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Alaska • Mental Health
If you have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Alaska, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include cash assistance, health coverage, and savings plans. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), your condition must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and resources must be low. Both programs require medical proof of your disability, such as doctor’s notes and treatment records. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your application and decides if you meet their rules for disability[6].
In Alaska, you may qualify for Adult Public Assistance (APA) if you are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. For APA, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Alaska, and meet the state’s definition of disability. This means your OCD must make it impossible to do any substantial work for at least 12 months. Your resources (savings, property) cannot exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. You must also apply for other benefits like SSI or Social Security before getting APA[2]. Alaska also offers Medicaid for people with disabilities, including children with significant needs[3].
Alaska’s ABLE Plan lets people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without risking their federal benefits. You can open an account if you became disabled before age 26. The account is tax-advantaged, and earnings are tax-free if used for disability-related costs. This is a good option for people with OCD who want to save for future needs[1].
You must report changes in income, resources, or health to the agencies that give you benefits. This includes changes in your OCD symptoms or treatment. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Keep records of all reports and communications[2].
Contact the Alaska Department of Health or Social Security for help with your application. You can also ask about Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts for extra support.
Yes, if your OCD is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. You will need medical proof and must meet income and resource limits[2][6].
SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is for those who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require proof of disability, but the eligibility rules are different[6][7].
You can apply online or by phone. You will need to provide proof of income, resources, and disability. The Alaska Department of Health website has the application and more details[2].
Yes, you can open an Alaska ABLE account. This lets you save up to $14,000 per year for disability-related expenses without losing federal benefits[1].
You need records from your doctor that show your OCD diagnosis and how it affects your daily life. A detailed letter from your doctor can help your application[6].
Yes, you must report any changes in your health, income, or resources to the agencies that give you benefits. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active[2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, children under 19 with significant medical, developmental, or psychiatric needs may qualify for Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA, even if their family income is too high for regular Medicaid[3].
For Adult Public Assistance, resources must be $2,000 or less for an individual, $3,000 or less for a couple. For SSI, the federal limit is $2,000 for an individual[2][6].
The process can take several months. It depends on how quickly you provide medical records and how busy the agencies are. You can check the status of your application online or by phone[2][6].
Yes, there are work incentives for people with disabilities. You can earn some income without losing all your benefits. Check the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for details[5].
