Alaska • Rare/Genetic

Prader-Willi Syndrome Benefits in Alaska

People with Prader-Willi Syndrome in Alaska may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical costs, daily living expenses, and support independence.

Prader-Willi Syndrome often meets federal disability criteria.
Alaska offers Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts for eligible residents.
SSI and SSDI provide monthly cash benefits.
Medicaid can cover specialized care and therapies.
Families should apply for benefits early and report changes to avoid overpayments.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-05

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Eligibility

Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that can qualify for federal disability benefits if it severely limits daily activities and work ability.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes [6].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and assets, regardless of work history. The asset limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. SSI is needs-based and can help cover basic living costs [5].
Both programs require medical evidence showing your condition meets Social Security’s definition of disability.

Alaska follows federal rules for SSI and SSDI eligibility, but also offers state-specific programs for people with disabilities.
Alaska Medicaid covers children and adults with disabilities, including those with Prader-Willi Syndrome, if they meet medical and financial criteria. The Alaska Medicaid TEFRA program helps children under 19 with significant medical needs, even if family income is higher than usual Medicaid limits [3].
Alaska’s ABLE program allows eligible individuals with disabilities to save money in tax-advantaged accounts without losing federal benefits. The annual contribution limit is $14,000, and funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, transportation, and assistive technology [1].
Alaska’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews medical evidence to decide if applicants qualify for disability benefits under federal rules [2].

How to apply in Alaska

Gather medical records and proof of income.
Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
For Alaska Medicaid, apply through the state’s Division of Public Assistance.
For the Alaska ABLE account, visit the official ABLE website.
Contact Alaska Disability Determination Services for help with medical eligibility.

Step 1: Collect all medical records, including diagnosis, treatment history, and doctor’s notes for Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI:
- Online: Visit ssa.gov and complete the application.
- By phone: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
- In person: Visit your local Social Security office.
Step 3: For Alaska Medicaid:
- Apply online through the Alaska Division of Public Assistance or by phone.
- Children under 19 may qualify for the TEFRA program if they have significant medical needs.
Step 4: For the Alaska ABLE account:
- Visit the Alaska ABLE Plan website and follow the instructions to open an account.
Step 5: If you need help with medical eligibility, contact Alaska Disability Determination Services at 619 East Ship Creek #305, Anchorage, AK 99501, or call for assistance.
Step 6: Report any changes in income, assets, or medical status to avoid overpayments and keep benefits active.

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes before becoming disabled.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefits for people with limited income and assets, regardless of work history.
Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities, including those with Prader-Willi Syndrome, if they meet medical and financial criteria.
Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities who receive SSDI for 24 months.
ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities to save for qualified expenses without losing federal benefits.

Alaska Medicaid TEFRA: Special Medicaid program for children under 19 with significant medical, developmental, or psychiatric needs. Eligibility is based on the child’s personal income and resources, not the family’s.
Alaska ABLE Plan: State-sponsored ABLE account program that allows eligible individuals with disabilities to save up to $14,000 per year for qualified expenses like education, transportation, and assistive technology.
Alaska Disability Determination Services (DDS): State agency that reviews medical evidence to decide if applicants qualify for federal disability benefits.
Alaska Medicaid Waivers: Programs that provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those with Prader-Willi Syndrome, to help them live independently.
Alaska TRS Disability Benefits: Disability benefits for Alaska public employees who become disabled and meet eligibility criteria.

Money & Banking

Alaska’s ABLE program allows eligible individuals with disabilities to save money in tax-advantaged accounts without losing federal benefits.
The annual contribution limit is $14,000.
Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, transportation, and assistive technology.
Opening an ABLE account is easy and can be done online through the Alaska ABLE Plan website.

SSI asset limit: $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples.
Alaska Medicaid TEFRA: Eligibility is based on the child’s personal income and resources, not the family’s.
ABLE account annual contribution limit: $14,000.
SSDI has no asset limit, but there are work credit requirements.

Report any changes in income, assets, or medical status to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.
Overpayments can result in benefit reductions or repayment requirements.
Keep records of all changes and communications with agencies.

Tips & Gotchas

Start Here

Apply for SSI or SSDI through the Social Security Administration.
Check eligibility for Alaska Medicaid TEFRA for children under 19.
Open an Alaska ABLE account for tax-advantaged savings.

Contacts

Alaska Disability Determination Services
Phone: 907-269-7770
Website
For help with medical eligibility for disability benefits.
Alaska Division of Public Assistance
Phone: 800-770-1663
Website
For Medicaid and TEFRA applications.
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Website
For SSI and SSDI applications.

FAQs

What is Prader-Willi Syndrome?
Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes developmental delays, behavioral issues, and a constant feeling of hunger. It can qualify for disability benefits if it severely limits daily activities and work ability.
How do I apply for SSI or SSDI in Alaska?
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income.
What is the Alaska ABLE account?
The Alaska ABLE account 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.
Can children with Prader-Willi Syndrome get Medicaid in Alaska?
Yes, children under 19 with Prader-Willi Syndrome may qualify for Alaska Medicaid TEFRA if they have significant medical needs. Eligibility is based on the child’s personal income and resources.
What is the Alaska Medicaid TEFRA program?
Alaska Medicaid TEFRA is a special Medicaid program for children under 19 with significant medical, developmental, or psychiatric needs. It allows some children who would not typically qualify for Medicaid because of family income to receive specific Medicaid benefits.
How do I apply for Alaska Medicaid?
You can apply for Alaska Medicaid online through the Division of Public Assistance or by phone. Children under 19 may qualify for the TEFRA program if they have significant medical needs.

Official resources

Social Security Disability Qualification(federal)
Alaska Disability Determination Services(state_agency)
Social Security Administration(federal)
Alaska TRS Disability Benefits(state_agency)

Related Purple guides

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.

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