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Alaska • Neurodegenerative
Alaskans with Parkinson’s Disease may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, Medicaid, cash assistance, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs are available—including SSDI, SSI, Adult Public Assistance, Medicaid waivers, and Alaska’s ABLE Plan.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) with Parkinson’s Disease, you must have a severe medical impairment that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death[3]. SSDI requires a work history and enough Social Security credits; SSI is based on limited income and resources, regardless of work history[3]. Both programs require detailed medical evidence, and most applications are initially denied—but you can appeal[3]. The average monthly SSDI benefit in Alaska is about $1,334; SSI averages $613[3]. You may also qualify for Medicaid based on your disability status if you meet income and resource limits.
Alaska’s Adult Public Assistance (APA) program provides cash assistance to disabled adults (age 18–64) who meet strict income and resource limits: no more than $2,000 in resources for an individual or $3,000 for a couple[2]. To qualify, you must be a resident of Alaska, a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, and apply for all other benefits you may be eligible for, such as SSI, SSDI, or veterans’ benefits[2]. The APA program has its own income limits—check the state’s current standards before applying[2]. Alaska also has Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, and the ABLE program allows people with disabilities to save without risking federal benefits[1]. Children with severe disabilities may qualify for Medicaid under the TEFRA option, which does not count parental income[4].
Start by applying for federal SSDI and SSI benefits online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office[3]. For Alaska state programs (APA, Medicaid, ABLE), visit the Alaska Department of Health website or call the Division of Public Assistance[2][1]. Gather medical records, proof of income, and residency documents. Consider seeking help from a benefits counselor or legal aid if you face denials or complex cases.
1. Document Your Condition: Collect medical records that confirm your Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis and show how it limits your ability to work[3]. 2. Apply for SSDI/SSI: Complete the application at ssa.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at a local office. Be prepared for a waiting period; initial denials are common, so plan to appeal if needed[3]. 3. Apply for Alaska APA: Visit health.alaska.gov for APA application details. You must also apply for any other benefits you might qualify for, like SSI or veterans’ benefits[2]. 4. Explore Medicaid: If you qualify for SSI, you may automatically get Medicaid. Otherwise, apply separately through the Alaska Medicaid portal. 5. Consider ABLE Accounts: If you receive SSI or Medicaid, open an Alaska ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits[1]. 6. Seek Additional Help: Contact local disability organizations or legal aid for application support and appeals.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Available if you have a sufficient work history and your Parkinson’s Disease prevents you from working. Benefits are based on your earnings record[3]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSI also provides automatic Medicaid eligibility in most cases[3]. Medicaid: Offers health coverage to low-income individuals with disabilities. Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI eligibility. Veterans Benefits: Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for additional support.
Adult Public Assistance (APA): Alaska’s APA program gives monthly cash assistance to disabled residents (age 18–64) who meet income and resource limits. You must apply for all other benefits first[2]. Alaska Medicaid: Covers medical costs for eligible disabled adults and children. The TEFRA option lets some children with disabilities qualify for Medicaid without counting family income[4]. Alaska ABLE Plan: Lets eligible Alaskans save up to $14,000 annually in a tax-advantaged account for disability expenses without risking SSI or Medicaid eligibility[1]. Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Alaska offers home and community-based services waivers for people who need long-term care but want to live at home. State Employee Disability: If you are a state employee, you may qualify for disability retirement benefits through PERS or TRS[5].
Alaska’s ABLE accounts allow eligible individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (and other disabilities) to save money for qualified disability expenses without affecting eligibility for SSI or Medicaid[1]. Earnings grow tax-free if used for approved expenses like housing, transportation, or assistive technology. Annual contribution limits and other rules apply[1]. Learn more at the Alaska ABLE Plan website.
For SSI and APA, strict income and asset limits apply. SSI recipients must keep resources below $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple)[2]. Alaska APA has its own income standards—check the latest figures at health.alaska.gov[2]. Not all income counts toward these limits; some disability-related expenses may be excluded.
If your income or resources change, you must report this to Social Security and Alaska’s Division of Public Assistance. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes has more details and tips.
Denials are common, but appeals are possible. Consider working with a benefits counselor or legal aid organization in Alaska. Help is also available through the Disability Benefits 101 website and local Social Security offices.
No condition automatically qualifies you. You must prove your Parkinson’s Disease severely limits your ability to work and expect this to last at least a year[3]. Medical records and work history are key parts of your application.
On average, it takes about 6 months for an initial decision, but denials are common. Appeals can take up to 2 years[3]. Start your application as soon as possible.
Some work is allowed under specific rules. SSI and SSDI have work incentives and income limits. Check our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for details.
It is a savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $14,000 per year without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility, as long as the money is used for qualified expenses[1].
Most people are denied at first. You can appeal—ask for reconsideration, then a hearing if needed[3]. Consider getting help from a benefits specialist or attorney.
For adults, only your own income and resources are counted. For children with disabilities, the TEFRA Medicaid option looks only at the child’s income, not the parents’[4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Benefit rules and amounts change. Always confirm with official agencies before making decisions.
Yes, Alaska offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. These can help people with significant care needs stay in their homes.
If you get SSI, you may automatically get Medicaid. Otherwise, apply separately through the Alaska Medicaid portal. You’ll need proof of income, residency, and disability.
The average SSDI benefit in Alaska is about $1,334 per month; SSI averages $613 per month[3]. Your actual amount may vary based on your work history or income.
Veterans may qualify for disability compensation through the VA if their Parkinson’s is service-connected. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs for details.
