Alaska offers federal and state programs for people with epilepsy, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid (including waivers), and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, Alaska-specific options, and answers frequently asked questions.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI with epilepsy, your condition must be severe enough to limit work and last at least one year or result in death. For SSDI, you must have a strong work history and enough Social Security work credits[6]. For SSI, income and assets are capped, and you must meet SSA disability criteria[2]. Epilepsy must be documented with medical evidence such as EEGs and doctor’s notes. Eligibility for both SSI and SSDI is determined by medical and, sometimes, vocational factors. Learn more about SSI vs SSDI for details.
In Alaska, epilepsy is treated like any severe neurological disability in benefit programs. The Alaska Disability Determination Services (DDS) in Anchorage reviews all SSI and SSDI applications for Alaskans[2]. If you apply for SSI, Alaska uses federal income and asset limits—but does not expand them. For children with epilepsy, Alaska Medicaid’s TEFRA program may provide Medicaid even if family income is too high, as long as the child’s personal income and resources meet the rules and the disability (like epilepsy) is medically documented[3]. TEFRA eligibility is not automatic; you must apply and show that standard Medicaid pathways are not available. For public employees, the state pension TRS disability program may offer additional options, but this is rare for epilepsy unless it prevents classroom or work duties for teachers or government workers[4]. Most adults with epilepsy will rely on SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid waivers.
Start by gathering your medical records, work history (if applying for SSDI), and financial documents. Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. If you are applying for Medicaid or Medicaid waivers, contact the Alaska Division of Public Assistance. ABLE accounts are available online through the Alaska ABLE Plan portal. For state-specific questions, reach out to Alaska’s DDS or Comagine Health for TEFRA Medicaid applications[3].
Step 1: Collect documents – Gather medical records showing your epilepsy diagnosis, treatments, and how it affects daily life. Include contact info for all doctors and hospitals. For SSDI, also collect work history and W-2s or pay stubs. For SSI, have bank statements and proof of income ready. Step 2: Apply – Online at ssa.gov is fastest, but you can also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. For Medicaid or waivers, contact the Alaska Division of Public Assistance. Step 3: Medical review – Alaska’s DDS will request more medical information if needed. Respond quickly to avoid delays. For the TEFRA program, Comagine Health helps review applications for children under 19[3]. Step 4: Wait for a decision – For SSI/SSDI, expect 3-5 months. For Medicaid, timing varies. Step 5: Appeal if needed – If denied, you have 60 days to request a reconsideration. For extra support, Alaska DDS can explain the appeals process[2].
The main federal programs for people with epilepsy are SSI (monthly payments for low-income people with disabilities), SSDI (monthly payments for people who paid enough into Social Security), and Medicare (health coverage for those on SSDI after 24 months). ABLE accounts help save for disability expenses without risking benefit eligibility[1].
Alaska offers Medicaid, including home- and community-based waivers for people with disabilities, and the TEFRA program for children under 19 with disabilities like epilepsy. TEFRA uses only the child’s income/resources, letting some higher-income families qualify—if you meet the medical and program rules, you must apply and complete a level-of-care review[3]. The Alaska ABLE Plan also lets Alaskans with disabilities save more without losing SSI or Medicaid[1]. For public workers, Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) disability benefits may be an option if epilepsy prevents job duties—benefits are 50% of salary plus support for dependent children[4]. Most Alaskans with epilepsy will use federal programs, but state options like Medicaid waivers or TEFRA can be lifesavers.
Alaska’s ABLE accounts let people with epilepsy (and other qualifying disabilities) save up to $14,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid[1]. Earnings grow tax-free if used for qualified disability expenses, such as housing, education, transportation, and assistive technology. These accounts can be opened online and funded by anyone. Consider ABLE accounts if you are close to the $2,000 SSI asset limit.
SSI has strict income and asset limits (currently $2,000 single, $3,000 couple). ABLE accounts help you save above these caps while keeping your benefits[1]. Medicaid in Alaska also has income limits, but the TEFRA program for children looks only at the child’s, not the parent’s, income[3].
You must report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to Social Security and Alaska Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Failing to report can mean you have to pay money back. For tips, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Alaska Medicaid waivers (HCBS) and the TEFRA program for children have waiting lists. Apply as soon as your child is diagnosed with epilepsy to maximize chances of getting needed services.
ABLE accounts are a tax-free savings tool for disability-related expenses. They help Alaskans with epilepsy (and other disabilities) save more than the $2,000 asset limit for SSI—without losing benefits[1].
Yes, but income and work hours may affect eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Alaska offers work incentives and a Medicaid Buy-In for people with disabilities who work. See SSI & SSDI Work Incentives for details.
Qualified expenses include education, housing, transportation, assistive technology, personal support, health care, financial management, and more. The money must be used for disability-related costs.
Alaska Medicaid’s TEFRA program is for children under 19 with disabilities who meet medical and functional criteria. Only the child’s income and assets are counted, not the family’s. You must apply and complete a level-of-care review. Contact Comagine Health or the Division of Public Assistance for help[3].
Most decisions take 3–5 months. If denied, you have 60 days to appeal. Delays happen if medical records are incomplete, so respond quickly to requests from Alaska DDS[2].
Possibly. Alaska Medicaid may cover costs private insurance does not, but you must meet eligibility rules. For children, the TEFRA program may help even if your family income is high[3].
ABLE accounts let you save above the usual $2,000 asset limit for SSI. However, balances over $100,000 may affect SSI, and you must use the money for qualified disability expenses[1].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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You can appeal within 60 days by requesting reconsideration, a hearing, and, if needed, review by an administrative law judge. Alaska DDS can help explain the process[2].
Go online to the official program website (see outbound links). You’ll need proof of disability (like a SSI/SSDI approval letter). The process is designed to be easy for parents and individuals.
Teachers and public employees may qualify for TRS disability benefits (50% of salary, plus extra for dependents) if epilepsy prevents work duties. You do not have to quit your job to apply, but must terminate employment within 30 days of approval[4].
Alaska offers home- and community-based Medicaid waivers (HCBS) for people with disabilities, but availability may be limited. Check with the Division of Public Assistance or see our guide on Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) for more.
