Autism Spectrum Disorder Benefits in Alaska

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medically documented disability that limits your ability to work for at least 12 months. For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. SSDI requires a work history and payment of Social Security taxes. Autism Spectrum Disorder is recognized as a qualifying disability if it meets these criteria.

• SSI: Must have limited income and resources; disability must be severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity.
• SSDI: Must have earned enough work credits and have a disability that prevents substantial gainful activity.
• Both programs require medical evidence and documentation of your condition.

For more details, see the Social Security Administration’s eligibility page [6].

In Alaska, people with Autism Spectrum Disorder may qualify for several state programs. The Adult Public Assistance (APA) program provides cash assistance to disabled adults, including those with autism, if they meet income and resource limits. To qualify, you must be a resident of Alaska, a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, and have resources under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.

Alaska also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help children and adults with autism receive support in their homes or communities. These waivers may cover therapies, respite care, and other services.

For more information, see the Alaska Department of Health’s APA page [2] and DB101 Alaska’s Medicaid waiver page [5].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• Apply for Alaska Adult Public Assistance through the Department of Health.
• Consider opening an Alaska ABLE account for savings.
• Explore Medicaid waivers for additional support.

• Collect all medical documentation for Autism Spectrum Disorder, including diagnosis, treatment history, and how it affects daily life.
• Apply for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI) online at ssa.gov or in person at a Social Security office. Be sure to answer all questions truthfully and submit all required records.
• Apply for Alaska Adult Public Assistance (APA) through the Department of Health. You may need to provide proof of income, resources, and disability.
• If eligible, open an Alaska ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses without risking benefits.
• Apply for Medicaid waivers through the Alaska Department of Health for home and community-based services.
• Keep all records and report any changes in income or resources to avoid overpayments.

For step-by-step help, see the Alaska Department of Health’s APA page [2] and DB101 Alaska’s guides [5].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly cash benefits to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes before their disability limited their ability to work.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly cash benefits to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or aged.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to low-income individuals with disabilities.

For more details, see the Social Security Administration’s program pages [6] and DB101 Alaska’s guides [5].

• Alaska Adult Public Assistance (APA): Provides cash assistance to needy aged, blind, and disabled Alaskans, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Alaska ABLE Plan: Allows eligible individuals with disabilities to save for qualified expenses without losing federal benefits.
• Medicaid Waivers: Provide home and community-based services for children and adults with autism, such as therapies, respite care, and support services.

For more information, see the Alaska Department of Health’s APA page [2], Alaska ABLE Plan page [1], and DB101 Alaska’s Medicaid waiver page [5].

The Alaska ABLE Plan lets eligible individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder save for qualified disability expenses, such as education, transportation, and assistive technology. Earnings in these accounts are tax-free if used for qualified expenses. The account does not count toward the $2,000 resource limit for SSI and Medicaid, so you can save more without losing benefits.

For more details, see the Alaska ABLE Plan page [1].

• SSI: Income and resources must be below federal limits. In Alaska, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you must not be able to engage in substantial gainful activity.
• APA: Income and resources must be below Alaska’s limits. See the Alaska Department of Health’s APA page [2] for current limits.

It is important to report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or loss of benefits. For more information, see the Alaska Department of Health’s APA page [2] and DB101 Alaska’s guides [5].

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

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For questions about SSI and SSDI.

• What federal benefits are available for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Alaska?

  People with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Alaska may qualify for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. These programs provide cash and health benefits based on income, work history, and disability severity.

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI in Alaska?

  You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov or at your local Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income and resources.

• What is the Alaska ABLE Plan?

  The Alaska ABLE Plan lets eligible individuals with disabilities save for qualified expenses without losing federal benefits. Earnings are tax-free if used for qualified disability-related expenses.

• What is the resource limit for SSI in Alaska?

  The resource limit for SSI in Alaska is $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. This includes cash, bank accounts, and other assets.

• What is the Alaska Adult Public Assistance (APA) program?

  APA provides cash assistance to needy aged, blind, and disabled Alaskans, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and disability status.

• What are Medicaid waivers in Alaska?

  Medicaid waivers in Alaska provide home and community-based services for children and adults with autism, such as therapies, respite care, and support services.

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Alaska?