$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Alabama Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Alabama
SSDI in Alabama - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Alabama - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition. It is federal, so the rules are the same in Alabama as everywhere else.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied, but most are reversed on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSDI approval lead to other benefits in Alabama?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. This matters in Alabama, where Medicaid coverage for non-elderly adults is very limited.
How long does SSDI take in Alabama?
Alabama processes initial claims through its Disability Determination Service. An initial decision typically takes 3 to 6 months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Alabama - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Alabama - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history. It's based on need. In Alabama, getting SSI also opens the door to Medicaid.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026. Alabama does not add a general state supplement
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get Medicaid with SSI in Alabama?
Yes. SSI approval automatically enrolls you in Alabama Medicaid. No separate application needed.
Does Alabama add to my SSI payment?
Generally no. Alabama does not pay a general state supplement, so most recipients get only the federal amount. A small supplement exists for certain specialized living arrangements like licensed personal care or foster homes.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the federal rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in Alabama
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Alabama
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS
ADDED BY THE PACT ACT
20+ conditions
New toxic-exposure conditions the VA now presumes are service connected
VA.gov
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they are combined, not simply added.
Does Alabama offer any extra benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Alabama exempts the primary residence from property tax for veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled, and the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs can help you file. This is separate from your federal VA compensation.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in Alabama
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Alabama
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in Alabama?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. Medicaid is based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
What's the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is the federal program directly. Medicare Advantage bundles everything through a private insurer and often includes dental, vision, and extras. Turnout can help you compare the right option for your situation.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Alabama
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Alabama
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed
HOW COMMON IT IS
1 in 7
Public school students receive special education under federal law
U.S. Dept. of Education
AN IEP IS
Legally binding
The school must deliver every service written in the plan, by law
IDEA
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in Alabama public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child in Alabama?
Alabama schools must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of getting your written consent, then hold the meeting to develop the IEP within 30 calendar days of deciding the child is eligible.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medicaid in Alabama
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Alabama residents.
Medicaid in Alabama
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Alabama residents.
Alabama Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more for those who qualify, usually at no cost. Alabama is a non-expansion state, so adult eligibility is limited to pregnant women, parents with extremely low income, people with disabilities, and seniors. Most childless adults do not qualify, even with no income.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
1M+
Alabamians enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP (approximate; per KFF/CMS)
KFF/CMS, 2025-2026 (approx.)
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
Alabama Medicaid Agency, 2026
PARENT INCOME LIMIT
18% FPL
One of the strictest parent limits in the country, roughly $495/mo for a family of four
Alabama Medicaid / KFF, 2026
Who qualifies
- Children under 19 in households at or below the state's income limit (about 146% FPL)
- Pregnant women up to 146% FPL, with 12 months of postpartum coverage
- Parents with extremely low income (only about 18% of the federal poverty level)
- Adults 65 and older, blind, or with a qualifying disability
- SSI recipients are automatically enrolled
How to apply
Apply through Insure Alabama at insurealabama.adph.state.al.us, or call the Alabama Medicaid Agency at 1-800-362-1504. Have proof of income, identity, and Alabama residency ready. Most decisions arrive within 45 days, longer if a disability determination is needed. Note that Medicaid and the ALL Kids CHIP program use a different portal than SNAP and TANF.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in Alabama?
No. Alabama keeps the name Medicaid. It's the same federal program, run by the Alabama Medicaid Agency, with the same core benefits.
What's the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?
Medicaid is based on income. Medicare is based mainly on age or disability. Some people qualify for both.
Who qualifies for Alabama Medicaid?
Children, pregnant women, very low income parents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Because Alabama has not expanded Medicaid, most other adults do not qualify at any income.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Alabama
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in Alabama
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP, called the Food Assistance Program in Alabama, is a federal program that helps qualifying households buy groceries. Benefits are loaded each month onto an EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores, Walmart, Publix, and many farmers markets. The program is run by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR).
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~740,000
Alabamians received SNAP benefits on average each month in FY2025
USDA / USAFacts, FY2025
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
Federal maximum SNAP allotment for a family of four in FY2026
USDA, FY2026
HOW FAST APPROVAL HAPPENS
7 days
Expedited benefits for households with very low income or urgent need; standard processing up to 30 days
Alabama DHR, 2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level (about $3,380/mo for a family of four)
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Alabama
- Most adults age 16 to 59 must meet work requirements unless exempt
- Households with a member 60 or older or with a disability follow simpler income rules
How to apply
Apply online through MyDHR at mydhr.alabama.gov, or in person at your county DHR office. A phone interview is required, but it can be done from home. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need. Note that SNAP, TANF, and child care use MyDHR, while Medicaid uses a separate portal.
Frequently asked questions
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for SNAP in Alabama?
Yes. Many working households qualify once deductions for rent, utilities, childcare, and earned income are applied. Income alone does not tell the full story.
How long does SNAP approval take in Alabama?
Up to 30 days for a standard decision. If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. A phone interview is required but can be done from home.
Can I use my EBT card online or at farmers markets?
