Multiple Sclerosis Benefits in Alaska

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. Multiple Sclerosis is a recognized disability if it meets these rules. You must provide medical proof from a doctor. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your application and medical records to decide if you qualify [7].

In Alaska, people with Multiple Sclerosis may qualify for state programs like Adult Public Assistance (APA) and Medicaid. APA is for Alaskans who are disabled, blind, or aged 65 or older. You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, live in Alaska, and have limited income and resources. For APA, resources cannot exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Medicaid may cover medical costs for people with disabilities, including those with Multiple Sclerosis. Alaska also has Medicaid waivers for people who need extra help at home or in the community. Children with disabilities may qualify for Alaska Medicaid TEFRA, which uses the child’s income and resources, not the parents’ [2][4].

• Gather your medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI) online or at your local Social Security office.
• Apply for Alaska Medicaid and Adult Public Assistance through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.
• Learn about Alaska ABLE accounts for saving money without losing benefits.
• Report any changes in your health or income to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Get your medical records from your doctor. These should show your Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI through the Social Security Administration. You can apply online, by phone, or in person. Make sure to answer all questions truthfully and submit all required documents [7].
• Step 3: If you are denied, you can appeal the decision. Most people are denied at first, but you can request a reconsideration or a hearing.
• Step 4: Apply for Alaska Medicaid and Adult Public Assistance. You can apply online or by mail. You must provide proof of income, resources, and disability [2].
• Step 5: If you have a child with Multiple Sclerosis, apply for Alaska Medicaid TEFRA. This program uses the child’s income and resources, not the parents’ [4].
• Step 6: Learn about Alaska ABLE accounts. These let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing federal benefits [1].
• Step 7: Report any changes in your health, income, or living situation to the agencies. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active [6].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with low income and resources who are disabled, blind, or aged 65 or older.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to disability.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disabilities. In Alaska, Medicaid covers many medical costs for people with Multiple Sclerosis.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who get SSDI after 24 months of disability.
• Medicaid Waivers: Extra help for people who need support at home or in the community [6].

• Adult Public Assistance (APA): Cash assistance for Alaskans who are disabled, blind, or aged 65 or older. APA helps people stay independent at home [2].
• Alaska Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities. Alaska Medicaid covers medical costs for people with Multiple Sclerosis, including doctor visits, hospital care, and some home care services [4].
• Alaska Medicaid TEFRA: Special Medicaid program for children under 19 with disabilities. This program uses the child’s income and resources, not the parents’ [4].
• Alaska ABLE Plan: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. You can save up to $14,000 per year without losing federal benefits [1].
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs that help people with disabilities get services at home or in the community instead of in institutions [6].

The Alaska ABLE Plan lets people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing federal benefits. You can save up to $14,000 per year in an ABLE account. The money can be used for things like education, transportation, and assistive technology. Earnings in the account are tax-free if used for qualified expenses. The Alaska ABLE Plan is easy to use and helps families plan for the future [1].

For Adult Public Assistance (APA) in Alaska, resources cannot exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Income limits change each year, so check the current APA income limits and payment standards. For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. SSDI has no resource limit, but your income must be below the substantial gainful activity level [2][3].

It is important to report any changes in your health, income, or living situation to the agencies. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Always keep records of your reports and any changes [6].

• Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
  Phone: 1-800-770-8243

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For SSI and SSDI applications.

• Can I get SSI or SSDI for Multiple Sclerosis in Alaska?

  Yes, if your Multiple Sclerosis stops you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical proof and meet income and resource rules. Alaska follows federal rules for these programs [7].

• What is the Alaska ABLE Plan?

  The Alaska ABLE Plan is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $14,000 per year for qualified expenses without losing federal benefits. The plan is easy to use and helps families plan for the future [1].

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Alaska?

  You can apply for Alaska Medicaid online or by mail. You must provide proof of income, resources, and disability. Medicaid covers many medical costs for people with Multiple Sclerosis, including doctor visits and hospital care [2].

• What is Adult Public Assistance (APA) in Alaska?

  APA is cash assistance for Alaskans who are disabled, blind, or aged 65 or older. APA helps people stay independent at home. You must have limited income and resources to qualify [2].

• Can children with Multiple Sclerosis get Medicaid in Alaska?

  Yes, children under 19 with Multiple Sclerosis may qualify for Alaska Medicaid TEFRA. This program uses the child’s income and resources, not the parents’. It covers medical costs for children with disabilities [4].

• What are Medicaid waivers in Alaska?

  Medicaid waivers help people with disabilities get services at home or in the community instead of in institutions. These programs cover extra support for people with Multiple Sclerosis who need help with daily living [6].