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Life change guide

Living with a disability

Learn what benefits you may qualify for if you're living with a disability. Find SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, SSDI and more.

Where to start

Living with a disability can bring extra costs and changes to your work life. Finding support can feel like a lot, especially when paperwork takes time and energy. You do not have to do it all at once.

Social Security runs two disability programs. SSDI is based on your past work. SSI is based on financial need. Some people qualify for both. Applications can take time, so it helps to start early and keep copies of your medical records.

Other programs may help with health and food costs. Medicaid covers people with disabilities, and its limits differ by state. If you have Medicare, a Medicare Savings Program may help with premiums. SNAP has special rules too. For example, a household with a member who has a disability only needs to meet the net income limit.

Do these first

  1. 1

    Apply for SSDI if you have worked

    If you worked and paid Social Security taxes, you may qualify for SSDI. Gather your medical records and work history before you apply.

    About SSDI
  2. 2

    See if you qualify for SSI

    If your income and resources are limited, SSI may pay you monthly cash. You do not need a work history to get SSI.

    About SSI
  3. 3

    Apply for Medicaid

    Medicaid covers people with disabilities, and income limits differ by group and by state. You can apply at any time of year.

    About Medicaid
  4. 4

    Apply for SNAP food help

    A household with a member who has a disability only needs to meet the net income limit. Some of that person's medical costs may also count as deductions.

    About SNAP
  5. 5

    Get help with Medicare costs

    If you have Medicare, a Medicare Savings Program may help pay your premiums. Apply through your state Medicaid office.

    About MSP

Programs that can help

SNAPUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.MedicaidCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding, for children, adults, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities.SSISocial Security AdministrationSSI pays monthly cash to people with limited income and resources who are older, blind or have a disability.MSPCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicare Savings Programs help people with Medicare who have limited income and resources pay Medicare costs such as premiums.SSDISocial Security AdministrationSSDI pays monthly benefits to people who cannot work because of a disability and who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.

Offers that can help

Services from our partners. You never need a paid service to apply for benefits.

Advertiser disclosure
We may earn a commission when you use partner links. Partners never affect which programs we show, how we rank them, or our editorial content. How we make money

ClearLine Wireless

4.3out of 5 stars,(5,310 reviews)
Phone plansSponsored

Free unlimited talk and text with Lifeline

Qualify through SNAP, Medicaid or SSI and get a free smartphone plan.

Check Lifeline plans

On ClearLine Wireless's secure site

Cost
$0/month
Best for
SNAP or Medicaid households
Setup
Free SIM, keep your number
Pros and details

Pros

  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 4.5 GB data included
  • No contract or credit check

Good to know

Lifeline is limited to one discount per household.

BrightPath Medicare

4.5out of 5 stars,(8,920 reviews)
Medicare plansSponsored

Compare Medicare plans with a licensed agent

A free, no-obligation comparison of plans available in your ZIP code.

Compare plans

On BrightPath Medicare's secure site

Cost
Free to compare
Best for
Turning 65 or switching plans
Help
Licensed agents, 7 days a week
Pros and details

Pros

  • Plans from multiple carriers
  • Checks Extra Help eligibility
  • No pressure to enroll

Good to know

Agents may not offer every plan in your area. Medicare.gov lists all plans.