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Alaska • Mental Health
People with Bipolar Disorder in Alaska can qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical costs, living expenses, and support independence. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Bipolar Disorder, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) medical criteria. SSA looks at how your condition affects your ability to work and daily life. You need a diagnosis from a qualified provider and medical records showing your symptoms are severe and long-lasting. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. For SSI, your income and assets must be low. Both programs require that your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You can check your eligibility using the SSA Benefit Finder or by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213 [5].
In Alaska, adults with Bipolar Disorder may qualify for Adult Public Assistance (APA) if they are disabled, aged 18 or older, and meet income and asset limits. APA is for people who are unable to work due to a medically verified mental or physical impairment. Children with Bipolar Disorder may qualify for Alaska Medicaid TEFRA if they meet the medical definition of disability and have significant needs. Alaska also offers ABLE accounts, which let people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. To qualify for these programs, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, Alaska resident, and meet the program’s medical and financial rules [2][3][1].
Alaska’s ABLE Plan lets people with Bipolar Disorder save money for qualified disability expenses, such as education, transportation, and assistive technology. Earnings in ABLE accounts are tax-free if used for these expenses. You can save up to $14,000 per year without risking your SSI or Medicaid benefits. The account is easy to open and manage online. For more info, visit the Alaska ABLE Plan website [1].
It is important to report any changes in income, health, or living situation to the agencies that pay your benefits. This includes changes in work, marriage, or medical condition. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. If you get an overpayment notice, contact the agency right away to discuss your options. For more info, see the guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes [2].
Contact your local Social Security office or Alaska Department of Health and Social Services for help with applications and appeals. Nonprofits and legal aid groups also offer free support.
Yes, if your Bipolar Disorder is severe and long-lasting, and you meet the SSA’s medical and financial rules. You must be unable to work and have low income and assets. Apply through SSA.gov or your local Social Security office [5].
SSI is for people with low income and assets, while SSDI is for those who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require a severe disability that limits your ability to work. SSI is needs-based, SSDI is work-based [6].
You can apply for Alaska Medicaid online, by mail, or in person through the Department of Health and Social Services. You will need to provide proof of income, residency, and disability. Children may qualify for TEFRA if they meet the medical definition of disability [3].
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $14,000 per year. Earnings are tax-free if used for qualified expenses like education, transportation, and assistive technology [1].
Yes, there are work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. If your earnings are low, you may keep SSI or SSDI. Report any work to the agency to avoid overpayments [6].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
You can appeal the decision. Ask for help from a benefits counselor or legal aid. You may need to provide more medical evidence or attend a hearing. The appeal process can take several months [5].
Report changes in income, health, or living situation to the agency that pays your benefits. This includes changes in work, marriage, or medical condition. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay [2].
Yes, children with Bipolar Disorder may qualify for Alaska Medicaid TEFRA if they meet the medical definition of disability and have significant needs. TEFRA uses the child’s income and resources, not the parents’ [3].
Yes, Alaska Adult Public Assistance (APA) provides cash assistance to disabled adults who meet income and asset limits. APA helps with basic living expenses and supports independence [2].
State agencies, nonprofits, and legal aid groups offer help with applications and appeals. You can also use the SSA Benefit Finder or call 1-800-772-1213 for guidance [5].
