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Alaska • Physical/Mobility
Alaskans with spinal cord injuries can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Alaska-specific programs. These benefits help cover medical care, daily living, and financial needs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medically verified spinal cord injury that prevents you from doing substantial work. The injury must last at least 12 months or be expected to end in death. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, your income and resources must be low. Both programs require U.S. citizenship or eligible immigrant status. Children with spinal cord injuries may also qualify if their condition meets Social Security’s definition of disability [^1].
In Alaska, adults with spinal cord injuries may qualify for Adult Public Assistance (APA) if they are disabled, aged 18 or older, and meet income and resource limits. APA provides cash help to support independence. Children under 19 with spinal cord injuries may qualify for Alaska Medicaid TEFRA, which uses only the child’s income and resources for eligibility. Alaska ABLE accounts allow eligible individuals to save up to $14,000 per year for disability-related expenses without losing federal benefits. All applicants must be Alaska residents and U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants [^2][^3][^4].
Alaska ABLE accounts let people with spinal cord injuries save money for qualified disability expenses without losing federal benefits. You can deposit up to $14,000 per year. Funds can be used for education, transportation, assistive technology, and other approved expenses. Earnings are tax-free if used for qualified expenses. The account is easy to open online [^1].
For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. For Alaska APA, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Income limits vary by program and household size. Check the current APA income limits and payment standards for the most up-to-date information [^2].
You must report any changes in income, resources, or medical status to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes promptly to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services or Social Security Administration. Keep records of all reports and communications [^2].
Contact the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services or Comagine Health for help with applications and eligibility questions.
You may qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare. SSI and SSDI provide monthly payments. Medicaid covers medical care. Medicare covers health care after 24 months of SSDI. Each program has different eligibility rules [^3][^7].
Apply through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. You’ll need proof of income, residency, and disability. Medicaid covers medical care for eligible individuals with disabilities [^2].
The Alaska ABLE account lets you save up to $14,000 per year for disability-related expenses without losing federal benefits. Funds can be used for education, transportation, and assistive technology [^1].
Yes, there are work incentives for SSI and SSDI recipients. You can earn some income without losing benefits. Check the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for details [^6].
For SSI and Alaska APA, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Alaska ABLE accounts let you save more without losing benefits [^2].
Alaska Medicaid TEFRA is for children under 19 with disabilities. Only the child’s income and resources are used for eligibility. It provides Medicaid benefits for those who might not qualify otherwise [^4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
It takes about 6.1 months for an initial decision. Most applicants are denied at first, but you can appeal. The full process can take up to two years [^3].
You can appeal the decision. Most initial applications are denied, but you can request reconsideration and a hearing. Gather all medical records and submit them with your appeal [^3].
Yes, you can get help from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Comagine Health, or a legal aid organization. They can help you complete forms and gather records [^2][^4].
The average SSDI payment is $1,333.89 per month. The average SSI payment is $613.36 per month. Payments vary based on your work history and income [^3].
