Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Benefits in Alaska: State & Federal Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, you must have a severe medical condition (such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. SSDI also requires sufficient work credits earned under Social Security[6].

Federal programs do not focus on your diagnosis, but on how your condition affects your ability to work and perform daily tasks. Medical documentation must show your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome causes significant functional limitations. Even rare or genetic disorders can qualify if they meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability[6].

Alaska’s Adult Public Assistance (APA) program provides cash assistance to disabled Alaskans over age 18 who meet disability and income/resource rules[2]. For APA, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, an Alaska resident, and have limited income and assets (less than $2,000 for an individual)[2].

Alaska's definition of disability mirrors federal standards: your impairment—from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or another condition—must prevent substantial gainful activity and last at least 12 months or be terminal. You must also apply for all other benefits you might qualify for, such as SSI, SSDI, or veterans’ benefits[2].

Alaska ABLE accounts are open to residents with a disability onset before age 26 who meet federal ABLE Act criteria[1]. ABLE savings do not count toward the $2,000 resource limit for means-tested programs.

If you think you may qualify for Alaska disability benefits:

• Gather medical records for your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome diagnosis and related functional limitations.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI through the Social Security Administration.
• Apply for Alaska Adult Public Assistance if you don’t qualify for SSI or need extra help[2].
• Consider opening an Alaska ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses without risking benefits[1].

1. Apply for SSI/SSDI Start your application online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. Prepare recent medical records, work history, and tax information. The process can take several months. If denied, appeal—many cases are approved on reconsideration.

2. Apply for Alaska Adult Public Assistance (APA) If awaiting SSI/SSDI or if your income is too low, apply for APA through the Alaska Department of Health[2]. You’ll need to provide proof of disability, income, resources, citizenship, and Alaska residency. You must also apply for all other possible benefits.

3. Check for Medicaid Coverage If you qualify for SSI (or APA), you may also qualify for Medicaid. If not, explore Alaska’s Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities or the TEFRA program for children under 19 with high medical needs—your child’s own income and resources (not yours) are considered[3].

4. Open an Alaska ABLE Account If eligible, open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Visit the Alaska ABLE website to enroll[1].

5. Stay Organized Report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition promptly to avoid overpayments. Keep copies of all applications, denials, approvals, and medical paperwork.

Federal disability programs include:

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly cash payments to aged, blind, and disabled people with limited income and resources. Must meet federal disability standards.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Provides benefits to disabled workers and some dependents who have paid into Social Security[6].
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI. Covers hospital, doctor, and prescription services.
• Medicaid Waivers (Home and Community Based Services): Provides extra services for people who qualify for institutional care but want to live at home.

These federal programs are available in every state, including Alaska.

Alaska offers several state programs for people with disabilities, including those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome:

Adult Public Assistance (APA): Offers cash benefits to disabled adults who do not qualify for SSI or whose SSI benefits are too low. You must be a U.S. citizen, Alaska resident, and meet strict income and resource limits[2].

Alaska ABLE Plan: Allows eligible Alaskans to save for disability-related expenses in a tax-advantaged account without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. The ABLE account is similar to a 529 college savings plan, but for disability expenses[1].

Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA: A Medicaid option for children under age 19 with severe disabilities and high medical costs, regardless of parents’ income[3]. Only the child’s income and resources are counted. Comagine Health assists with applications and medical reviews for TEFRA[3].

Alaska State Employee Disability Benefits: For eligible public employees (PERS/TRS) who become disabled, with monthly benefits based on salary and dependents[4].

State-specific programs have distinct eligibility rules and application processes. Start with the Alaska Department of Health’s Adult Public Assistance page or the ABLE Plan for more details[2][1].

Alaska’s ABLE Plan allows eligible individuals with disabilities—including those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome—to save money for qualified expenses without affecting eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other means-tested benefits[1]. Earnings grow tax-free, and funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, assistive technology, and more. ABLE accounts must be set up for someone whose disability started before age 26[1].

For APA, your countable monthly income must be below program limits, and you cannot have more than $2,000 in resources ($3,000 for a couple)[2]. SSI has its own federal income and resource limits, which are updated annually. The ABLE account balance (up to $100,000) does not count toward the SSI resource limit[1].

If your income, resources, or living situation changes, report it promptly to Social Security and the Alaska Department of Health to avoid overpayments. Overpayments must be repaid and can affect future benefits. For tips and reporting forms, see our guide to avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.

• Alaska Department of Health – Adult Public Assistance
  Phone: 907-269-3999

  Website

  Call for application help and questions about eligibility.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  National helpline for SSI/SSDI applications and questions.
• Alaska ABLE Plan (nasddds.org)
  Phone: See website

  Website

  Start here for Alaska ABLE information—check for direct enrollment portal updates.

• Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome considered a disability in Alaska?

  Yes, if your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities and is expected to last at least 12 months. Diagnosis alone does not qualify you—medical evidence must show significant functional impact[2][6].

• Can children with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome get Alaska Medicaid?

  Yes, if they meet medical eligibility. The TEFRA option allows children under 19 with severe disabilities to qualify for Medicaid based on their own income, not their parents’[3].

• What is the Alaska ABLE Plan?

  The Alaska ABLE Plan is a savings account for people with disabilities, letting you save up to $14,000 per year for qualified expenses without risking SSI or Medicaid eligibility[1].

• How do I apply for Adult Public Assistance in Alaska?

  Apply through the Alaska Department of Health. You’ll need proof of disability, income, resources, citizenship, and residency. You must also apply for all other benefits you might qualify for[2].

• What happens if my SSI application is denied?

  Appeal the decision. Many claims are approved on appeal. You may also apply for Alaska APA while you wait for a federal decision[2].

• Do I need a lawyer to apply for disability benefits?

  No, but many people find help from a lawyer or advocate helpful, especially if denied. You can apply on your own or with help from family, Social Security, or nonprofits.