People in Alaska with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can get help from federal and state programs. These include Social Security disability, Medicaid, cash aid, and special savings accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To get federal disability benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury, you must have a medically verified condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses strict rules to decide if you qualify for SSDI or SSI. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with low income and few resources. Both programs require proof of disability and regular reporting of changes in your situation. You can learn more about federal eligibility at ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html [7].
In Alaska, people with Traumatic Brain Injury may qualify for several state programs. The Adult Public Assistance (APA) program gives cash aid to adults who are disabled, blind, or aged. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Alaska, and have resources under $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple). Your income must also be below APA limits. Children with TBI may qualify for Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA if they are under 19 and meet medical criteria. Only the child’s income and resources are counted, not the parents’. Alaska also offers the ABLE savings plan for people with disabilities, which lets you save up to $14,000 per year without losing federal benefits [1][2][4].
The Alaska ABLE Plan lets people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing federal benefits. You can save up to $14,000 per year in an ABLE account. Earnings are tax-free if used for disability-related expenses like education, transportation, and assistive technology. To open an account, visit the Alaska ABLE Plan website. The website is designed to be easy to use and navigate [1].
For Alaska Adult Public Assistance (APA), resources must be under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Countable monthly income must be below APA program limits. For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Income limits for SSI and APA change each year. Check the official Alaska Department of Health website for current limits [2].
You must report any changes in your income, resources, or health to all programs. This includes changes in work, savings, or medical condition. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back. Learn how to avoid overpayments and report changes at the Alaska Department of Health website [2].
Contact your local Social Security office or Alaska Department of Health for help with applications. Comagine Health can help with Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA for children.
Traumatic Brain Injury is damage to the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head. It can affect thinking, memory, movement, and emotions. TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, and may qualify for disability benefits if it stops you from working for at least 12 months.
You may qualify if your TBI stops you from working for at least 12 months. You must have medical proof and meet federal or state rules. Talk to your doctor and apply for SSDI or SSI to see if you qualify.
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with low income and few resources. Both programs can help people with TBI, but the rules are different. Learn more at ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html [7].
Yes, there are work incentives that let you try to work without losing all your benefits. You can keep Medicaid or Medicare while you work. Learn about work incentives at ssa.gov/work [7].
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing federal benefits. You can save up to $14,000 per year. Earnings are tax-free if used for qualified expenses. Open an account at the Alaska ABLE Plan website [1].
Contact Comagine Health to apply for Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA. Only the child’s income and resources are counted. You will need medical records and proof of the child’s disability. Comagine Health helps with the application process [4].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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APA is a cash aid program for adults who are disabled, blind, or aged. You must be at least 18, a resident of Alaska, and have resources under $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple). Income must be below APA limits [2].
On average, it takes about 6 months to get an initial decision on a disability claim. Most applicants are denied at first, but you can appeal. The full process can take up to 2 years [3].
You need a full medical report from your doctor that details your TBI, treatment, and how it limits your daily activities. Include test results, treatment plans, and any other relevant records [3].
Yes, you can get help from Social Security offices, Alaska Department of Health, or nonprofit organizations. Comagine Health helps with Alaska Medicaid — TEFRA applications. Legal aid may also be available [4].
