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Alaska • Neurodegenerative
People with Huntington’s Disease in Alaska may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Adult Public Assistance, and the Alaska ABLE Plan. These programs offer monthly cash assistance, healthcare coverage, and ways to save without losing essential benefits—helping Alaskans with neurodegenerative disabilities live more independently.
To qualify for federal disability programs, you must generally show you cannot work due to a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death[5]. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and enough credits from Social Security[7]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and resources must be low—$2,000 or less for one person[5]. Huntington’s Disease, as a progressive, incurable neurodegenerative disorder, often meets the medical requirements for disability, but you still need to file an application and submit medical proof to Social Security.
In Alaska, adults under 65 with Huntington’s Disease may apply for Adult Public Assistance (APA) if they are U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants, Alaska residents, and have less than $2,000 in resources ($3,000 for a couple)[2]. You must also have low countable income and cannot work due to your disability[2]. The state’s ABLE Plan allows eligible individuals to save for qualified expenses without losing federal benefits; this is especially valuable for families managing a chronic condition[1]. Alaska Medicaid covers children under 19 with disabilities through TEFRA, regardless of parent income, if the child’s medical needs are severe enough[3]. Always check with the Division of Public Assistance for the latest income and resource limits.
To get started on Alaska disability benefits, call your local Division of Public Assistance office or visit their website. For SSDI/SSI, contact Social Security by phone, online, or in-person at a local field office. Gather medical records, proof of income, identification, and information about living expenses. For Alaska’s ABLE Plan, sign up online at the Alaska Department of Revenue site[1]. For Medicaid for children with significant medical needs, call Comagine Health for help with the TEFRA application[3].
Step 1: Collect your medical records, especially those documenting Huntington’s Disease diagnosis and functional limitations. Ask your doctor for detailed notes. Step 2: Apply for SSDI and/or SSI with Social Security. You can do this online, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at a local office. Step 3: Apply for Alaska’s Adult Public Assistance (APA) along with SSDI/SSI. The APA application is available from the Division of Public Assistance. Submit proof of income, resources, residency, and citizenship. Step 4: For Medicaid for children, contact Comagine Health for help with the TEFRA application[3]. Step 5: Set up an Alaska ABLE account to save for disability expenses without risking federal benefits[1]. Step 6: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence. Report any changes in income, living situation, or medical condition promptly. If you’re denied, you can appeal—get help from an Alaska disability legal advocate if needed.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Pays monthly benefits if you worked and paid Social Security taxes. You need a recent, significant work history[7]. SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Offers monthly payments to people with very low income and resources who are disabled, blind, or aged. SSI is needs-based, not work-based[5]. Medicare: After 24 months of SSDI, you may qualify for Medicare. Medicaid: Eligibility varies by state. In Alaska, Medicaid covers most adults with low income and SSI recipients. For children with severe disabilities, TEFRA rules may apply[3].
Adult Public Assistance (APA): Alaska’s APA provides cash assistance to adults who are aged, blind, or disabled, with tight resource limits ($2,000 for individuals)[2]. Alaska Medicaid: Covers adults and children with disabilities. For children with Huntington’s Disease, TEFRA Medicaid allows for coverage based on the child’s needs, not family income. Alaska ABLE Plan: A savings plan for eligible Alaskans with disabilities, letting you save up to $14,000 per year without losing federal aid[1]. Alaska Medicaid Waivers: These Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers help adults live at home or in the community instead of in a facility. However, specific waivers for Huntington’s Disease are limited—check with the Division of Public Assistance for current offerings.
Alaska’s ABLE Plan allows eligible individuals with disabilities (including Huntington’s Disease) to open a tax-advantaged account, similar to a 529 college savings plan[1]. You can save and invest money for qualified disability expenses—like medical care, assistive technology, housing, and transportation—without risking SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits. Withdrawals for disability expenses are tax-free. These accounts help address the $2,000 asset limit for SSI/APA, making it easier to save for emergencies or future needs.
SSI and Alaska APA require your resources to be under $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples[2]. Income limits for APA are set by the state and are generally lower than SSI limits. For Medicaid, TEFRA rules for children do not include parents’ income; for adults, income and asset limits apply. The Alaska ABLE Plan allows up to $14,000 in annual contributions[1]. Always check with the Division of Public Assistance for current limits.
If your income, resources, or living situation changes, you must report it—not doing so can lead to overpayments and penalties. This applies to SSI, SSDI, Alaska APA, and Medicaid. Overpayments must be repaid. To avoid problems, keep records and report changes to each program as soon as possible, using their preferred method (online, phone, or mail).
Most Alaska and federal disability benefits have a strict $2,000 resource limit for individuals ($3,000 for couples). The Alaska ABLE Plan lets you save above this threshold for qualified disability expenses—helping manage Huntington’s Disease without losing critical aid[1][2].
Alaska Medicaid’s TEFRA program covers children under 19 with severe disabilities like Huntington’s, regardless of family income. Only the child’s resources are counted—a key benefit that helps families afford essential care[3].
Huntington’s Disease, as a progressive, incurable neurodegenerative disorder, typically meets Social Security’s medical definition of disability if it prevents you from working. However, you must submit detailed medical evidence and follow the application process.
Alaska APA and SSI are only for those who cannot perform “substantial gainful activity” due to disability. You must have limited work and income to qualify. Some work incentives exist—see SSI & SSDI Work Incentives for details.
The Alaska ABLE Plan is a savings and investment account for those with disabilities. Earnings grow tax-free if used for qualified expenses. ABLE accounts let you save above the $2,000 SSI asset limit, without losing public benefits[1].
Contact Comagine Health for help with the TEFRA Medicaid application. Only the child’s income and resources are counted, not the parents’. Documentation of your child’s disability and medical needs is required[3].
You have the right to appeal. Many applications are denied at first. Keep all medical records, get help from a local advocate, and file your appeal within the deadline.
Alaska APA supplements SSI for qualifying adults. However, your combined benefit could affect other aid. Always check eligibility with the Division of Public Assistance.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only. Eligibility rules, income limits, program details, and availability may change. Always contact the relevant agency or a qualified benefits specialist for personalized advice.
Alaska offers general Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, but not a waiver specific to Huntington’s Disease. The TEFRA option covers children with significant needs, regardless of parent income[3].
Qualified expenses include education, housing, transportation, assistive technology, health and wellness, and employment supports. Money used for these does not count against SSI or Medicaid limits[1].
Most Alaska public benefits require annual or periodic renewal. You’ll receive a notice from the agency when it’s time to recertify.
Yes. Contact your local Division of Public Assistance for guidance. For Medicaid TEFRA, call Comagine Health. Local disability advocacy groups and federally funded protection and advocacy organizations can assist with appeals and legal questions.