Yes. The Alabama EBT card is accepted at most grocery stores and at retailers like Walmart and Amazon for online orders, plus many farmers markets across the state.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Alabama
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Alabama
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. Many working families qualify, and being on Medicaid, SNAP, or Family Assistance usually qualifies you automatically.
BABIES WIC REACHES
4 in 10
WIC serves about 4 in 10 of all infants born in the US
USDA, 2024
ON MEDICAID OR SNAP?
Auto-eligible
Being on Medicaid, SNAP, or Family Assistance automatically meets WIC's income test
USDA
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and children under age 5
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Families already receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or Family Assistance are automatically income-eligible
- Alabama residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Call 1-888-942-4673 (1-888-WIC-HOPE) or your local county health department to schedule an appointment. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of Alabama residency, and proof of household income or proof of Medicaid, SNAP, or Family Assistance enrollment. If approved, you receive your Alabama eWIC card and food benefits.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The specific approved items are set by Alabama's food list.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limits are higher than people expect, and being on Medicaid or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in Alabama
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIHEAP in Alabama
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
Alabama's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualifying households pay their heating and cooling bills, with payments made directly to the utility company. The program is federally funded and administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) through local community action agencies. Cooling assistance matters in Alabama, where summer heat and humidity drive up bills.
INCOME LIMIT
150% FPL
Households at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines can qualify for heating, cooling, and crisis help
ADECA FY2026 LIHEAP State Plan
CRISIS HELP
Up to $1,100
Maximum winter crisis benefit for households facing shutoff; summer crisis up to $990
ADECA FY2026 LIHEAP State Plan
PAID DIRECTLY
To your utility
The benefit is credited to your energy account, not paid to you as cash
ADECA
Who qualifies
- Alabama households with income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Renters and homeowners paying energy bills, or paying energy costs included in rent
- Priority given to households with older adults, young children, people with disabilities, or high energy burden
- Households on SNAP, Family Assistance, or SSI are automatically income-eligible
How to apply
Apply through your local community action agency, not ADECA directly. Find your agency by calling 2-1-1 or visiting ADECA. Bring a current utility bill, photo ID for household members, proof of income, and any disconnection notice. Agencies open intake on their own schedules and funds are first come, first served, so apply early. If approved, the benefit is credited to your utility account.
Frequently asked questions
What if my income is too high for LIHEAP?
Alabama uses a 150% federal poverty guideline income limit. If you receive SNAP, Family Assistance, or SSI, you automatically meet the income test.
How is the benefit paid? Do I receive a check?
No. LIHEAP payments go directly to your utility company. The benefit is credited to your account, reducing what you owe or preventing a shutoff. You will not receive cash.
Can renters apply, or only homeowners?
Both renters and homeowners can apply. If utilities are included in your rent, your local community action agency can confirm how the benefit applies.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Subsidies in Alabama
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Alabamians.
ACA Subsidies in Alabama
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Alabamians.
ACA subsidies are federal tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of a health insurance plan bought through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace. Alabama uses the federal marketplace rather than running its own. Because Alabama has not expanded Medicaid, the marketplace is often the only coverage option for adults who do not fit a narrow Medicaid category.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
400K+
Alabamians enrolled in an ACA marketplace plan (approximate)
CMS, 2026 (approx.)
WHO QUALIFIES FOR SUBSIDIES
9 in 10
Alabama marketplace enrollees receive premium tax credits that lower their monthly cost
CMS, 2026
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 -- Jan 15
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage. Special enrollment available year-round for qualifying life events
HealthCare.gov
Who qualifies
- Alabamians without affordable employer coverage available
- Households earning at or above 100% of the federal poverty level
- Those not eligible for Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Alabama
How to apply
Apply online at HealthCare.gov. Enter household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your subsidy estimate and available plans, then compare by premium, deductible, and network. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 to Jan 15) or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child. Free local enrollment help is available.
Frequently asked questions
What if I missed open enrollment?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you lost coverage, got married, had a baby, or had another qualifying life event. You have 60 days from the event.
What if my income is too low for ACA subsidies?
Apply anyway. HealthCare.gov screens for Alabama Medicaid and ALL Kids. Because Alabama did not expand Medicaid, adults below 100% of the poverty level who do not fit a Medicaid category may fall into a coverage gap with no subsidized option.
How much can I save with subsidies?
It depends on your income, household size, and plan. About 9 in 10 Alabama enrollees receive subsidies, applied automatically when you enroll through HealthCare.gov.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in Alabama (Family Assistance)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF in Alabama (Family Assistance)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
Family Assistance is Alabama's version of TANF. It provides short-term cash to families with children who have very limited income. The cash is loaded onto an EBT card and can be used for basic needs like rent, utilities, food, and transportation. The program is run by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) and comes with a federal 60-month lifetime limit and a work requirement through the JOBS program.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
$215/mo
The maximum cash grant for a family of three with no countable income. Among the lowest in the country
Alabama DHR payment standard
LIFETIME LIMIT
60 months
The federal lifetime cap on cash assistance for adults. Alabama does not add a shorter state limit
Alabama DHR
INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMIT
Below the payment standard
To qualify, a family's countable income after disregards must fall below the payment standard for its size, one of the strictest tests in the country
Alabama DHR Public Assistance Payment Manual, Sec. 3007
Who qualifies
- Alabama residents responsible for a child under 18 (or 19 and still in secondary school)
- Households with very low income (Alabama has one of the strictest TANF income limits in the country)
- Adults must participate in the JOBS work program unless deferred
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
How to apply
Apply online through MyDHR at mydhr.alabama.gov, or in person at your county DHR office. Complete an interview to determine eligibility. Applying through MyDHR also screens you for SNAP. If approved, benefits are loaded onto an EBT card.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I receive Family Assistance in Alabama?
