Assistance is provided for medical treatment, housing, and additional services
by Bonface ose
There are millions of adults who have a disability, and the financial needs and medical care access their condition necessitates can add an extra layer of stress. During challenging times, individuals in America with disabilities have specific resources at their disposal, such as financial aid to support their daily needs.
These programs help individuals with disabilities to manage expenses related to food and housing, healthcare, prescriptions, and even tax filing. Veterans with disabilities may be eligible for specific benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Explore the available financial assistance options and discover how you can make use of them.
Summary
Individuals with disabilities can access a diverse range of state and federal programs.
Many support programs offer financial assistance for essential requirements such as food, clothing, and housing.
Veterans are eligible for specific benefits provided by the VA.
Some disabled graduates may qualify to have their student loans forgiven.
Earnings, Borrowings, and Everyday Spending
Program for Additional Nutrition Assistance
Individuals with disabilities could qualify for aid with food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program offers various criteria for eligibility, such as receiving disability or blindness benefits from federal or state institutions. Disabled railroad employees, veterans, and disabled spouses or children of veterans may be eligible for food assistance.
To find out the rules and apply, you must get in touch with the agency in your state since each state has its own application procedure.
Income from Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is a federal initiative designed to offer financial assistance to fulfill essential requirements such as food, clothing, and shelter for specific groups, particularly individuals with disabilities. Being included in the SSDI Compassionate Allowances list could potentially expedite the process of assessing your eligibility, resulting in reduced waiting times.
To determine your monthly SSDI payment, your lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security are taken into account. You have the option to use the Social Security Administration’s online benefits calculator to get an estimate of the potential amount you may be eligible for, or you can set up an online Social Security account to access your Social Security statement.
Before beginning your application, you have the option to review the eligibility criteria for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and then proceed to submit your application online, or contact 800-772-1213 or 800-325-0778 (TTY) to schedule an appointment.
Benefits for Federal Disability Retirement
Individuals who have completed a minimum of 18 months of federal civilian service may qualify for disability retirement under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS). To be eligible, you must satisfy six criteria, which include:
The disability occurred while you were employed in a job that paid into the retirement system.
The disability is expected to last at least a year.
Your agency can’t provide a job that accommodates your disability.
In order to be considered, you must submit thorough documentation of your medical condition, and your employer must make every effort possible to keep you employed in a suitable role.
In order to submit your application, you will be required to fill out FERS forms SF 3107 and SF 3112. If you are below 62 years old, you must additionally furnish proof that you have requested Social Security disability benefits.2
Encouragement for Work
Individuals with disabilities who are receiving Social Security or SSI may have the opportunity to work and continue to receive monthly payments as well as Medicare or Medicaid. These "work incentives" enable you to move towards employment while retaining some or all of your benefits.
Individuals receiving SSDI can utilize a nine-month “trial work period” to assess their capacity to work without risking the loss of benefits. If your benefits were paused but you are unable to work due to your medical condition, you can request reinstatement.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, states can provide families with financial help for child care, job preparation, and work assistance. Because the program is managed by each state, you must be a resident of the state where you apply. While disability is not part of the eligibility criteria, you must be unemployed or underemployed and have low or very low income.
Contact your local social services agency or human resources department to learn more about eligibility criteria or to apply.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
People with disabilities can receive free tax prep from IRS-certified volunteers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. You don’t have to apply to use the service. You can locate a VITA program provider near you using the IRS’ online search tool.
Phone or Internet Service
You may be eligible for a $9.25 discount on your phone or internet service through the federal Lifeline program.4 To qualify, either your income must fall below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or you must participate in a qualifying program, including:
SNAP
Medicaid
SSI
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)5
Note
Only one member of your household can receive a Lifeline benefit.4
Health Care
Medicaid
Medicaid provides free or low-cost medical benefits to people with disabilities. There are two ways to apply for Medicaid: Contact your state Medicaid agency, or fill out an application through the health insurance marketplace.6 You must be a resident of the state where you apply.
Children’s Health Insurance Program
If your income is too high for Medicaid, your child may still qualify for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The program covers medical and dental care for children and teens up to age 18.
There are two ways to apply for CHIP. You can contact your state Medicaid agency for eligibility requirements, or you can apply through the health insurance marketplace online or by calling 1-800-318-2596.7
Medicare
You automatically get Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (medical coverage) after you get disability benefits from Social Security for 24 months or certain disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board for 24 months.
