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Alaska • Sensory
People who are blind in Alaska may qualify for federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and the Alaska ABLE savings plan. These programs help cover living costs, medical needs, and assistive technology. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and medical criteria.
To qualify for federal blindness benefits, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of blindness. This means vision in your better eye is 20/200 or less, or your field of vision is 20 degrees or less. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI, or have enough work credits for SSDI. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs provide monthly cash payments and may include Medicaid or Medicare coverage [5].
In Alaska, adults who are blind may qualify for Adult Public Assistance (APA). To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Alaska, and a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant. Your resources must not exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. APA provides cash assistance to help blind adults remain independent. Children with blindness may qualify for Alaska Medicaid TEFRA, which covers medical needs for children under 19 with significant disabilities. Only the child’s income and resources are counted for this program [2][3].
The Alaska ABLE Plan lets people who are blind save money for qualified disability expenses, such as education, transportation, and assistive technology. Earnings in the account 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 online and manage [1].
If your income, resources, or medical status changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to repayment demands or loss of benefits. Report changes to Social Security and the Division of Public Assistance as soon as possible. Keep records of all reports and communications [6].
Contact the Alaska Division of Public Assistance or Disability Rights Alaska for help with applications and questions about blindness benefits.
Blindness is defined as vision of 20/200 or less in the better eye, or a field of vision of 20 degrees or less. This definition is used for both federal and state benefits programs [2].
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for both programs. SSI is a federal program, and APA is a state program. Both provide cash assistance for people who are blind [2].
Start by getting a medical report from your eye doctor. Then apply for SSI or SSDI through Social Security, and for APA through the Division of Public Assistance. You can also open an Alaska ABLE account for extra savings [1][2].
You need a medical report from your eye doctor confirming your vision meets the federal or state definition of blindness. This report should include your visual acuity and field of vision [2].
Yes, children under 19 with blindness and significant medical needs may qualify for Alaska Medicaid TEFRA. Only the child’s income and resources are counted for this program [3].
You can save up to $14,000 per year in an Alaska ABLE account without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. The account is for qualified disability expenses like education and transportation [1].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current eligibility and application details.
Yes, you must report any changes in income, resources, or medical status to avoid overpayments. Report changes to Social Security and the Division of Public Assistance as soon as possible [6].
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both provide monthly cash payments for people who are blind [5].
Yes, there are work incentives for people who are blind. You can earn some income without losing benefits. Check with Social Security or DB101 Alaska for details on work incentives [6].
Yes, Alaska offers Medicaid waivers for eligible blind individuals. These waivers provide home and community-based services for long-term care and support [6].
