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Alaska • Chronic Illness
Alaskans with asthma may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and state-specific programs. Eligibility depends on medical severity, income, and work history. This guide explains how to apply and what benefits are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with asthma, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical listing for chronic respiratory disorders, including asthma. You must have a diagnosis from a doctor and medical records showing your symptoms, treatments, and how asthma limits your daily life. For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. Most applicants must show that asthma prevents any substantial gainful activity. If you meet these criteria, you may qualify for monthly payments and Medicaid or Medicare coverage [ssa.gov, 2025-11-05].
In Alaska, people with asthma may qualify for state disability programs if their condition is severe and meets federal disability standards. The Adult Public Assistance (APA) program provides cash help to disabled Alaskans who are at least 18 years old and have limited income and resources. To qualify, you must be unable to work due to asthma, and your resources must not exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Alaska Medicaid may cover asthma-related medical costs for low-income individuals, including children under 19 with significant needs. Alaska also offers the ABLE program, which allows eligible people with disabilities to save money for qualified expenses without losing benefits. You must be diagnosed with a qualifying disability, including asthma if it meets SSA criteria, and be under age 26 when first disabled [health.alaska.gov, 2025-11-05; nasddds.org, 2025-11-05; comagine.org, 2025-11-05].
The Alaska ABLE Plan allows eligible people with disabilities, including asthma if it meets SSA criteria, to save up to $14,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like medical care, education, and assistive technology. Savings in an ABLE account do not count toward the $2,000 resource limit for SSI or Medicaid, so you can keep your benefits. To open an account, you must be diagnosed with a qualifying disability before age 26 [nasddds.org, 2025-11-05].
If your income or resources change, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Report changes to SSA for federal benefits and to the Division of Public Assistance for state benefits. Keep records of all reports and communications. If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency to discuss repayment options [health.alaska.gov, 2025-11-05; ssa.gov, 2025-11-05].
Contact the Alaska Division of Public Assistance or a local legal aid organization for help with your application. They can guide you through the process and answer questions.
Yes, asthma can qualify if it is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must have medical evidence showing how asthma limits your daily activities and meets SSA criteria.
Apply for SSI or SSDI through SSA.gov or your local Social Security office. For state benefits, contact the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. Submit all required medical and financial documents.
You need records showing your asthma diagnosis, treatment history, test results, and how asthma affects your ability to work or do daily activities. Include doctor notes and medication lists.
Yes, there are work incentives for SSI and SSDI. You can earn some income without losing benefits, but there are limits. Report all work to avoid overpayments.
The Alaska ABLE account lets eligible people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $14,000 per year, and funds are tax-free if used for disability needs.
The average SSDI payment in Alaska is about $1,334 per month. SSI payments average $613 per month. Amounts depend on your work history, income, and family size.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and requirements.
Yes, Alaska Medicaid covers asthma-related medical costs for eligible low-income individuals, including children with significant needs. Coverage includes doctor visits, medications, and hospital care.
SSI is for low-income people with disabilities, regardless of work history. SSDI is for people with a work history who paid Social Security taxes. Both require a severe disability like asthma.
Yes, children under 19 with asthma and significant needs may qualify for Alaska Medicaid or the TEFRA program, even if family income is too high for regular Medicaid.
If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Gather more medical evidence and consider getting help from a legal aid or disability advocate. Most appeals are decided by a hearing.
