Speech Impairment Benefits in Alaska

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medically documented speech impairment that severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes before becoming disabled. Children under 18 may qualify if their speech impairment meets Social Security’s definition of disability and affects their ability to function like other children their age. Adults whose disability began before age 22 may also qualify for benefits based on a parent’s work record if they are unmarried and meet the definition of disability[5].

In Alaska, adults with a speech impairment may qualify for Adult Public Assistance (APA) if they are unable to work due to their disability and meet income and resource limits. APA requires that the impairment is medically verified and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Children under 19 with speech impairments and significant medical or developmental needs may qualify for Alaska Medicaid TEFRA, which uses only the child’s income and resources for eligibility. Applicants must be Alaska residents and U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants. Resource limits are $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple[2][3].

• Gather medical records showing your speech impairment.
• Contact Social Security to apply for SSI or SSDI.
• Apply for Alaska Medicaid or Medicaid TEFRA if you need health coverage.
• Consider opening an Alaska ABLE account for savings.
• Call 211 for local help and referrals to agencies.

• Step 1: Get a diagnosis and supporting documentation from a speech-language pathologist or doctor.
• Step 2: Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. Provide all medical records and work history[5].
• Step 3: If you are a child under 19 with significant needs, apply for Alaska Medicaid TEFRA through Comagine Health. Only the child’s income and resources are considered[3].
• Step 4: Apply for Adult Public Assistance (APA) if you are an adult with a speech impairment and limited income. Submit proof of disability, income, and residency[2].
• Step 5: Open an Alaska ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses without risking benefits. The account is easy to set up online[1].
• Step 6: Call 211 for help finding local resources, legal aid, or other support services[6].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Children and adults with speech impairments may qualify if their condition meets Social Security’s definition of disability[5].
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly benefits for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes before becoming disabled. Adults and children whose disability began before age 22 may qualify based on a parent’s work record[5].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income and disabled people. Children with speech impairments may qualify for Medicaid TEFRA if they have significant needs[5].

• Adult Public Assistance (APA): Cash assistance for low-income Alaskans who are aged, blind, or disabled. Adults with a speech impairment that prevents work may qualify if they meet income and resource limits[2].
• Alaska Medicaid TEFRA: Health coverage for children under 19 with disabilities and significant medical, developmental, or psychiatric needs. Only the child’s income and resources are considered for eligibility[3].
• Alaska ABLE Plan: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Funds can be used for qualified expenses like education, transportation, and assistive technology without risking federal benefits[1].
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs that provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These may include speech therapy and other supports[8].

The Alaska ABLE Plan lets people with disabilities save up to $14,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account. Funds can be used for qualified expenses like education, transportation, and assistive technology. Savings in an ABLE account do not count toward the $2,000 SSI resource limit, so you can keep your benefits[1].

• SSI: Resource limit is $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple.
• APA: Resource limit is $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple. Income limits vary by household size and are updated annually[2].
• Medicaid TEFRA: Only the child’s income and resources are considered. Not all children who are disabled qualify; medical need is also assessed[3].

If your income or resources change, you must report it to Social Security or the Alaska Division of Public Assistance. Failure to report can result in overpayments and loss of benefits. Keep records of all changes and report them promptly to avoid problems[2].

• Alaska Division of Public Assistance
  Phone: 1-800-780-9972

  TTY: 1-800-780-9972

  Email: [email protected]

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

  Website

  For Medicaid, APA, and other public assistance programs.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Email: ssa.gov

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

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and other Social Security benefits.

• Can a speech impairment qualify for SSI or SSDI in Alaska?

  Yes, if your speech impairment is severe enough to limit your ability to work or perform daily activities, and you meet the medical and financial requirements. Children and adults may qualify based on their own or a parent’s work record[5].

• What is the Alaska ABLE Plan and how does it help?

  The Alaska ABLE Plan is a savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $14,000 per year for qualified expenses without risking your SSI or Medicaid benefits. The account is easy to set up online[1].

• How do I apply for Medicaid for a child with a speech impairment in Alaska?

  Apply for Alaska Medicaid TEFRA through Comagine Health. Only the child’s income and resources are considered. The child must have a significant medical, developmental, or psychiatric need related to their speech impairment[3].

• What is Adult Public Assistance (APA) and who qualifies?

  APA is cash assistance for low-income Alaskans who are aged, blind, or disabled. Adults with a speech impairment that prevents work may qualify if they meet income and resource limits and have a medically verified disability[2].

• Do I need to report changes in my income or resources?

  Yes, you must report any changes to Social Security or the Alaska Division of Public Assistance. Failure to report can result in overpayments and loss of benefits. Keep records and report changes promptly[2].

• Can children with speech impairments get Medicaid even if their parents have high income?