Alaska Disability Resources

If you just got hurt on the job, received a diagnosis, or need to understand what Alaska offers for people with disabilities, this page covers the major programs and how to access them.

Workers' Compensation

Alaska's Division of Workers' Compensation handles claims for employees injured on the job.

1. Report the injury to your employer immediately.
2. Seek medical treatment.
3. File a claim with the Division of Workers' Compensation.

• Alaska requires nearly all employers to carry workers' compensation insurance.
• The Reemployment Benefits Section helps qualifying injured workers get vocational retraining paid by the employer.
• The Workers' Compensation Benefits Guaranty Fund covers workers injured while working for uninsured employers.
• The Fishermen's Fund provides treatment for licensed commercial fishermen injured in fishing-related activities.
• Appeals go to the Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission.

• Toll-free: 877-783-4980
• Email: [email protected]
• Web: labor.alaska.gov/wc

State Disability Programs

Alaska does not have a state disability insurance program. Disability benefits come through federal programs:

• SSDI and SSI: Alaska's Disability Determination Services (DDS) handles medical eligibility determinations for Social Security disability benefits.
• DDS is located at 619 East Ship Creek #305, Anchorage, AK 99501.
• Apply by phone: 1-800-772-1213, online at ssa.gov, or at your local Social Security office.

Medicaid

Alaska Medicaid provides coverage for people with disabilities.

• Online through the state's application portal
• Contact the Division of Public Assistance

• Web: health.alaska.gov/dpa

Vocational Rehabilitation

The Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps Alaskans with disabilities prepare for, get, and keep jobs.

• Employment services and job placement
• Counseling and guidance
• Assistive technology
• Educational services and job training
• Vocational assessment
• Transition services for students

• Have a physical, intellectual, or mental condition that makes working difficult
• Want to work or keep working
• Can benefit from VR services

• Attend a DVR orientation (available by video)
• Contact a local DVR office

• Web: labor.alaska.gov/dvr

Disability Rights

The Disability Law Center of Alaska (DLC) is the state's federally designated Protection and Advocacy organization.

• Legal advocacy for people with disabilities
• Help with discrimination, access, abuse, and neglect issues
• Employment rights for people with disabilities

• Anchorage: 907-565-1002
• Statewide toll-free: 800-478-1234
• Email: [email protected]
• Online intake form: dlcak.org/intake
• Web: dlcak.org

Veterans Services

The Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs provides state-level assistance.

• Web: veterans.alaska.gov

State Employment Protections

Alaska has the Alaska Human Rights Law (AS 18.80), which prohibits employment discrimination based on disability. This applies to employers with one or more employees, which is broader than the federal ADA (15+ employees).

• Alaska State Commission for Human Rights: humanrights.alaska.gov
• State ADA Coordinator: doa.alaska.gov/ada
• EEOC: 1-800-669-4000

Key Contacts

| Agency | Phone | Website | |--------|-------|---------| | Workers' Compensation Division | 877-783-4980 | labor.alaska.gov/wc | | Disability Determination Services | 1-800-772-1213 | labor.alaska.gov/dvr/dds | | Division of Vocational Rehabilitation | See local offices | labor.alaska.gov/dvr | | Disability Law Center of Alaska | 800-478-1234 | dlcak.org | | State ADA Coordinator | See website | doa.alaska.gov/ada | | Social Security Administration | 1-800-772-1213 | ssa.gov |