Welcome to Alabama Benefits Page

You can find information about food, medical, housing, and cash assistance — including requirements and income limits.

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🍽 What Food Assistance Programs Alabama Offers

The main program is called the Food Assistance Program in Alabama, which is the state’s version of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). It helps low-income households buy food each month.

✅ Who Is Eligible — Requirements & Conditions

  • Must live in Alabama. U.S. citizens or certain qualified non-citizens can be eligible.
  • Those who live together and buy & prepare meals together form one food assistance “household.
  • Households must not exceed limits on gross income; then deductions are subtracted to test net income.
  • There are deductions for things like dependent care, medical costs (for elderly/disabled), shelter costs, etc.
  • In many cases, households must also not exceed resource limits—like bank accounts or savings.
  • Some adults must work, register for work, or participate in training or employment programs (unless exempt).

💵 Income & Resource / Asset Limits in Alabama

  • For many households, gross income must be ≤ 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
  • Households with all members aged 60+ or with a disability sometimes have looser rules (or fewer limits) on assets.

According to one source, for 2025, approximate monthly gross income limits in Alabama are:
  • 1 person: $1,631
  • 2 persons: $2,215
  • 3 persons: $2,797
  • 4 persons: $3,380
  • 5 persons: $3,963
  • 6 persons: $4,546
  • 7 persons: $5,128
  • +$583 for each additional person

Asset / Resource Limits

  • Most households may have some assets (like bank accounts) and still qualify.

📝 How to Apply for Food Assistance in Alabama

1. Go to MyDHR (Online Application)

  • Visit DHR
  • Create a MyDHR account if you don’t already have one.
  • After logging in, click “Start Your Application” or “Apply Now.
  • Fill out the application with your household’s details, income, expenses, etc.
  • Submit it. The application is sent to your county’s DHR office.

2. Apply In Person, By Mail, Fax, or Email

  • Visit your local DHR county office and request a Food Assistance (SNAP) application form.
  • Or download the application form (DHR-FSP-2116) from the DHR website.
  • Fill it out (name, address, income, household info, signature).
  • Submit the signed application by mail, fax, email, or deliver it in person to your county’s DHR office.

3. Interview & Verification

  • After submitting, you’ll be required to have an interview, either by phone or in person.

You’ll need to provide proof of your information, like:

  • Income (pay stubs, Social Security statements, unemployment)
  • Housing costs (rent, mortgage, utility bills)
  • Social Security Numbers or proof for each household member asking for benefits
  • Any other documents the DHR office requests during the process

4 . Wait for Decision & Receive EBT Card

  • The DHR office will process your application. Most decisions are made within 30 days.
  • If the household qualifies, you will receive an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card in the mail.
  • You’ll get instructions on how to activate it. Then monthly benefits are loaded to your EBT card.

Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and not affiliated with any government agency. For official details, visit DHR

A stethoscope and pen resting on a medical report in a healthcare setting.

🏥 Medical Assistance in Alabama

The Alabama Medicaid Program helps low-income individuals and families get health coverage. It covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health, and preventive services.

👥 Who Is Eligible

You may qualify if you meet income, age, or special category requirements, such as:

  • Children under 19

  • Pregnant women

  • Parents or caregivers of dependent children

  • People with disabilities or those over 65

You must also be:

  • A resident of Alabama

  • A U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen

💵 Income Limits (approximate 2025)

Income limits depend on household size and program type, but generally:

  • 1 person: about $1,255/month

  • 2 people: about $1,703/month

  • 3 people: about $2,151/month

  • 4 people: about $2,600/month

(based on federal poverty levels; check official site for current figures)

🏥 Medical / Medicaid — How to Apply & Processing Time

1. 🧾 How to Apply

Use the Insure Alabama portal:

2 . Paper Application / Mail

  • Download the Joint Paper Application from Medicaid’s Forms Library
  • Fill it out, sign it.
  • Mail to: PO Box 5624, Montgomery, AL 36103-5624

3 . In Person / Local Offices

  • Visit your county health department, Medicaid District Office, local hospital, or federally qualified health center.
  • Outstationed workers are often available at county health departments.

4. Special Programs / District Offices

  • For elderly, disabled, long-term care, or Medicare cost help, you might have to contact your Medicaid district office.

5. Submit Verification Documents

After you apply, you’ll be asked to submit proof of:

  • Identity / Social Security

  • U.S. citizenship or immigration status

  • Alabama residency

  • Income (pay stubs, benefits statements)

  • Assets (bank statements, property)

  • Household & medical expenses
    (Medicaid forms library has supporting forms like Appendix A, B, C)

⏳ How Long It Takes / When You’ll Know

  • After you apply, you will receive a letter by mail telling you if you’re approved or denied.
  • The review might take several weeks.
  • If you applied online, you may get an application number you can use to check status via My Medicaid portal.
  • Sometimes, you’ll be asked for additional documents, which delays approval.

Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and not affiliated with any government agency. For official details, visit. Insure Alabama

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🏡 Housing Assistance in Alabama

The Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) and local housing agencies help low-income families and seniors find safe, affordable housing. Programs include:

  • Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

  • Public Housing

  • Rental Assistance

  • Emergency housing programs

✅ Who Is Eligible — Requirements & Conditions

To qualify for housing assistance in Alabama:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

  • Must have low or very low income (below local HUD income limits).

  • Household income is verified for all members.

  • Must meet program-specific requirements (for example, family, elderly, or disabled status).

  • No serious criminal background or prior eviction from federally assisted housing.

  • Applicants must provide valid ID, Social Security numbers, and income proof for everyone in the household.

  •  

💰 Income & Resource / Asset Limits in Alabama

Income limits are based on HUD’s Area Median Income (AMI) and vary by county.
In general, applicants must earn below 50% of AMI (some programs allow up to 80%).

Example: 2025 Estimated Very Low-Income Limits (50% AMI)

  • Very Low Income Limits (50% AMI):
    • 1 person: $30,250
    • 2 persons: $34,600
    • 3 persons: $38,900
    • 4 persons: $43,200
    • 5 persons: $46,700
    • 6 persons: $50,150
    • 7 persons: $53,600
    • 8 persons: $57,050

    Low Income Limits (80% AMI):
    • 1 person: $48,400
    • 2 persons: $55,300
    • 3 persons: $62,200
    • 4 persons: $69,100
    • 5 persons: $74,650
    • 6 persons: $80,200
    • 7 persons: $85,700
    • 8 persons: $91,250

📝 How to apply

1. Locate your local PHA

  • Use HUD’s website for Alabama to find your local housing authority. Click Here 
  • Example: In the City of Mobile, the Mobile Housing Board has an online application portal. Click Here 

2 . Check whether applications are open and whether there is a waiting list

  • Many PHAs only open applications at certain times; others keep a waiting list.
  • Example: In Huntsville, the Huntsville Housing Authority notes a 6-12 month wait-list for public housing.

3 . Gather required documentation

You’ll typically need:

  • Photo ID (for all adult household members)

  • Social Security cards or verification letters for all household members

  • Birth certificates for children/household members

  • Proof of income (pay stubs, W-2s, tax forms), bank statements, asset information.

  • Proof of citizenship or eligible non-citizen status.
  • Possibly background check or landlord reference history.

4. Submit your application

  • Many PHAs allow submission online, by mail, or in-person.
  • Be sure you fill it out completely, submit all required documentation, and update your contact information if it changes.
  • Example: The Mobile Housing Board allows you to apply for open waiting lists online and to update information later.

5. Wait for processing and placement

  • After applying you may be placed on a waiting list until assistance becomes available.
  • Once your name reaches the top of the list and you’re determined eligible, you’ll be notified and briefed on next steps.

6. If voucher program (Housing Choice Voucher)

  • If you qualify for a voucher, you’ll attend an orientation, find a suitable home/apartment that meets quality and rent-reasonableness standards, and your PHA will inspect the unit before assistance begins.
  • You’ll sign lease and assistance agreement with the landlord and PHA.

Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and not affiliated with any government agency. 

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💵 Alabama Family Assistance (Cash Assistance) Program — 2025

  • Family Assistance (FA) — also called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Helps very low-income families with children meet basic living expenses such as food, clothing, and housing, while supporting adults in finding and keeping work.

✅ Who Can Get It

You may qualify if:

  • You live in Alabama.
    • You have a child under 18 (or under 19 if still in school).
    • Your income and resources are very low.
    • You agree to cooperate with child support enforcement.
    • You participate in work or job-training programs.
    • You have not received TANF/Family Assistance for more than 60 months (5 years total).
    • You are a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.

💰 How Much You Can Get (Approximate Monthly)

• 1 person: $264
• 2 persons: $304
• 3 persons: $344
• 4 persons: $384
• 5 persons: $425
• 6 persons: $465
(Actual amounts may vary slightly by county or situation.)

📄 What You’ll Need to Apply

Bring or upload copies of:

  • Photo ID for all adults
    • Social Security cards for everyone in your household
    • Birth certificates for children
    • Proof of income (pay stubs, W-2s, or employer letters)
    • Rent or utility bills (to show residency)
    • Proof of citizenship or legal immigration status

📝 How to Apply

  • Go to your county DHR office (Department of Human Resources).
    → Find your local office here: DHR
  • Apply online through: MYDHR
  • Submit all required documents.

  • Attend an interview (by phone or in person).

  • Wait for approval notice.
    If approved, benefits are issued monthly on an EBT card.

⚙️ Work and Time Limits

  • Adults must join a job search or training program (called the JOBS Program).
    • You can only get cash assistance for 5 years total (lifetime limit).
    • You must report any change in income, address, or family size right away.

📞 Need Help?

  • • Alabama DHR Family Assistance Division: 1-334-242-1773
    • Website: Click Here
    • Free legal help: Click Here

Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and not affiliated with any government agency.