What other benefits can I get with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
Navigating life with a disability has unique and varying challenges, depending on your specific disability. For those who are unable to work due to their disability, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides critical benefits. If you qualify for SSDI, you also qualify for additional government benefits that can help you manage day-to-day tasks much easier. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits you may be entitled to and how they work, so you can make the most of the resources available to you.
Key takeaway:
If you are eligible for SSDI, you could also receive:
Supplemental Security Income
Medicare and Medicaid
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Housing assistance programs
Vocational rehabilitation programs
Private and employer disability insurance
Disability benefits from Veterans Affairs (VA)
Tax benefits
What is SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government assistance program that provides a monthly payment for those who can’t work due to a disability. To qualify for SSDI, you need to meet rigorous eligibility criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). One key requirement is having a qualifying disability that is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. You’ll also have to prove that you have accumulated enough work credits through previous employment to be eligible for SSDI benefits.
Benefit 1: Supplemental Security Income
Like SSDI, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal aid program managed by Social Security. SSI provides a monthly payment to support people with limited income and resources who are blind, have a disability, or are 65 and older. If you are eligible for SSDI, it’s likely that you also qualify for SSI for extra support. Learn more about SSI vs SSDI.
Benefit 2: Medicaid and Medicare
Medicaid and Medicare are both government programs that provide affordable health insurance for American citizens. Medicaid supports people with low incomes and resources while Medicare supports people who are older have disabilities.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a jointly run state and federal government program that provides healthcare for people with low incomes and resources. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are often automatically enrolled in Medicaid since the eligibility requirements are similar. Some states require you to fill out both applications separately.
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and up. Some people with certain disabilities, like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and ALS are also eligible to receive Medicare. If you receive SSDI, you are eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period from the start of your SSDI benefits.
If you have any questions about how Medicare works for those receiving SSDI, you can talk to a licensed Advisor for free, personalized information. Our knowledgeable Advisors help you choose the best plan for your unique medical and financial needs. Call 855-900-2427 or schedule a chat to get started today.
Benefit 3: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP is a federal assistance program designed to supplement the cost of groceries for low-income individuals. If you receive SSDI, you may be eligible to receive SNAP benefits too—you just need to meet the income requirements.
Benefit 4: Housing assistance programs
There are two housing assistance programs that you could qualify for if you receive SSDI: Housing Choice Vouchers and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Housing Choice Vouchers
This government program provides a housing subsidy for people who have low incomes, have disabilities, or are elderly. The subsidy can be used to pay for any housing that meets the program’s requirements. The vouchers pay for a portion of your rent. If you receive SSDI, you could also be eligible for a Housing Choice Voucher.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps people with low incomes afford energy-related utilities like electricity, heat, and air conditioning. Those receiving SSDI, SSI, or SNAP could qualify for benefits from LIHEAP.
Benefit 5: Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services
If and when you want to rejoin the workforce, vocational rehabilitation services help people with disabilities prepare for and regain employment. These services include:
an assessment of your skills and capabilities
vocational counseling
job training
placement assistance
personalized career guidance
You can get access to vocational rehabilitation services if you receive SSDI.
Benefit 6: Private and employer disability insurance
If you had private disability insurance before being diagnosed with your disability, you could receive monthly payments based on a percentage of your wages. You can receive both SSDI benefits and private insurance payments.
Employer-provided benefits, like workers’ compensation and disability insurance, can also provide additional monthly benefits. If you experience a work-related injury that results in a disability, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation. If you have an employer-sponsored disability insurance plan, it could pay a percentage of your salary if your disability prevents you from working.
Government employees may also benefit from disability insurance that provides disability, retirement, and survivor benefits.
Benefit 7: Disability benefits from Veterans Affairs
Veterans who have a disability can qualify for a VA disability benefit. Monthly benefits depend on the nature of your disability and how many dependents you have (if any). You can receive the VA disability benefit and SSDI at the same time.
Benefit 8: Tax benefits
People who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) could be eligible for various tax benefits including:
Reduced or waived income tax on SSDI income if you don’t have other income besides SSDI and your total income does not exceed $25,000 yearly
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a tax break designed for people with low-income
Extra tax exemptions, breaks, or deductions if you are legally blind or have other qualifying physical or mental disabilities
Other benefits you can get alongside SSDI
Discounted public transportation: Many cities and transportation authorities offer discounted or free public transportation services for people with disabilities so you have easier access to destinations you need to get to.
Free legal assistance: People with disabilities may qualify for free or discounted legal assistance. Legal aid organizations and pro bono services can offer support in navigating legal challenges related to disability rights, housing, and any of the government program benefits you could qualify for.
Community support programs: Local community organizations often provide support through workshops, support groups, and social activities tailored to people with disabilities. These programs foster a sense of community and connection.
People who are eligible for SSDI can get many other benefits. Take advantage of these government, tax, insurance, and community programs so you have comprehensive financial care. If you need more ways to save, learn how to save money on healthcare costs.