People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in Iowa can qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state programs such as Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts. ALS is considered a severe disability, so the process may be faster for some benefits.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with ALS in Iowa, you must have a diagnosis of ALS confirmed by a licensed doctor. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers ALS a Compassionate Allowances condition, meaning your application is fast-tracked and usually approved within weeks. For SSDI, you need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 5 of the last 10 years, or have enough work credits (generally 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, your income and assets must be below certain limits, and you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen. Both programs require that your disability prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.
Iowa does not have a state disability insurance program like California's SDI. Instead, Iowans with ALS rely on federal programs (SSDI, SSI) and state support such as Medicaid waivers for long-term care. To qualify for Iowa Medicaid waivers, you must meet both medical and financial eligibility requirements. These waivers help cover services like home care, assistive technology, and personal care. You must be a resident of Iowa, meet income and asset limits, and have a qualifying disability. Iowa also offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits.
Step 1: Get a formal diagnosis of ALS from a licensed doctor. Keep all medical records.
Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local SSA office. ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so your application will be fast-tracked.
Step 3: If you need help with long-term care, apply for Iowa Medicaid waivers. You can apply online or through your local Area Agency on Aging.
Step 4: Consider opening an Iowa ABLE account to save money without losing benefits.
Step 5: Report any changes in your income, assets, or living situation to SSA and Iowa Medicaid to avoid overpayments.
Step 6: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision.
SSA: Apply for Disability (accessed 2023-09-25)
Iowa Medicaid Waivers Application (accessed 2023-09-25)
Iowa ABLE Account Application (accessed 2023-09-25)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with ALS who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with ALS who have low income and assets.
Medicare: Health insurance for people with ALS after 24 months of SSDI.
Medicaid: Health insurance for people with ALS who have low income and assets.
Compassionate Allowances: Fast-tracked approval for ALS.
SSA: Disability Benefits (accessed 2023-09-25)
Iowa Medicaid Waivers: Help with long-term care services like home care, assistive technology, and personal care for people with ALS.
Iowa ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Help with job training and employment for people with ALS.
Iowa Area Agencies on Aging: Help with applying for Medicaid waivers and other services.
Iowa Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2023-09-25)
Iowa ABLE Accounts (accessed 2023-09-25)
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (accessed 2023-09-25)
Iowa Area Agencies on Aging (accessed 2023-09-25)
Iowa ABLE accounts let people with ALS save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $16,000 per year, and the account grows tax-free. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation.
For SSI, the federal income limit is $914 per month for an individual in 2023. For Iowa Medicaid waivers, income and asset limits vary by program. Check with your local Area Agency on Aging for exact limits.
If your income, assets, or living situation changes, you must report it to SSA and Iowa Medicaid. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. Report changes online, by phone, or in person.
ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so your application for SSDI or SSI will be fast-tracked and usually approved within weeks. Make sure to include your diagnosis from a licensed doctor.
Yes, ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so your application for SSDI or SSI will be fast-tracked and usually approved within weeks. You must have a diagnosis from a licensed doctor.
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with low income and assets. Both programs provide monthly payments for people with ALS.
Yes, Iowa Medicaid waivers can help with long-term care services like home care, assistive technology, and personal care. You must meet medical and financial eligibility requirements.
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local SSA office. ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so your application will be fast-tracked.
An Iowa ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $16,000 per year for qualified disability expenses.
Yes, you must report changes in income, assets, or living situation to SSA and Iowa Medicaid to avoid overpayments and penalties.
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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Iowa Medicaid waivers can cover home care, assistive technology, personal care, and other long-term care services for people with ALS.
Yes, there are work incentives for people with disabilities. You can work and still get benefits, but there are limits on how much you can earn.
ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so your application is usually approved within weeks. The process is much faster than for other disabilities.
You can get help from your local SSA office, Iowa Area Agency on Aging, or Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
