Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Benefits in Alaska

To qualify for federal disability benefits in Alaska, you must have a medical condition that stops you from working for at least one year. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits, usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and assets must be below set limits. PTSD is recognized as a qualifying mental health condition if it meets Social Security’s criteria for severity and duration [6].

Most applicants are denied at first but can appeal. The average initial decision in Alaska takes about 6 months [3].

In Alaska, eligibility for state disability programs is based on federal rules, but some programs have unique requirements. For example, Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA is for children under 19 with disabilities, including PTSD, and uses only the child’s income and resources, not the parents’ [4]. Alaska’s ABLE Plan allows eligible people with disabilities to save up to $14,000 per year without losing federal benefits like SSI or Medicaid [1].

Alaska’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews medical evidence and makes disability decisions for SSDI and SSI applicants. They consider medical records, age, education, and work history [2].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• File an application for SSDI or SSI at your local Social Security office or online.
• Submit all required documents, including mental health evaluations for PTSD.
• Wait for a decision from Alaska DDS.
• If denied, you can appeal within 60 days [3].

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, including mental health diagnoses, treatment history, and doctor’s notes for PTSD.
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. Be honest and thorough in your answers [3].
• Step 3: Alaska DDS will review your medical evidence and may request more information. They will make a decision based on Social Security rules [2].
• Step 4: If approved, you will receive benefits. If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Appeals may include reconsideration and a hearing [3].
• Step 5: For Medicaid waivers or ABLE accounts, apply through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services or the Alaska ABLE Plan website [1][4].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people who have worked and paid into Social Security. Average monthly payment in Alaska is $1,333.89 [3].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with limited income and resources. Average monthly payment in Alaska is $613.36 [3].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income people with disabilities. Eligibility is based on income and assets [4].

• Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA: For children under 19 with disabilities, including PTSD. Uses only the child’s income and resources [4].
• Alaska ABLE Plan: Allows eligible people with disabilities to save up to $14,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account for qualified expenses [1].
• Medicaid Waiver Programs: Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These programs help with daily living and support independence [5].

Alaska’s ABLE Plan lets eligible people with disabilities, including PTSD, open tax-advantaged accounts. You can save up to $14,000 per year for qualified expenses like education, transportation, and assistive technology. Earnings are tax-free if used for these expenses. This does not affect eligibility for SSI or Medicaid [1].

For SSI, the asset limit is $2,000 for an individual. For SSDI, there is no asset limit, but you must have enough work credits. Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA uses only the child’s income and resources, not the parents’ [4].

It’s important to report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back. Always keep records of your reports and follow up with the agency [3].

• Alaska Disability Determination Services
  Phone: 907-269-4700

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI medical eligibility questions.
• Comagine Health
  Phone: 800-770-4410

  Website

  For Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA and Medicaid waiver questions.

• Can I get disability benefits for PTSD in Alaska?

  Yes, PTSD is recognized as a qualifying disability for SSI and SSDI in Alaska if it meets Social Security’s criteria for severity and duration. You must provide medical evidence and meet financial requirements [3][6].

• How do I apply for disability benefits for PTSD in Alaska?

  You can apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. You’ll need to provide medical records and proof of income. Alaska DDS will review your case and make a decision [2][3].

• What is the Alaska ABLE Plan?

  The Alaska ABLE Plan lets eligible people with disabilities save up to $14,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account for qualified expenses. This does not affect eligibility for SSI or Medicaid [1].

• What is Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA?

  Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA is a program for children under 19 with disabilities, including PTSD. It uses only the child’s income and resources, not the parents’, to determine eligibility [4].

• How long does it take to get a decision on disability benefits in Alaska?

  The average initial decision in Alaska takes about 6 months. Most applicants are denied at first but can appeal. The full process, including appeals, can take up to two years [3].

• What are the income limits for SSI in Alaska?

  The asset limit for SSI is $2,000 for an individual. There is no asset limit for SSDI, but you must have enough work credits. Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA uses only the child’s income and resources [4].