Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Benefits in Idaho

• ALS is a qualifying condition for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) because it is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that severely limits the ability to work.
• To qualify for SSDI, you must have a work history and have paid Social Security taxes for at least five out of the last ten years before becoming disabled. The average SSDI payment in Idaho is about $1,334 per month.
• SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. The average SSI payment in Idaho is about $612 per month.
• Children with ALS may qualify for benefits if a parent is disabled, retired, or deceased and the child’s disability began before age 22.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability: you must be unable to do substantial work due to a medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death.
• ALS is considered a Compassionate Allowances condition, meaning applications are fast-tracked for approval.

Sources: SSA Disability Qualifications Idaho Disability Benefits Overview

• Idaho does not have a separate state disability program, but residents can access federal programs and state-administered Medicaid services.
• To qualify for Idaho Medicaid, you must meet financial eligibility requirements. Medicaid can cover long-term care, home health, and other supports for people with ALS.
• Idaho’s Adult with Developmental Disabilities (DD) program may help if your ALS is accompanied by developmental disabilities or if you need care coordination. Eligibility requires a chronic disability that appeared before age 22 and meets specific criteria, such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, or autism.
• ALS itself does not automatically qualify for DD services, but if you have additional qualifying conditions, you may be eligible for Medicaid waivers and home and community-based services (HCBS).
• Idaho’s Medicaid program can help with medical equipment, home care, and respite services for people with ALS.

Sources: Idaho Medicaid DD Programs

• Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to start your SSDI or SSI application.
• Gather all medical records, including ALS diagnosis, treatment history, and doctor’s notes.
• Complete the application online, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office.
• If you need Medicaid, apply through Idaho’s Medicaid portal or local office.
• For developmental disability services, complete a Medicaid application first, then apply for DD services if eligible.
• Consider working with a disability advocate or attorney for help with paperwork and appeals.

• Step 1: Contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov to start your SSDI or SSI application. ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so your application will be fast-tracked.
• Step 2: Gather all medical records, including ALS diagnosis, treatment history, and doctor’s notes. Include records from neurologists, hospitals, and any specialists.
• Step 3: Complete the application online, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. Be sure to list all sources of income, assets, and medical providers.
• Step 4: If you need Medicaid, apply through Idaho’s Medicaid portal or local office. You can apply online at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov or by calling 1-877-456-1233.
• Step 5: If you have developmental disabilities or need care coordination, complete a Medicaid application first, then apply for Adult with Developmental Disabilities (DD) services. You’ll need to meet financial and medical eligibility requirements.
• Step 6: If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Consider working with a disability advocate or attorney for help with paperwork and appeals.
• Step 7: Once approved, you’ll receive monthly payments and access to medical benefits. Report any changes in income, resources, or medical status to avoid overpayments.

Sources: SSA Disability Application Idaho Medicaid Application

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments based on work history and Social Security taxes paid. ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so applications are fast-tracked.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. ALS is a qualifying condition.
• Medicare: Available to SSDI recipients after 24 months of disability.
• Medicaid: Available to SSI recipients and those with low income and resources.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits: For adults with a disability that began before age 22, if a parent is disabled, retired, or deceased.

Sources: SSA Disability Programs SSA Compassionate Allowances

• Idaho Medicaid: Covers long-term care, home health, medical equipment, and respite services for people with ALS. Financial eligibility is required.
• Adult with Developmental Disabilities (DD) Program: For those with chronic disabilities that appeared before age 22 and meet specific criteria. May provide care coordination, home and community-based services (HCBS), and support for daily living.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Idaho offers waivers for home and community-based services, which can help people with ALS stay in their homes and avoid institutionalization.
• Idaho Disability Determinations Service (DDS): Reviews medical evidence for SSDI and SSI claims and makes eligibility decisions for Idaho residents.

Sources: Idaho Medicaid DD Programs Idaho Disability Determinations Service Idaho Medicaid Waivers Idaho Medicaid Application

• ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits.
• In Idaho, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Contributions are tax-free, and funds can be used for qualified disability expenses.
• ABLE accounts can help cover costs for medical care, housing, education, and transportation.

Sources: Idaho ABLE Program

• SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual, but Idaho may supplement this amount.
• SSDI payments are based on work history and Social Security taxes paid, not income or resources.
• Medicaid eligibility is based on income and resources, with different limits for different programs.
• ABLE accounts have a lifetime contribution limit of $100,000, but this does not count toward SSI resource limits.

Sources: SSA SSI Limits Idaho Medicaid Eligibility

• You must report changes in income, resources, or medical status to avoid overpayments and potential penalties.
• Overpayments can occur if you receive benefits you are not eligible for, such as if your income increases or your disability improves.
• If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan.
• Keep records of all changes and communications with SSA and Medicaid.

Sources: SSA Overpayments Idaho Medicaid Reporting Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes SSI & SSDI Work Incentives

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

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

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI applications and questions.
• Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
  Phone: 1-877-456-1233

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

  Website

  For Medicaid and developmental disability services.

• Does ALS qualify for disability benefits in Idaho?

  Yes, ALS is a qualifying condition for SSDI and SSI in Idaho. The Social Security Administration considers ALS a Compassionate Allowances condition, which means applications are fast-tracked for approval.

• How do I apply for disability benefits with ALS in Idaho?

  You can apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. Gather all medical records and complete the application, listing all sources of income and medical providers.

• What is the average SSDI payment in Idaho?

  The average SSDI payment in Idaho is about $1,334 per month. The exact amount depends on your work history and Social Security taxes paid.

• What is the average SSI payment in Idaho?

  The average SSI payment in Idaho is about $612 per month. The exact amount depends on your income and resources.

• Can I get Medicaid with ALS in Idaho?

  Yes, you can get Medicaid in Idaho if you meet financial eligibility requirements. Medicaid can cover long-term care, home health, medical equipment, and respite services for people with ALS.

• What is the Adult with Developmental Disabilities program in Idaho?

  The Adult with Developmental Disabilities program in Idaho provides care coordination, home and community-based services, and support for daily living for those with chronic disabilities that appeared before age 22 and meet specific criteria.