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Alaska • Chronic Illness
If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Alaska, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and Alaska-specific programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Alaska, you must have a medically verified condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years). For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and resources must be below strict limits. COPD is listed in the Social Security Blue Book under respiratory disorders, so it may qualify if it meets the criteria. You must also be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant and meet other SSA rules [6].
In Alaska, people with COPD may qualify for Adult Public Assistance (APA) if they are disabled and have limited income and resources. To be considered disabled, your COPD must prevent you from doing any substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months. 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. You must also apply for and pursue any other benefits you may be eligible for, such as federal SSI or Social Security benefits [2].
The Alaska ABLE Plan lets people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing federal benefits. You can save up to $14,000 per year in an ABLE account. Funds can be used for education, transportation, assistive technology, and other disability-related costs. Earnings in the account are tax-free if used for qualified expenses. To open an account, visit the Alaska ABLE Plan website [1].
You must report any changes in your income, resources, or health to the Social Security Administration and Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and loss of benefits. If you receive an overpayment, you may have to repay it. You can ask for a waiver if you cannot afford to repay [5].
If you need help with your application, contact Disability Rights Alaska or your local Social Security office. They can help you gather records and fill out forms.
Yes, if your COPD is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must have medical proof and meet other SSA rules [6].
Gather medical records, apply for SSDI or SSI online or at a Social Security office, and apply for Alaska APA if you are low-income. You can also open an ABLE account if you qualify [2][3][6].
The Alaska ABLE Plan is a savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $14,000 per year for disability-related expenses without losing federal benefits. Earnings are tax-free if used for qualified expenses [1].
APA is cash assistance for low-income Alaskans who are aged, blind, or disabled. It helps cover basic needs and keeps people independent. You must meet income and resource limits to qualify [2].
Yes, there are work incentives for people with disabilities. The Working Disabled Medicaid Buy-In lets you buy Medicaid even if your income is above normal limits. You must report any changes in income or health [5].
You need records that show your COPD diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits your ability to work. Include doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans [3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
On average, it takes about 6 months to get an initial decision on a disability application in Alaska. Most applicants are denied at first, but you can appeal [3].
If your application is denied, you can appeal. Ask for help from a disability advocate or legal aid. You may need to provide more medical evidence or attend a hearing [3].
Yes, if you get SSI or APA, you may qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid covers health care costs for low-income people with disabilities [2][5].
The resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple for both SSI and APA. Resources include cash, bank accounts, and other assets [2].
