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Alaska • Sensory
People in Alaska with Deaf-Blindness can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and the Alaska ABLE Account. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help, with clear steps and links to official resources for 2025.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) in Alaska, you must be unable to work due to a medically verified impairment—such as Deaf-Blindness—that has lasted or will last at least 12 months or be expected to end in death[3][7]. For SSI, your income and resources must be very low[3]. For SSDI, you need a qualifying work history with enough Social Security work credits[7]. SSI is for those with little income and not enough work history; SSDI is for workers who paid into Social Security[3]. The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines if your condition meets their definition of a qualifying disability.
Alaska’s Adult Public Assistance (APA) program provides cash aid to blind and disabled residents who meet strict income and resource limits: $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple[2]. You must be a state resident, a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant, and at least 18 and under 65 if blind or disabled[2]. Alaska also offers Medicaid through TEFRA for children under 19 with severe disabilities, including Deaf-Blindness—parents’ income does not count in this program[4]. For adults, Medicaid eligibility is based on both disability (meeting SSI standards) and income. Alaska’s ABLE accounts help residents with disabilities save up to $14,000 per year without losing federal benefits[1].
For SSI/SSDI, apply online, by phone, or in person at your nearest SSA office[3]. Complete and submit the forms and provide all your medical evidence. For APA, apply through the Alaska Department of Health. For Medicaid (adults), apply at the Division of Public Assistance. For TEFRA (children), contact Comagine Health for review and assistance[4]. The process can take several months; keep copies of all paperwork and follow up if you haven’t heard back.
Apply for SSI/SSDI: Visit ssa.gov to start the application online, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or schedule an appointment at your local SSA office[3]. Gather medical records, work history, and proof of income and resources. Complete all forms carefully. If denied, you can request a reconsideration and, if needed, a hearing.
Apply for APA: Go to the Alaska Department of Health online, by mail, or by phone. You’ll need legal proof of identity, residency, age, disability/Blindness, and details about your resources and income[2]. You must also apply for any other benefits you may qualify for, such as SSI, veterans’ benefits, or pensions[2]. Expect to show documentation of your disability/Blindness and financial situation.
Apply for Alaska Medicaid (Adults): Use the Alaska Division of Public Assistance website, call, or visit an office. Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation promptly.
Apply for TEFRA Medicaid (Children): Contact Comagine Health, the agency that reviews TEFRA applications in Alaska. They will help you gather and submit the required medical and financial information[4].
Open an ABLE Account: Visit the Alaska ABLE Plan website (health.alaska.gov) to open an account online. You’ll need proof of disability and other identifying documents.
The main federal benefits for Deaf-Blindness in Alaska are SSI and SSDI, which provide monthly cash payments if you meet the medical and financial requirements[3][7]. SSDI is for people with a sufficient work history, while SSI is for those with very low income and resources. Both programs have strict eligibility rules and require you to prove your disability meets SSA’s standards. If you receive SSI, you are automatically eligible for Alaska Medicaid. SSI also comes with work incentives to help you transition to employment if you are able[6]. Medicare can become an option if you qualify for SSDI and have been disabled for 24 months.
Adult Public Assistance (APA) provides monthly cash payments to eligible blind and disabled Alaskans who do not qualify for SSI or have an income below the state limit[2]. Alaska Medicaid covers children with severe disabilities, including Deaf-Blindness, through the TEFRA program, which ignores parents’ income[4]. ABLE accounts are available in Alaska, letting eligible individuals with disabilities (including Deaf-Blindness) save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[1]. The state also offers Medicaid waiver programs (home and community-based services), though Deaf-Blind-specific waivers are not detailed—contact the Division of Public Assistance for options. State resources may help with assistive devices, communication tools, and personal care.
Alaska’s ABLE Plan allows eligible people with disabilities to save and invest money without affecting their federal benefits, like SSI and Medicaid[1]. The account grows tax-free if used for qualified expenses such as education, assistive technology, or transportation. You can save up to $14,000 per year, and the first $100,000 does not count toward SSI’s asset limit. To open an account, you must have a qualifying disability or blindness—SSI eligibility is often the easiest way to prove this.
For SSI, federal rules set income and resource limits. In 2025, the resource limit remains $2,000 for a single person[3]. For APA, your resources may not exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple[2]. The APA income limit varies; check Alaska’s official state guidelines for current amounts. If you earn too much for SSI or APA, you may still qualify for Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities if you’re employed[6].
You must report changes in income, resources, living arrangement, or disability to the SSA, Alaska DPA, or Alaska Medicaid[2]. This helps avoid overpayments, which you may have to pay back. If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency immediately to discuss repayment options or ask for a waiver. For SSI, changes can include working, getting married, moving, or changes in medical condition. Keeping detailed records and reporting promptly will protect your benefits.
Alaska’s TEFRA Medicaid program lets children under 19 with severe disabilities—including Deaf-Blindness—get Medicaid without counting parents’ income. If your child needs significant medical or developmental support, contact Comagine Health to start the application process[4].
You can usually work part-time and still qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid in Alaska, thanks to special work incentives and the Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities. Reporting your earnings is key to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits[6].
SSI is based on financial need with strict income and resource limits; SSDI is for those with a work history who paid into Social Security. Both require a disabling condition (like Deaf-Blindness) that prevents substantial work for at least a year[3][7].
In 2025, the average SSI payment in Alaska is about $613 per month; SSDI averages $1,334, depending on your earnings history[3]. Actual amounts may be higher or lower based on your situation.
Yes, under certain rules. SSI and SSDI have work incentives and special Medicaid programs for those who work. Earnings and hours may affect your benefits, so report all income changes[6].
You must have a qualifying disability that began before age 26 and meet federal SSI disability standards. ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid[1].
You may not have more than $2,000 in resources as an individual or $3,000 as a couple to qualify for APA, Alaska’s state-funded cash assistance for the disabled and blind[2].
Yes, Alaska’s TEFRA Medicaid program covers children under 19 with severe disabilities, regardless of parents’ income[4]. Only the child’s income and resources count for eligibility.
Disclaimer: This guide is not legal advice. Always confirm details with the official agencies. Program rules and eligibility may change; this information is current as of 2025.
Contact Comagine Health for the TEFRA Medicaid application. They help determine if your child meets the medical and financial requirements[4].
You must report any changes to the agency administering your benefits. Failing to do so may result in overpayments, penalties, or loss of benefits[2].
Initial decisions average 6 months in Alaska; appeals can take up to 2 years if you are denied at first[3].
Alaska has Medicaid waiver programs (HCBS) that may help. Contact the Division of Public Assistance for details on waivers, personal care, assistive tech, and accessibility supports.
