SSDI
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or “Disability” provides monthly payments to people who have a disability that stops or limits their ability to work.
Who can get Disability
Individuals may be eligible for Disability if they have:
- A disability or blindness, and
- Enough work history.
See if you might be eligible for Disability
What you could get
Your benefits may include a monthly payment and Medicare. Your payment amount is based on your work history before your disability began.
See what you could get from Disability
Try returning to work without losing Disability
You may be able to return to work or continue working without losing your Disability benefits.
What you need to report
Once you’re approved for Disability, you must report changes to your work, income, and personal information.
Get Disability back if your benefit ended
If your Disability benefit ended, you might be able to restart it later.
SSI
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments of up to $943 for people with limited income and resources. If you’re eligible, you may be able to get Disability and SSI at the same time.
If you choose not to apply for SSI when you file for Disability, you’ll get a letter saying, “You’re not eligible for SSI.” This won’t affect your Disability application.
Who can get SSI
Adults and children might be eligible for SSI if they have:
You have little or no income (like wages and Social Security benefits)
SSI is generally for individuals who don’t earn more than $1,971 from work each month. The income limit increases for couples and when parents apply for children. We also look at other sources of income besides your job, like disability benefits, unemployment, and pensions.
Learn what doesn’t count toward your income limits
You have little or no resources (things you own)
Common resources are vehicles and money in bank accounts. Your resources should not be more than:
- $2,000 for individuals
- $3,000 for couples
If you’re a parent applying for a child, these numbers increase by $2,000.
Learn what doesn’t count toward your resource limit
You have a disability or are age 65 or older
If you’re age 64 or younger, you must have a disability that:
- Affects your ability to work for a year or more, or
- Will result in death, or
- Severely limits daily activity (for children with disabilities).
If you have a disability, you’ll also need to prove you’ve earned less than $1,550 from work per month in the month you’re applying. Citizens ages 65 or older don’t need to have a disability to get SSI.
Learn more about disability and age requirements
Medicaid
Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are joint federal/state programs. Each state Medicaid/CHIP agency has full responsibility for all aspects of the administration and operation of the Medicaid and CHIP programs in their state, including determining eligibility for and enrollment into their program.
Eligibility Requirements
Medicaid eligibility criteria vary from state to state. Many states have expanded their Medicaid programs to cover more low-income adults. If you are unsure if you might qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You might be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability, and other factors. You must be a United States (U.S.) citizen, a U.S. national, or have a satisfactory immigration status to be eligible for full benefits. Visit HealthCare.gov to take a quick screening to help you determine your eligibility for Medicaid/CHIP or other health insurance options. Please contact your state for all state-related Medicaid questions.
Waivers
Medicaid offers state waivers that can help cover the cost of caregivers, community transitioning, and healthcare. Refer to the list below to learn what your state offers.
Vocational Rehab
VR works with people who have a variety of physical, intellectual, mental health, and sensory disabilities to assist them in gaining, maintaining, preparing for, or returning to work.
If you want to work but are having trouble finding or keeping a job because of your disability, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services.
Each state works directly with you to determine your eligibility for services. This work is accomplished through assessments and one-on-one, in-person, or virtual meetings with professional VR counselors.
Services your state might help with:
- Finding and maintaining work
- Paying for schooling or job training
- Covering driving education and vehicle modifications
- Financing work expenses, including adaptive tech, assistive software, mileage, mobility equipment,
STABLE Account
For too long, people with disabilities could not save for the future out of fear of losing needed government benefits. The disability community fought long and hard to change this, and together we’ve come up with a solution.
A STABLE account is a way to save for qualified expenses, invest for future needs, and keep the benefits you rely on every day.
Are you eligible?
Any U.S. citizen who developed a qualifying disability before the age of 26 is eligible for a STABLE account. If someone cannot open an account themselves, an Authorized Legal Representative (also known as an ALR) can do it for them.
An ALR must attest that they have been selected by the beneficiary with legal capacity, designated as the Power of Attorney, Legal Guardian, or Conservator for the beneficiary, are a spouse, parent, sibling, or grandparent of the beneficiary, or are a representative payee (individual or organization).
What are STABLE Account benefits?
Accountholders can save and invest up to $18,000 a year (and, if employed, up to $14,580 more) for a wide range of qualified expenses. The account’s growth is tax-free and your contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction.
Best of all, your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will not be affected as long as the STABLE account balance stays below $100,000. Other federally means-tested benefits are not affected regardless of the amount saved in the account.
You’ll also have access to our network of established partners in the disability community for more support in reaching your financial goals.
How does it work?
The account can be managed online, so it’s easy to access, contribute, or withdraw money; even friends and relatives can add to the account.
Make easy online deposits
Contribute up to $18,000 per year. If employed, you may be able to contribute up to an additional $14,580 of income.
Enjoy diverse investment choices
Choose from among five different investment options, including four mutual fund-based investments and one FDIC-insured savings option.
Take advantage of flexible change options
You have the freedom to change your investment options twice every calendar year.
What are qualified expenses?
Money in your account can be used for everyday needs, as well as unexpected events. Qualified expenses are geared toward improving health, independence, and quality of life, and include:
- Living expenses
- Education
- Housing
- Transportation
- Employment training and support
- Assistive technology
- Personal support services
- Health, prevention, and wellness
- Financial management
- Administrative services
- Legal fees
- Oversight and monitoring
- Funeral and burial
Department of Developmental Disabilities
Department of Developmental Disabilities is a state based program that offers wavier services to individuals who manifested a disability before the age of 22 (including a spinal cord injury). Enrolling in a home and community-based services waiver is one way to access person-centered services. Waivers give access to services to those living on their own, with family, with a roommate, or with a paid caregiver.
Waivers
Waivers arena way to pay for the services that support people with developmental disabilities.
Services
Person-centered services available through a home and community-based services waiver can help meet a person’s needs
Everyday Quad 