A federal 60-month lifetime cap applies to adults. Because most adults reach that limit, a large share of Alabama cases are child-only, where the grant covers the children after the adult has aged off.
What's the difference between Family Assistance and TANF?
They are the same thing. Family Assistance is simply Alabama's name for the federal TANF program, run by Alabama DHR.
Can I receive Family Assistance and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. Family Assistance recipients are generally categorically eligible for SNAP and Medicaid. Applying at MyDHR screens you for SNAP at the same time.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in Alabama (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in Alabama (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. It is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal tax. The amount depends on your income and family size, and you have to file a tax return to claim it. Alabama does not have its own state EITC, so the federal credit is what applies.
WORTH UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
OWE NO TAX?
Still get cash back
The EITC is refundable, so you receive the full amount as a refund even if you owe nothing
IRS
COMMONLY MISSED
1 in 5 skip it
About 1 in 5 eligible workers don't claim the EITC, often just because they don't file a return
IRS
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal limits for filing status and number of children
- Valid Social Security numbers for the worker, spouse, and any children
- And more, including limits on investment income
How to apply
You claim the EITC by filing a federal tax return, even if you don't normally have to file. Claim it for the year you qualified, and you can still file for past years you missed. Free filing help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers. Alabama does not add a state EITC, so there is nothing extra to file at the state level.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get EITC without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller credit, and having children increases the amount.
Does Alabama have its own state EITC?
No. Alabama does not offer a state earned income tax credit. Only the federal EITC is available to Alabama workers.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like SNAP or Medicaid, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in Alabama
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in Alabama
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, available to Alabama families when they file their federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, meaning lower-income families can receive it as a direct payment even when they owe no federal tax. Alabama does not have a separate state child tax credit, so the federal credit is what applies.
WHO IT'S FOR
Kids under 17
A federal tax credit for each qualifying child under 17 living at home
IRS
OWE LITTLE OR NO TAX?
Some comes back
Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax
IRS, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES
Most families
Most families with children qualify; the credit only phases out at higher incomes
IRS
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number
- Part of the credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return. You can claim it even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help will walk you through it and fill in the right forms (Schedule 8812) for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a Social Security number?
Yes. You, your spouse if filing jointly, and each qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the return due date.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. For 2026, up to $1,700 per child is refundable. You need at least $2,500 in earned income to qualify and claim it on Schedule 8812.
Does Alabama have a state Child Tax Credit?
No. Alabama does not have a state-level Child Tax Credit. The federal credit is fully available to Alabama residents, but there is no additional state supplement on top of it.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in Alabama
Subsidized child care for working Alabama families.
Child Care Assistance in Alabama
Subsidized child care for working Alabama families.
Alabama's Child Care Subsidy Program helps working families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or complete job training. It is funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund and run by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) through regional Child Care Management Agencies. The program pays providers directly, with families paying a sliding-scale share based on income.
PARENT SHARE
Sliding scale
Families pay a co-pay based on income and family size; lower-income families pay little to nothing
Alabama DHR, 2026
INCOME LIMIT
130% FPL to enter
Families enter the program at or below 130% of the federal poverty level and can keep coverage until income reaches 85% of the state median
Alabama Arise / NWLC citing Alabama DHR
WAITLIST ACTIVE
Since May 8, 2026
New non-priority applications go on a wait list, filled first come, first served; priority groups still enroll. Apply early
Alabama DHR subsidy notice, 2026
Who qualifies
- Alabama residents with a child under 13, or under 19 with a disability
- Parents who are working, attending school, or in job training
- Households at or below the state income limit (enter at 130% of the federal poverty level; stay until 85% of state median income)
- Child is a U.S. citizen or has qualified immigration status
How to apply
Apply online through MyDHR at mydhr.alabama.gov or contact your regional Child Care Management Agency, listed on the DHR site. You will need proof of income, identity for parent and child, immunization records, and documentation of your work or training schedule. As of May 8, 2026, new non-priority applications are placed on a waitlist, so apply as soon as you know you need care.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own child care provider?
Yes. You can choose from any provider registered with your Child Care Management Agency, including licensed centers and licensed family daycare homes.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
A sliding-scale co-pay applies based on your income and family size, assessed per child. Lower-income families may pay little to nothing, while families near the income limit pay closer to market rate. Ask about the sibling discount for multiple children.
What happens if I'm on the waitlist?
Your application stays active and slots are filled first come, first served as funding allows. Priority categories such as protective services, foster care, and families transitioning off Family Assistance can still enroll directly.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
