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Alaska • Neurological/Developmental
People with Down Syndrome in Alaska can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and Adult Public Assistance. These programs help cover medical care, daily living, education, and more. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
People with Down Syndrome in Alaska may qualify for federal disability benefits if their condition meets Social Security’s definition of disability. For children, this means a medically verified condition that causes marked and severe functional limitations. For adults, it means being unable to do substantial work due to a physical or mental impairment that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Children may qualify for SSI if their family’s income and resources are limited. Adults may qualify for SSI or SSDI based on their own work history or a parent’s record. SSI has strict income and resource limits, while SSDI is based on work credits. Both programs require medical documentation and regular reviews.
Source: Social Security Administration
In Alaska, people with Down Syndrome may qualify for Adult Public Assistance (APA) if they are blind or disabled, under age 65, and meet income and resource limits. APA provides cash assistance to help with daily living expenses. To qualify, a person must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, a resident of Alaska, and have resources under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Income must be below APA limits. Applicants must also apply for other benefits like SSI, Social Security, or Veterans benefits. Alaska also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with care, therapy, and support at home or in the community.
Source: Alaska Department of Health Source: Alaska ABLE Plan
Source: Social Security Administration
Source: Alaska Department of Health Source: Alaska ABLE Plan Source: Alaska DRB
The Alaska ABLE Plan lets people with Down Syndrome save up to $14,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account for qualified disability expenses. These expenses include education, transportation, housing, and assistive technology. Money in an ABLE account does not count toward the $2,000 SSI resource limit, so it does not affect eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Accounts are easy to open online and can be managed by the individual or a family member.
Source: Alaska Department of Health
It is important to report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to all benefit programs. This includes changes in employment, marriage, or moving. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which must be repaid. Programs like SSI and APA have strict rules about reporting. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide to learn how to report changes and avoid penalties.
Contact the Alaska Department of Health or your local Social Security office for help with applications. You can also use DB101 Alaska for free support and resources.
People with Down Syndrome in Alaska may qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare. SSI and SSDI provide monthly cash payments. Medicaid and Medicare provide health coverage. Adults whose disability began before age 22 may qualify for Disabled Adult Child benefits on a parent’s record.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov or in person at a Social Security office. You will need medical records, proof of income, and proof of citizenship or immigration status. The application process can take several months.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $14,000 per year for qualified expenses like education, housing, and transportation. Money in an ABLE account does not affect eligibility for SSI or Medicaid.
APA is a cash assistance program for needy aged, blind, and disabled Alaskans. It helps with daily living expenses. To qualify, you must meet income and resource limits and be a resident of Alaska.
Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people who need long-term care. Services may include therapy, personal care, and respite. You must apply through the Alaska Department of Health and meet eligibility requirements.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, there are work incentives that let you earn income without losing benefits. Programs like SSI and SSDI have rules about how much you can earn. The SSI Income Estimator can help you see how work affects your benefits.
You will need medical records, proof of diagnosis, proof of income, proof of citizenship or immigration status, and proof of residency. For children, you may also need school records and parent information.
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to all benefit programs. This includes changes in employment, marriage, or moving. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which must be repaid.
Children with Down Syndrome may qualify for SSI, Medicaid, and Medicaid waivers. They may also qualify for Disabled Adult Child benefits if their disability began before age 22. Children can also have an ABLE account.
