Benefits for Disabled Adults: SSI, SSDI, Medicaid and More

If you're disabled and have limited income, you may be eligible for several government benefits. The main programs are Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, and SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Many people qualify for more than one.

SSI and SSDI: Cash Benefits for Disabled Adults

SSI and SSDI are the two main federal programs that provide monthly cash payments to disabled adults. Both are run by the Social Security Administration, but they have different rules.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is for adults with disabilities who have limited income and assets. You don't need to have worked to qualify. Learn more about SSI eligibility and benefits.

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history. You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes before becoming disabled. Learn more about SSDI eligibility and benefits.

Use our benefits screener to see which programs you might qualify for based on your situation.

Medicaid: Free or Low-Cost Health Coverage

Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding. Many disabled adults qualify for Medicaid.

Medicaid covers people with disabilities at different income levels depending on your state. In states that expanded Medicaid, most adults aged 19–64 qualify with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. In 2026, that means about $15,960 a year for one person in the 48 states and DC (Alaska and Hawaii are higher).

You can apply for Medicaid at any time of year through your state Medicaid agency or through HealthCare.gov, which sends your application to your state.

Learn more about Medicaid in your state.

SNAP: Food Assistance

SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) gives monthly benefits on a card you use to buy food at grocery stores. If you're disabled, you may qualify even with higher income.

SNAP households with a member who is disabled only need to meet the net income limit, not the gross income limit. In the 48 states and DC, the net monthly income limit for a one-person household is $1,305.

Maximum monthly SNAP benefits range from $298 for one person to $1,789 for eight people in the 48 states and DC (October 2025 to September 2026). Your actual benefit depends on your income.

Learn more about SNAP and how to apply. Use our SNAP calculator to estimate your potential benefit.

How These Programs Work Together

You may qualify for more than one benefit at the same time. For example, you could receive SSDI cash payments, Medicaid health coverage, and SNAP food benefits.

Different programs have different rules about income, assets, and what counts as income. Some programs count earned income differently. Some programs have asset limits. If you receive one benefit, that doesn't automatically mean you qualify for another—each program makes its own decision.

How to Apply

For SSI and SSDI: Apply through the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov or visit a local Social Security office.

For Medicaid: Apply through your state Medicaid agency or at HealthCare.gov.

For SNAP: Apply through your state's SNAP agency. Find your state's application.

Applying is free. Only the agency decides whether you qualify based on your situation.

Get Help

If you need help understanding your benefits or applying, find local assistance in your area. You may also be able to get help from a disability advocate or legal aid organization.