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Alaska • Chronic Illness
If you have cancer in Alaska, you may qualify for federal and state benefits that help cover medical costs, living expenses, and support services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs for Alaskans with cancer.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with cancer, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. Generally, you need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes to get SSDI. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Cancer is often considered a qualifying disability if it is severe and limits your ability to work. You must also be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant and meet SSA’s medical standards. The SSA reviews your medical records and work history to decide if you qualify [6].
In Alaska, people with cancer may qualify for state programs if they meet specific criteria. For example, Alaska’s Adult Public Assistance (APA) program helps disabled adults with cash assistance if they are at least 18, a resident, and have limited resources (under $2,000 for an individual). You must also be unable to work due to a medically verified impairment. Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA covers children under 19 with disabilities, including cancer, if their personal income and resources meet program limits. The Alaska ABLE Plan lets eligible people save for disability-related expenses without losing federal benefits. You must apply for and pursue all other benefits, such as SSI, before APA [2][3][1].
The Alaska ABLE Plan lets eligible people with disabilities save for qualified expenses like medical care, education, and transportation. You can save up to $14,000 per year without risking your SSI or Medicaid benefits. The account is easy to open online and is managed by the state [1].
For Alaska Adult Public Assistance (APA), resources must not exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Countable monthly income must also be below APA program limits. For SSI, the federal resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple [2][6].
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you do not report changes, you may have to repay benefits. Always keep records of what you report and when [5].
Contact the Alaska Division of Public Assistance or Disability Rights Alaska for free help with applications and questions about benefits.
Yes, if your cancer is severe and limits your ability to work, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must meet SSA’s medical and work history requirements. Alaska also has state programs for disabled adults and children.
Start by applying for SSDI or SSI through SSA.gov. Then apply for Alaska Medicaid and APA through the Division of Public Assistance. You can also open an Alaska ABLE account for savings.
The Alaska ABLE Plan is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $14,000 per year for qualified expenses without losing federal benefits like SSI or Medicaid.
Yes, Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA covers children under 19 with disabilities, including cancer. Only the child’s income and resources are counted, not the parents’.
APA is a cash assistance program for disabled adults in Alaska. You must be at least 18, have limited resources, and be unable to work due to a medically verified impairment.
You can save up to $14,000 per year in an Alaska ABLE account. The account is for qualified disability-related expenses and does not affect your eligibility for SSI or Medicaid.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, you must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you do not report changes, you may have to repay benefits.
Medicaid waiver programs in Alaska provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These waivers help people with cancer get support services in their homes.
Yes, there are work incentives for people with disabilities. You can work and still get benefits, but you must report your earnings. Check with SSA and Alaska agencies for details.
Processing times vary. SSDI and SSI applications can take several months. Alaska APA and Medicaid applications may be faster, but it depends on your situation and how complete your application is.
