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Alaska • Mental Health
Alaskans with anxiety disorders may qualify for federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical costs, daily living expenses, and support independence.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your anxiety disorder must be severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses medical records and work history to decide eligibility. You can check your eligibility using the SSA’s online tools or by contacting your local SSA office.
Both programs require a detailed medical review to confirm your condition meets SSA’s definition of disability.
Learn more about federal eligibility [Accessed: 2025-11-05].
In Alaska, adults with anxiety disorders may qualify for Adult Public Assistance (APA) if they are disabled and meet income and resource limits. APA provides cash assistance to help disabled Alaskans remain independent. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Alaska, and have resources under $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple). Your anxiety disorder must be medically verified and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
Alaska also offers Medicaid and Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including anxiety disorders. Children with disabilities may qualify for Medicaid TEFRA, which uses only the child’s income and resources for eligibility.
Alaska APA eligibility [Accessed: 2025-11-05].
Alaska Medicaid TEFRA [Accessed: 2025-11-05].
Alaska APA application [Accessed: 2025-11-05].
Alaska Medicaid application [Accessed: 2025-11-05].
Alaska ABLE Plan [Accessed: 2025-11-05].
Learn more about SSI vs SSDI [Accessed: 2025-11-05].
Alaska Medicaid Waivers [Accessed: 2025-11-05].
Alaska ABLE Account [Accessed: 2025-11-05].
The Alaska ABLE Plan allows people with disabilities, including anxiety disorders, to save money for qualified disability-related expenses without risking their federal benefits. You can save up to $14,000 per year in an ABLE account. Earnings are tax-free if used for qualified expenses like education, transportation, and assistive technology. The account is easy to open and manage online.
Alaska ABLE Plan [Accessed: 2025-11-05].
For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For Alaska Adult Public Assistance (APA), the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Income limits vary based on household size and other factors. Check the current APA income limits for the most up-to-date information.
APA income limits [Accessed: 2025-11-05].
It is important to report any changes in your income, resources, or medical condition to the relevant agencies. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Keep records of all communications and changes to avoid issues.
Reporting changes [Accessed: 2025-11-05].
Contact your local Social Security office or the Alaska Department of Health for help with applications and questions.
Yes, if your anxiety disorder is severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also meet income and resource limits. The Social Security Administration will review your medical records to decide eligibility.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65+. SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes before their disability began. Both require a medical review to confirm your condition meets SSA’s definition of disability.
You can apply for Medicaid through the Alaska Department of Health. You will need to provide medical documentation and proof of income and resources. Children may qualify for Medicaid TEFRA based on their own income and resources.
An Alaska ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $14,000 per year for qualified disability-related expenses without risking your federal benefits. Earnings are tax-free if used for qualified expenses.
Yes, there are work incentives for people with disabilities. You can work and still receive benefits, but you must report your earnings. Some programs have income limits, so check with the relevant agency for details.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most up-to-date information and eligibility requirements.
APA is a cash assistance program for disabled Alaskans who meet income and resource limits. It helps disabled adults remain independent. You must be at least 18 years old and have resources under $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple).
Report any changes in your income, resources, or medical condition to the relevant agencies. Keep records of all communications and changes to avoid overpayments. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay.
Medicaid waivers provide additional services for people with disabilities, such as home and community-based services. These programs help people with disabilities live independently in their communities.
Yes, children with anxiety disorders may qualify for Medicaid TEFRA, which uses only the child’s income and resources for eligibility. This program is for children under 19 with disabilities and significant medical, developmental, or psychiatric needs.
You need medical records from your doctor or mental health provider that detail your anxiety disorder, its severity, and how it affects your ability to work or perform daily activities. The Social Security Administration and other agencies will review this documentation to decide eligibility.
