Heart Disease Benefits in Alaska: Your 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits with heart disease, you must have a medically verified condition that prevents you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and assets must be very low. Both programs require you to meet Social Security’s definition of disability, which includes severe heart conditions that limit your ability to work or perform daily activities[4].

In Alaska, adults with heart disease may qualify for Adult Public Assistance (APA) if they are unable to work due to their condition and meet income and asset limits. APA is for Alaskans who are blind, disabled, or aged 65+. To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, live in Alaska, and have resources under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Your monthly income must also be below APA limits. You must apply for and use other benefits you qualify for, such as SSI, Social Security, or veterans’ benefits[2].

• Check if your heart disease meets Social Security’s disability criteria.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
• Apply for Alaska APA if you need cash assistance and meet state rules.
• Consider opening an Alaska ABLE account for extra savings.

• Review the Social Security disability listings for heart disease to see if your condition qualifies[4].
• Collect medical records, doctor’s notes, and a list of treatments.
• Get your work history and Social Security number ready.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local office.
• If approved, Social Security will send you a decision letter.
• For Alaska APA, contact your local Department of Health office or apply online. You’ll need to provide proof of disability, income, and assets[2].
• If you want to save for disability expenses, open an Alaska ABLE account online. This lets you save up to $14,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid[1].
• Report any changes in your health, income, or living situation to avoid overpayments[5].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Cash benefits for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes before their disability[6].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Cash benefits for people with low income and assets who are disabled, blind, or aged 65+[4].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and assets, including those with disabilities[5].
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI[4].

• Alaska Adult Public Assistance (APA): Cash assistance for low-income adults who are blind, disabled, or aged 65+. APA helps with basic living costs and is based on income and asset limits[2].
• Alaska ABLE Plan: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. You can save for qualified expenses like medical care, education, and transportation without losing federal benefits[1].
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs that help people with disabilities get home and community-based services instead of institutional care[5].

The Alaska ABLE Plan lets people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses like medical care, education, and transportation. You can save up to $14,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Accounts are easy to open online and earnings are tax-free if used for disability-related costs[1].

For Alaska APA, resources must be under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Monthly income must be below APA limits, which change each year. For SSI, the asset limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. SSDI has no asset limit but requires enough work credits[2][4].

You must report changes in income, resources, or health to Social Security and Alaska APA. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. Use the official reporting tools and keep records of all changes[5].

• Alaska Department of Health
  Phone: 907-465-3300

  Website

  For Adult Public Assistance and Medicaid questions.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and ABLE account questions.

• Can I get disability benefits for heart disease in Alaska?

  Yes, if your heart disease is severe enough to prevent you from working and meets Social Security’s disability criteria. You may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Alaska APA based on your income and assets[4][2].

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Alaska?

  Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local office. For Alaska APA, contact your local Department of Health office or apply online. You’ll need medical and financial documents[2][4].

• What is an Alaska ABLE account?

  An Alaska ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Accounts are easy to open online[1].

• Does Alaska have Medicaid waivers for heart disease?

  Yes, Alaska offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including those with heart disease. These waivers help pay for home and community-based services instead of institutional care[5].

• How much can I earn and still get disability benefits?

  For SSI, your countable income must be below the program limit. For SSDI, you can’t earn more than the substantial gainful activity limit, which is $1,620 per month in 2025. Alaska APA has its own income limits[4][2].

• Do I need to report changes to my benefits?

  Yes, you must report changes in income, resources, or health to Social Security and Alaska APA. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits[5].