Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Benefits in Nevada

To qualify for federal disability benefits in Nevada, you must have a serious medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must meet income and asset limits, regardless of work history. ALS is considered a Compassionate Allowances condition, which means applications are fast-tracked by the Social Security Administration (SSA) [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].

SSDI requires:

• A qualifying disability (ALS is automatically eligible).
• Enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].

SSI requires:

• Disability, age 65+, or blindness.
• Limited income and resources [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].

In Nevada, people with ALS may qualify for Medicaid if they receive SSI or meet other eligibility criteria. Nevada provides a state supplement to SSI for elderly or blind recipients, but not for those with disabilities unless they are in an eligible couple with an aged or blind partner, or live in an institution where medical assistance pays for more than half of their care [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].

ALS patients may also access additional state services through county health and human services offices, such as home-delivered meals, transportation, and rehabilitation services. Nevada does not have a separate state disability program, so most benefits are federal, but state agencies help with Medicaid and other support services [dss.nv.gov, 2025-11-06].

If you have ALS, start by applying for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov. ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so your application will be fast-tracked. You can also apply for Medicaid through Access Nevada. Gather medical records and work history before applying.

• Step 1: Gather medical records that confirm your ALS diagnosis. This is critical for a fast-tracked application.
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov. ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so your application will be processed quickly.
• Step 3: If you need healthcare, apply for Medicaid through Access Nevada. You can do this online or by phone.
• Step 4: If you receive SSI, you may be eligible for SNAP (food stamps) and other state services. Apply at your local county health and human services office.
• Step 5: Report any changes in your condition or income to the SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.
• Step 6: Consider opening an ABLE account for tax-advantaged savings if you became disabled before age 26 [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06; dss.nv.gov, 2025-11-06].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments based on work history. In 2025, the maximum is $4,018 per month [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with limited income and resources. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $914 per month, plus any state supplement if eligible [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
• Medicaid: Healthcare coverage for low-income individuals, including those with ALS who receive SSI or meet other criteria [dss.nv.gov, 2025-11-06].
• SNAP: Food assistance for those with low income [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].

• Nevada Medicaid: Provides healthcare coverage for people with ALS who meet income and asset limits. You can apply through Access Nevada [dss.nv.gov, 2025-11-06].
• State Supplement to SSI: Nevada pays a supplement to SSI recipients who are elderly or blind. People with disabilities, including ALS, may receive a supplement only if they are in an eligible couple with an aged or blind partner, or live in an institution where medical assistance pays for more than half of their care [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
• County Health and Human Services: Local offices offer additional services like home-delivered meals, transportation, and rehabilitation for people with ALS [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities who became disabled before age 26 [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities, including ALS, to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. You must have become disabled before age 26. Nevada offers ABLE accounts through the state program. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are also tax-free [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].

For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $914 per month for an individual. Nevada does not add a supplement for people with disabilities unless they are in an eligible couple with an aged or blind partner, or live in an institution where medical assistance pays for more than half of their care [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06]. For Medicaid, income limits vary based on household size and other factors [dss.nv.gov, 2025-11-06].

If your income or condition changes, you must report it to the SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or benefit suspension. Report changes as soon as possible to avoid penalties [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For disability benefits and questions about eligibility.
• Nevada Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-866-998-2221

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

  Website

  For Medicaid, SNAP, and other state benefits.

• Is ALS automatically eligible for disability benefits in Nevada?

  Yes, ALS is considered a Compassionate Allowances condition by the SSA, which means applications are fast-tracked and approval is almost certain if the diagnosis is confirmed [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].

• How much can I get in SSDI if I have ALS in Nevada?

  In 2025, the maximum SSDI benefit is $4,018 per month. The actual amount depends on your work history and earnings [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].

• Can I get both SSDI and SSI in Nevada?

  Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for both programs, you can receive concurrent benefits. This is common for people with ALS who have limited income and resources [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].

• Does Nevada provide a state supplement to SSI for ALS?

  Nevada provides a state supplement to SSI for elderly or blind recipients. People with ALS may receive a supplement only if they are in an eligible couple with an aged or blind partner, or live in an institution where medical assistance pays for more than half of their care [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Nevada if I have ALS?

  You can apply for Medicaid through Access Nevada online or by phone. If you receive SSI, you are usually automatically eligible for Medicaid [dss.nv.gov, 2025-11-06].

• What other support services are available for ALS in Nevada?

  County health and human services offices offer services like home-delivered meals, transportation, and rehabilitation for people with ALS. Contact your local office for more information [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].