Williams Syndrome Benefits in Alaska

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medically verified condition that limits your ability to work. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. SSDI requires a work history and Social Security tax payments. Both programs use strict medical criteria to decide if a disability is severe enough for benefits. Williams Syndrome can qualify if it meets these standards.

• SSI: For people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65+.
• SSDI: For people who worked and paid Social Security taxes before becoming disabled.
• Both programs require proof of disability, such as medical records and doctor statements.

Citations: SSA Disability Qualifications (accessed 2023-10-01), SSDI Basics (accessed 2023-10-01).

In Alaska, people with Williams Syndrome may qualify for state disability benefits if they meet medical and financial rules. The Adult Public Assistance (APA) program helps disabled adults with cash aid. To qualify, you must be under age 65, blind or disabled, and have limited income and resources. APA requires proof of disability, U.S. citizenship or eligible immigrant status, and Alaska residency. Resources cannot exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.

Alaska also offers the ABLE savings plan for people with disabilities. ABLE accounts let families save for qualified expenses without risking federal benefits. You must have a disability that began before age 26 to open an ABLE account.

Citations: Alaska APA Program (accessed 2023-10-01), Alaska ABLE Plan (accessed 2023-10-01).

• Gather medical records and proof of disability.
• Collect financial documents (income, assets, residency).
• Contact Alaska Department of Health and Social Services for APA.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online or at your local Social Security office.
• Learn about ABLE accounts for savings.

• Step 1: Get a medical diagnosis and supporting documents for Williams Syndrome.
• Step 2: Collect proof of income, assets, and Alaska residency.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI through the Social Security Administration website or local office.
• Step 4: Apply for Alaska Adult Public Assistance (APA) through the Department of Health and Social Services.
• Step 5: If eligible, open an Alaska ABLE account for tax-advantaged savings.
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence.

Citations: Alaska APA Application (accessed 2023-10-01), SSA Disability Application (accessed 2023-10-01), Alaska ABLE Plan (accessed 2023-10-01).

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for disabled, blind, or aged people with limited income and resources.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes before becoming disabled.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income people with disabilities.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities who receive SSDI.

Citations: SSA Disability Benefits (accessed 2023-10-01), Medicaid.gov (accessed 2023-10-01).

• Adult Public Assistance (APA): Cash aid for disabled, blind, or aged Alaskans who meet income and resource limits.
• Alaska ABLE Plan: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Funds can be used for qualified expenses like education, transportation, and assistive technology.
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs that provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities.

Citations: Alaska APA Program (accessed 2023-10-01), Alaska ABLE Plan (accessed 2023-10-01), Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2023-10-01).

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. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and assistive technology. To open an account, you must have a disability that began before age 26.

Citations: Alaska ABLE Plan (accessed 2023-10-01).

• APA: $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple.
• SSI: $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple.
• ABLE: $14,000 per year.

Citations: Alaska APA Program (accessed 2023-10-01), Alaska ABLE Plan (accessed 2023-10-01).

You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Keep records of all changes and report them promptly to the agency.

Citations: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes (accessed 2023-10-01).

• Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
  Phone: 907-465-3301

  Website

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and ABLE account questions.

• Can people with Williams Syndrome get disability benefits in Alaska?

  Yes, people with Williams Syndrome may qualify for disability benefits if their condition meets medical and financial criteria. Both federal and state programs are available for those who are disabled, blind, or have limited income and resources.

• What is the Alaska ABLE Plan?

  The Alaska ABLE Plan is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. It lets families save for qualified expenses without risking federal benefits like SSI or Medicaid.

• How do I apply for SSI in Alaska?

  You can apply for SSI online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income and resources.

• What is the income limit for Alaska APA?

  The resource limit for Alaska APA is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Income limits vary based on household size and other factors.

• Can I work and still get disability benefits?

  Yes, there are work incentives for people with disabilities. You can earn some income without losing benefits, but there are limits. Check with the Social Security Administration for details.

• What medical proof is needed for disability benefits?

  You need medical records and a doctor's statement that shows your disability meets program criteria. For Williams Syndrome, genetic testing and specialist reports may be required.