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Alaska • Neurological/Developmental
People in Alaska with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and special programs for children and adults. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your ADHD must be severe enough to stop you from working or doing daily activities. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at medical records, how your symptoms affect your life, and if you meet their definition of disability. You usually need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for SSDI, or have low income and resources for SSI. Children with ADHD may qualify if their symptoms are severe and limit their ability to function at school or home. All applicants must provide medical proof and meet SSA’s rules. [^1]
[^1]: How Does Someone Become Eligible? | Disability Benefits, SSA.gov, accessed 2025-11-05
In Alaska, people with ADHD may qualify for state programs if they meet federal and state rules. Adults must be blind or disabled, have limited income and resources, and be Alaska residents. The Adult Public Assistance (APA) program helps aged, blind, and disabled Alaskans with cash assistance. Children with ADHD may qualify for Medicaid TEFRA if their symptoms are severe and limit their daily activities. Only the child’s income and resources are counted for TEFRA, not the parents’. Alaska also has ABLE accounts, which let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. [^2][^3][^4]
[^2]: Adult Public Assistance (APA) | State of Alaska, accessed 2025-11-05 [^3]: Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA, Comagine Health, accessed 2025-11-05 [^4]: Alaska Launches Savings Plan for Children and Adults with a Disability or Blindness, NASDDDS.org, accessed 2025-11-05
Start with the SSI Income Estimator to see if you qualify.
Each program has its own rules and deadlines. Make sure to follow up and keep copies of all documents. [^2][^3][^4][^5]
For more details, see SSI vs SSDI and Medicaid Waivers (HCBS).
For more details, see Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA and Alaska ABLE Plan. [^2][^3][^4]
The Alaska ABLE Plan lets people with ADHD save money for disability-related expenses without losing federal benefits. You can save up to $14,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account. Funds can be used for education, transportation, assistive technology, and other qualified expenses. The account is easy to open online and does not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility as long as you stay under the limit. [^4]
Exceeding these limits may affect your benefits. Report changes to avoid overpayments. [^2]
If your income, resources, or health changes, you must report it to the SSA and Alaska agencies. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. Keep records of all changes and report them as soon as possible. For more details, see Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Contact Alaska’s Division of Public Assistance or Comagine Health for help with applications. Legal aid and disability advocacy groups can also assist.
Yes, ADHD can qualify for disability benefits in Alaska if it severely limits your ability to work or do daily activities. You must meet federal and state criteria and provide medical proof of your condition.
SSI is for people with low income and resources, including children and adults with ADHD. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require medical proof of disability.
Contact Comagine Health to apply for Medicaid TEFRA. You’ll need medical records showing your child’s ADHD is severe and limits their daily activities. Only the child’s income and resources are counted.
An ABLE account lets people with ADHD save money for disability-related expenses without losing federal benefits. You can save up to $14,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account.
For SSI and APA, individuals can have up to $2,000 in resources; couples can have up to $3,000. Medicaid TEFRA counts only the child’s income and resources.
Yes, adults with ADHD who are disabled and have low income/resources may qualify for Adult Public Assistance (APA) cash assistance in Alaska.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, you must report any changes in income, resources, or health to the SSA and Alaska agencies. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits.
You need medical records from a doctor or specialist showing your ADHD diagnosis, symptoms, and how it limits your daily activities. This includes school or work records if applicable.
Yes, children with severe ADHD may qualify for Medicaid TEFRA in Alaska. Only the child’s income and resources are counted, not the parents’.
You can get help from Alaska’s Division of Public Assistance, Comagine Health, or disability advocacy groups. Legal aid and vocational rehab services are also available.
