What Other Benefits Can I Get with SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a source of crucial financial support for countless people with disabilities. But there’s more to it than just a monthly payout. Beneath the surface, SSDI opens the door to various assistance programs, some run by the government, others by local entities. These programs cover everything from healthcare and housing to food assistance and job training, creating a vast web of support beyond the basics. For those seeking to maximize the support available, exploring these opportunities can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals struggling with disabilities. Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz are here to help you understand the benefits you can get with SSDI.

what other benefits can I get with SSDI

Medicare Coverage

Medicare encompasses a range of essential health services, ensuring SSDI recipients have access to vital medical care. This includes hospital stays, outpatient services, preventive care, and prescription drugs. Understanding the breadth of coverage can help individuals maximize their healthcare benefits. Medicare is divided into four parts, each with its own focus:

Part A (Hospital Insurance): Primarily covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice care.
Part B (Medical Insurance): Encompasses outpatient care, doctor’s services, preventive services, and some in-home healthcare services.
Part C (Medicare Advantage): Offers an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits through private insurance plans, sometimes including additional coverage.
Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Assists with the costs of prescription medications.

Eligibility Criteria for Medicare: To qualify for Medicare, individuals generally must be 65 years or older or meet specific criteria for disability, including receiving SSDI benefits for a designated period.

Medicaid Assistance

For SSDI recipients, Medicaid can serve as a helpful complement to Medicare. Medicaid boasts a wide spectrum of benefits that can bridge certain gaps left by Medicare coverage. While Medicare primarily focuses on hospital and medical services, Medicaid extends its reach to encompass a broader range of healthcare needs, including:

Vision Care
Dental Care
Mental Health Services
Rehabilitation Services
Preventive Services and Immunizations
Hospice Care
Substance Abuse Treatment

Eligibility Criteria for Medicaid: Eligibility for Medicaid hinges on income level, household size, and disability status. For SSDI recipients, meeting the income requirements often aligns with their SSDI eligibility. Additionally, some states offer Medicaid under expanded criteria, broadening access to those who may not traditionally qualify.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

While SSDI and SSI are vital programs to assist individuals with disabilities, they serve distinct purposes. SSDI is based on an individual’s work history and contributions to the Social Security system through payroll taxes. On the other hand, SSI is a need-based program primarily designed for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. SSI offers crucial financial support to eligible individuals, providing a monthly cash benefit that helps cover basic living expenses such as:

Food and Groceries
Housing Costs
Clothing
Personal Care Items
Monthly Bills
Medical Expenses Not Covered by Medicaid

Eligibility Criteria for SSI: To qualify, individuals must have limited income and resources, which include cash, bank accounts, and certain types of property. They must also meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability, which typically entails having a medical condition that prevents substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least one year or to result in death.

Food Assistance Programs

Food assistance programs at the federal and state levels are designed to alleviate food insecurity and provide essential support to those facing financial challenges. SSDI recipients are also eligible for food assistance through SNAP and other programs. Individuals can address their nutritional needs and overall financial stability by enrolling in both. Here are some of the food assistance options that may be available for SSDI recipients:

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): This program provides eligible individuals and families with electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used to purchase a wide range of food items.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): WIC is a federal assistance program that provides nutrition education, healthy food, and support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
Senior Nutrition Programs: include initiatives like Meals on Wheels, which deliver nutritious meals to seniors who may have difficulty preparing food themselves.
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP): Offers free meals and snacks to children in low-income areas during the summer months when school is not in session.

Eligibility Criteria for Food Assistance: Eligibility for SNAP, as well as many other food assistance programs, is based on a combination of factors, including income, household size, and certain expenses. Non-citizens typically must meet specific additional criteria to qualify.

Housing Assistance Programs

In many cases, SSDI recipients may qualify for housing assistance programs. Non-federal programs encompass a range of housing initiatives, including rent subsidies, transitional housing, and affordable housing developments tailored to local needs. Regarding federal housing options, the two major pillars of assistance programs are Section 8 vouchers and public housing, yet several other federal programs are also available.

Section 8 Vouchers: This program provides rental assistance to eligible individuals and families, allowing them to choose private rental housing. The voucher covers a portion of the rent, while the participant is responsible for the remainder.
Public Housing: Local housing authorities own and operate public housing units. They offer affordable housing options for eligible low-income individuals and families. Rent is typically set at an affordable percentage of the household’s income.
HOME Investment Partnerships Program: Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), HOME provides grants to states and local governments to fund various affordable housing initiatives, including rental assistance and homebuyer programs.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH): A joint program between HUD and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), VASH provides housing vouchers and supportive services to homeless veterans.

Eligibility Criteria for Housing Assistance: Housing assistance programs often consider various factors when determining eligibility, including previous rental history, criminal background, income limits, and verification of disability status.

Disability-Specific Assistance

On top of general healthcare, supplementary income, food assistance, and housing programs, individuals with specific medical disabilities may also be eligible for certain benefits or programs tailored to their unique needs and conditions. These benefits can provide additional support beyond general assistance programs. Here are some examples:

Alzheimer’s Association Respite Care Program: This program offers grants to provide temporary relief to family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC): CFAC is an alliance of organizations that help cancer patients manage their financial challenges by providing information and assistance with costs related to cancer care.
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program: This program provides a comprehensive system of care that includes primary medical care, essential support services, and medications for individuals with HIV/AIDS.
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Affiliate Network: UCP affiliates offer a wide range of services, including advocacy, information and referral, early intervention, and community-based programs for individuals with cerebral palsy.
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Scholarships and Grants Program: This program provides financial assistance and support to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, including those pursuing higher education or vocational training.

Discover Your Path to a Worry-Free Future

Our experienced Social Security Disability Attorney at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz specializes in advocating for disabled individuals, ensuring they’re aware of and connected to all available resources. With our expertise, we’ll create a tailored strategy designed to help you seize every opportunity. Contact us today to learn more about other benefits you can get with SSDI or to schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs.

Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.