If you are disabled and you’re worried about how you will pay for your living expenses you may qualify for disability benefits in Alaska. If you have worked in the past, but now you’re disabled and you can’t work you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. You can also apply for Social Security disability benefits if you’ve been disabled since childhood and can’t work.
If your application for Social Security disability benefits in Alaska is approved you can use the money that you receive from the Social Security Administration to help pay for housing, food, medical care, utilities, or any other living expenses that you have.
Disability benefits in Alaska can make it easier for you to pay bills and make ends meet if you can’t work.
Understanding The Definition Of Disability In Alaska
You will have to submit medical evidence with your application showing that you meet the definition of disability in Alaska. Like most states, Alaska uses the SSA’s standard for disability. That means that you must show you have been diagnosed with a severe medical condition that makes it impossible for you to engage in any kind of substantial gainful activity and that you expect that condition to last at least a year.
That means that you can’t do any kind of paid work because of your condition, and your condition won’t go away for at least a year. If you can prove that you meet that definition of disability you may be approved for disability benefits.
If the state of Alaska finds that you are disabled you may also qualify for other benefits like housing assistance, WIC or SNAP, help with utility bills, or reduced-cost medical care.
What Disabling Conditions Qualify In Alaska?
The most difficult part of applying for Social Security disability benefits is proving that you have a disabling condition that qualifies for disability benefits in Alaska. The SSA has a book called the Blue Book that lists all of the conditions that qualify someone to apply for disability benefits. There are more than 200 conditions in the Blue Book, along with a set of unique requirements for each condition.
To find out if the medical condition you have is recognized by the Social Security Administration You can search the Blue Book on the SSA’s website, or you can visit your local SSA office to read through the Blue Book there.
When you submit your application packet for disability benefits you will need to include as much medical proof as you can that your condition meets all of the requirements listed in the Blue Book.
You will need to show that you have earned work credits to be approved for disability benefits in Alaska. Work credits are earned when you get paid for a job. You can earn up to 4 credits per year. The number of work credits you will need to qualify for disability benefits in Alaska depends on your age and how many years you worked.
Types of Disability Benefits Available in Alaska
There are two different types of disability benefits available in Alaska: SSDI or SSI. The type of benefit that you qualify for depends on whether or not you have been able to work in the past.
Alaska Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is the type of disability benefit that is paid to people who have worked in the past, but now can’t work because of a medical condition. In order to qualify for SSDI in Alaska you must show that you have a condition listed in the Blue Book, and that you won’t be able to work for at least 12 months. You will also need to show that you have earned the required amount of work credits for your age. The average monthly SSDI payment in Alaska in 2024 is $1473.09
Alaska Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Alaska Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a disability benefit paid to people who have never been able to work because of a disability. People who are born with a disability can apply for SSI on their 18th birthday. SSI can be used to help pay for living and medical expenses.
If you’re a parent and you’re not disabled, but you have a child that is, you may apply for SSI for your child. Parents who are low-income or can’t work because they must take care of their sick child can apply for SSI for the child’s expenses. If your application is approved you will need to submit documentation of how the money is spent each month to prove it’s being spent on the child’s expenses.
You will have to show that your total household income is below the income cap set by the SSA. There is a cap because SSI is only supposed to go to parents who really need it for their child. To prove your income is below the cap you will need to submit W-2s, tax returns, or other financial documents that show your total income.
State of Alaska Disability Programs
Private employers in Alaska offer short-term disability coverage to their employees, but you must have signed up for this coverage before you became disabled. Usually, there is a 30-day waiting period for coverage. And, if you become disabled, you can apply for benefits starting the 8th day after you become disabled.
If your previous employer offers long-term disability coverage and you opted into that, you can receive both long-term disability benefits and SSDI. You don’t have to choose between long-term disability and disability benefits.
However, the combined total of your benefits can’t be more than your pre-disability salary. If you have both long-term disability benefits and SSDI your SSDI will be reduced in whatever amount is necessary to bring your total benefit under your previous salary.
Find A Disability Lawyer In Alaska
If you’re confused about the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits in Alaska, you’re not alone. Often people find the process of applying for disability benefits intimidating. However, working with a disability lawyer in Alaska can make the process of applying easier. A disability attorney in Alaska can help you:
- Evaluate Your Case
- Gather Medical Evidence
- Prepare and File Your Application
- Navigate Complex Regulations.
- Represent You at Hearings
- Communicate with SSA for you
- Challenge Denial
- Ensure Accurate Documentation
- Advise on Work History and Eligibility
You will never have to spend money upfront to talk with an Alaska disability lawyer. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation now to get connected with an Alaska disability attorney who can answer your questions and give you advice.
How Much Disability Can You Receive in Alaska?
If the application for Social Security disability benefits in Alaska is approved you could receive the maximum disability benefit payment of $3,822 a month from the Social Security Administration. If you are approved for SSI the maximum SSI benefit is $943 for one person, and $1,415 a month if you are married to someone that also receives SSI.
To find out what your Social Security benefit payment could be, use our disability benefit calculator. Then, reach out to an Alaska Social Security lawyer who can help you start your application.