Note
If you’re medically disabled, you may be able to receive Medicare coverage if you go back to work. However, you’ll have to pay the Part A premium after 8 1/2 years.8
Housing
Individuals with disabilities qualify for all public housing programs, rental assistance, subsidized housing, and Section 8 vouchers. Moreover, individuals with disabilities may qualify for a Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) voucher, designed to assist disabled individuals who are not elderly in obtaining affordable housing within a senior-specific development.
Should you require help in buying a home, the Housing Choice Voucher program offers monthly financial aid to cover homeownership costs. Meeting certain income criteria, such as participating in a housing counseling program, may be necessary to be eligible.
For further information regarding your qualification for the aforementioned benefits, contact the nearest public housing agency.
Student Loan Forgiveness
Total and Permanent Disability Discharge
If you can provide documentation proving that you are completely and permanently disabled, you might qualify to have your federal student loans and grant service forgiven. Eligible loans for discharge comprise:
Direct loan
Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL)
Perkins loan
TEACH Grant service
In order to be eligible, you must submit documentation from the VA, Social Security Administration (SSA), or a doctor. For further information on the procedure and to obtain an application, please visit the Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge website of the U.S. Department of Education.
Benefits for Veterans Living With Disabilities
Individuals who have been honorably discharged from the military and have a disability related to their service may qualify for specific benefits designed for veterans.
Career Counseling
Veterans can benefit from career counseling through the Veteran Readiness and Employment program. If you meet the criteria, you may qualify for various services such as job training, résumé building, on-the-job training, postsecondary education, and special incentives for employers. Additionally, the program offers independent-living assistance to veterans with service-connected disabilities that hinder their employability.
Disability Compensation
Veterans who have a disability that originated during their service, was exacerbated by their service, or is deemed by the VA to be connected to military duty may qualify for disability compensation. This tax-free benefit is accessible to those who received an honorable discharge.
Home Loans
Regardless of disability status, veterans may qualify for the VA's home loan program to buy a home, manufactured home, a lot for a manufactured home, or a condo. VA loans can also be used for constructing, repairing, or enhancing a home. These loans typically offer favorable conditions, such as no down payment or mortgage insurance premiums.
Note
Grants for appropriate housing are available to specific veterans with severe disabilities.
Health Care
If you have served in the active military and received an honorable discharge, you may qualify for health care benefits through the VA. Individuals with service-connected disabilities or those discharged for a disability related to duty-related incidents are given greater priority.
Business Loans
Business owners who qualify can receive loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). If you are a disabled veteran and own a business, you can apply for SBA loans through the Office of Veterans Business Development.
SBA Microloan
If you need funds for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, or equipment for your business, consider SBA microloans which offer amounts up to $50,000. The interest rates typically range from 8% to 13%, and the maximum repayment period is six years. Get in touch with your nearest SBA office to find a microloan provider in your area.9
SBA 7(a) Loan
If you have substantial funding requirements, an SBA 7(a) loan could be a better option. These loans offer amounts of up to $5 million and can provide business owners with funds for various purposes such as working capital, equipment or machinery purchases, real estate investments, acquiring a new business, or refinancing specific business debts. Utilizing the SBA's 7(a) loan checklist can assist you in assessing your eligibility and getting ready for the application.10
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the duration for which student grants can be collected by individuals living with a disability?
Individuals with an intellectual disability may be eligible for the federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and work-study programs by enrolling in a comprehensive transition and postsecondary (CTP) program designed for students with intellectual disabilities. It is essential to sustain satisfactory academic performance and fulfill the fundamental federal student aid eligibility criteria.
Once a judge approves your disability claim, how soon will you receive your payment?
Typically, you will need to wait for five months before you receive your initial SSDI benefits. However, if your disability is due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and you are granted SSDI approval on or after July 23, 2020, there is no waiting period.11
Reminder
If you are receiving specific government benefits such as workers’ compensation, public disability benefits, or government pensions, your Social Security benefits could be decreased.
Which organization provides disability benefits?
Disability benefits are provided by various programs. SSDI is awarded by the SSA. Housing benefits are available through local public housing agencies affiliated with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). SNAP is managed through a collaboration between state-level organizations and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP are state-managed government medical insurance programs.
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