Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Benefits in Minnesota

To qualify for federal disability benefits with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), you must meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability. SSDI requires a work history and sufficient credits from past jobs. SSI is needs-based and requires limited income and resources. ALS is on the Social Security Compassionate Allowances List, so many applications are processed faster. Medicare coverage begins 24 months after qualifying for SSDI.

Minnesota expands on federal programs with Medical Assistance (Medicaid) for low-income people with ALS, regardless of age. If you qualify for SSI, you automatically become eligible for Medical Assistance. If your ALS was diagnosed before age 46, you may open a Minnesota ABLE account, letting you save for disability-related expenses without losing certain benefits. Some people in medical crisis or with life-threatening conditions (including ALS) can get expedited disability reviews from the State Medical Review Team (SMRT), helping you access benefits more quickly. If you’re a Minnesota public safety employee with ALS, you may have special disability retirement and health insurance benefits, depending on your employment and when you became disabled[1][2].

If you need support with ALS in Minnesota, start by visiting Disability Benefits 101 (DB101 Minnesota) and Disability Hub MN for planning and navigation help. Contact Social Security (ssa.gov) to apply for SSI or SSDI. For MinnesotaCare or Medical Assistance (Medicaid), contact MNsure or your local county office. If you need home-based care, ask about Medicaid HCBS waivers at your county or the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

To apply for disability benefits in Minnesota with ALS:

• Gather medical records: ALS is a Compassionate Allowance condition—your diagnosis speeds up Social Security’s decision. Collect all medical documentation, especially from neurologists.
• Apply for SSI and SSDI: File online (ssa.gov), by phone, or at your local Social Security office. If approved, you may automatically qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid).
• Apply for Medical Assistance: Use MNsure to apply online, or go through your county. If you’re already approved for SSI, you’re automatically eligible for Medical Assistance.
• Request expedited review if needed: If you’re hospitalized, in crisis, or have life-threatening ALS, you may qualify for an expedited Minnesota State Medical Review Team (SMRT) review[2].
• Explore Medicaid HCBS waivers: If you need home care, personal care attendants, or adaptive equipment, contact your county about Minnesota’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers.
• Consider ABLE accounts: If your ALS began before age 46, open a MN ABLE account to save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility (starting January 1, 2025, age limit increases from 26 to 46)[2].
• Contact Disability Hub MN: For free, expert help navigating all these steps and more, call, email, or chat with the Hub[4].

People with ALS in Minnesota can access:

• SSI/SSDI: Monthly income for people unable to work due to disability. SSDI requires a work history; SSI is for low-income individuals.
• Medicare: Starts after 24 months of SSDI eligibility.
• Able Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability expenses, recently expanded to those with adult-onset disabilities (age limit rising to 46 in 2025).
• Social Security work incentives: Let you keep benefits while testing part-time work[6].

Minnesota offers additional state-level programs and supports:

• Medical Assistance (MA): Minnesota’s Medicaid program covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and more for people with ALS—income limits are updated yearly and include a Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) as of July 2025[2].
• MinnesotaCare: State-subsidized health coverage for Minnesotans who earn too much for Medical Assistance but have low income.
• MN Supplemental Aid (MSA): Cash assistance for adults with disabilities who receive SSI.
• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waivers: Programs for people with disabilities, including ALS, to get care at home rather than in a facility (personal care, respite, equipment)[8].
• State Medical Review Team (SMRT) expedited review: For people with urgent medical needs, including ALS, hospitals can help with faster disability determinations for MA eligibility[2].
• Short- & long-term disability insurance: State employees may be eligible for income replacement benefits through the state’s Group Insurance Program[5].
• Public safety disability benefits: If you are a peace officer or firefighter disabled by ALS, you may receive continued employer-paid health insurance coverage for a set period under Minnesota statute 299A.465[1].

Minnesota ABLE accounts allow people with ALS to save up to $100,000 (federally set limit) without affecting SSI eligibility. Earnings grow tax-free and withdrawals for disability-related expenses are not taxed. Starting January 1, 2025, people whose disability began before age 46 can open an ABLE account—not just before age 26[2].

Minnesota’s Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare programs have income limits updated yearly. If you get SSI, you’re generally eligible for Medical Assistance. For MinnesotaCare, if your income is too high for MA but below program limits, you may still qualify for subsidized coverage. Limits factor in COLA increases and household size[2].

If your income, assets, or household changes, you must report it to Social Security or Minnesota’s Department of Human Services. Not reporting can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Always keep records, and review the preventing overpayments guide

• Disability Hub MN
  Phone: 866-333-2466

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

  Website

  Free statewide resource for benefits planning, navigation, and advocacy.
• Minnesota Department of Human Services
  Phone: 651-431-2000

  TTY: MN Relay: 711

  Email: [email protected]

  Website

  Main agency for Medical Assistance, waiver programs, and supplemental benefits.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 800-772-1213

  TTY: 800-325-0778

  Website

  Apply for SSI and SSDI online or by phone.

• How do I apply for Social Security disability with ALS in Minnesota?

  Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person. ALS is a Compassionate Allowance, so your application may be reviewed faster. Approval can also make you eligible for state Medical Assistance (Medicaid).

• Does Minnesota allow ABLE accounts for ALS?

  Yes. Minnesota ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses. Starting January 1, 2025, people whose disability began before age 46 can open an account, not just before age 26[2].

• Is ALS enough to qualify for expedited Medical Assistance review?

  ALS is a life-threatening condition. If you meet other urgent criteria—such as being hospitalized—you may qualify for expedited Minnesota State Medical Review Team (SMRT) review[2].

• What Minnesota health programs cover ALS care?

  Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare cover doctor visits, hospitals, medicines, and some home care for eligible Minnesotans with ALS. You may also qualify for a Medicaid HCBS waiver for in-home support.

• What happens if I go to work after getting SSI/SSDI?

  Minnesota and Social Security have work incentives to help you keep benefits while working (see SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide). Update your income and report changes to avoid overpayments.

• How do public safety employees with ALS get extra health coverage?

  Minnesota law (299A.465) requires cities to continue employer-paid health insurance for up to five years for certain employees with ALS (unless you have total and permanent disability, then up to age 65)[1].