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes before getting ALS. ALS is a fast-track condition, so approval is quick.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash payments for people with low income and resources. ALS qualifies as a disability.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disabilities. You may qualify if you get SSI or APA.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with ALS, even if you’re under 65. You get Medicare after 24 months of SSDI payments.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits: Adults with ALS who became disabled before age 22 may get benefits on a parent’s Social Security record.

• Alaska Adult Public Assistance (APA): Cash help for low-income adults who are blind or disabled, including those with ALS. Payments help cover basic needs.
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs that provide home and community-based services, like personal care, home modifications, and assistive technology. These help people with ALS live independently.
• Alaska ABLE Account: A tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $14,000 per year for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• Employment Disability Benefits: If you’re a public employee, you may get disability benefits through the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) or Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS). Benefits are based on your salary and dependents.

The Alaska ABLE Plan lets people with ALS save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $14,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and assistive technology. The account is easy to open online and manage [1].

• SSI: $2,000 in resources for an individual, $3,000 for a couple.
• APA: $2,000 in resources for an individual, $3,000 for a couple.
• ABLE Account: No resource limit for SSI, but annual contribution limit is $14,000.
• Medicaid: Income and resource limits vary by program. Check with Alaska Medicaid for details.

If your income, resources, or living situation changes, you must report it to keep your benefits. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Report changes to Social Security, Alaska Department of Health, or your Medicaid caseworker as soon as possible. Keep records of all reports and communications [8].

• Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
  Phone: 907-465-3301

  Email: dhss.info@alaska.gov

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Mon-Fri

  Website

  For Adult Public Assistance and Medicaid questions.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Mon-Fri

  Website

  For SSDI, SSI, and Medicare questions.

• Is ALS a fast-track disability for SSDI in Alaska?

  Yes, ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so SSDI applications are reviewed quickly. You can get approval in weeks, not months. Make sure to include your ALS diagnosis and medical records with your application [6].

• Can I get both SSDI and SSI for ALS in Alaska?

  Yes, if your income and resources are low enough, you can get both SSDI and SSI. SSDI is based on work history, while SSI is based on financial need. Both can help cover your expenses [3].

• What is the Alaska ABLE account and how does it help?

  The Alaska ABLE account lets you save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $14,000 per year for things like housing, transportation, and assistive technology. The account is easy to open and manage online [1].

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Alaska?

  Contact the Alaska Department of Health or your local Medicaid office to apply for Medicaid waivers. These programs provide home care, equipment, and other services to help you live independently. You may need to meet income and disability requirements [2].

• What is the income limit for SSI in Alaska?

  The SSI resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Your countable income must also be below the SSI payment standard. Check with Social Security for the latest limits [2].

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for ALS?

  Yes, there are work incentives for people with disabilities. You can earn some income without losing benefits. Social Security has rules about how much you can earn. Check with SSA or a benefits counselor for details [8].