What Other Benefits Can I Get With SSDI? (More Than 5)

Approximately 14% of the U.S. population lives with some type of disability. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is a government program that provides monthly payments to individuals whose disability limits or prevents them from working.  

You may be eligible for SSDI if you have a disability or blindness and enough work history. About 161 million workers were covered by SSDI protection in the event of disability. 

SSDI is not the only benefit available for people with disabilities. If you qualify for SSDI, you may also be eligible for other government assistance programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP, and Lifeline.

1. SSI: Financial Assistance Program for Individuals with Disabilities and Low-Income

SSI provides financial assistance to people with disabilities or older adults who have little to no income or resources. If you qualify, you can receive both SSDI and SSI benefits at the same time.  

The difference between SSDI and SSI is that SSDI is based on your work history. SSDI offers benefits to you and certain family members if you have a disability, meet the work history requirements, and have paid Social Security taxes. 

SSI doesn’t require a work history. It offers financial support for basic needs like food, clothing, and housing if you’re 65 or older or have a disability. 

To qualify for SSI, you must have little to no income and meet one of the following criteria: 

• Have a disability 
• Be 65 or older

2. Medicare: Healthcare Program for Young Individuals with Disabilities

Medicare is a health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, people under 65 with disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease. 

If you receive SSDI, you likely have Medicare or are in a 24-month waiting period before coverage begins. 

• If you receive SSDI and have Medicare, you’re covered by the healthcare law and won’t face a penalty for lacking insurance. However, you cannot use a Marketplace plan to replace or supplement Medicare. If you had a Marketplace plan before enrolling in Medicare, you can keep it as supplemental coverage, but you’ll lose any premium tax credits or savings. 
• If you are in the 24-month waiting period for Medicare, you may qualify for Medicaid during this time. Apply through your state Medicaid agency or the Marketplace. Medicaid coverage may continue even after Medicare begins. 

Medicare is usually available for individuals 65 or older, but it may be offered earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease, or ALS.

3. Medicaid: Healthcare Coverage for People with Disabilities

Medicaid provides healthcare coverage to eligible people with limited income. Medicaid can help you pay for medical bills from the last 3 months, even if you lacked Medicaid enrollment during that period. 

Eligibility for Medicaid is usually based on factors such as income, family size, disability status, household composition, and other requirements. Requirements vary by state.

4. SNAP: Food Assistance Program for Low-Income Households 

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides food benefits for low-income households. The program provides monthly food assistance to support dietary needs and overall well-being. SNAP benefits are deposited onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which recipients can use for purchases at grocery stores. 

SNAP benefits are accessible to those with limited financial resources. Eligibility depends primarily on income limits.  

During an average month in 2024, SNAP assisted over 41 million Americans with limited resources to help them maintain an adequately nutritious diet.

And for those who are asking “what other benefits can I get with SSDI in Texas, Florida, California”, if you’re an SSDi recipient, you can also benefit from SNAP/CalFresh.

5. Lifeline: Government Phone Program for Low-Income Individuals with Disabilities 

The Lifeline program is a federal program to provide affordable phone services for low-income people, including those with disabilities.  

You can qualify for the Lifeline program based on your household income or based on participating in at least one of the government assistance programs, such as SSI, Medicaid, and SNAP.  

In fact, people with disabilities usually earn less than those without disabilities. Those with disabilities made up only 4% of employed Americans in 2022, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

Any support in categories such as finance, food, and communication can be helpful for individuals with disabilities.

Which Lifeline benefits can you get? 

Lifeline offers eligible consumers a monthly discount on phone or internet services. The standard discount available to most consumers is up to $9.25 per month. Residents on Tribal lands can receive a higher discount of up to $34.25 per month. 

When applying through authorized providers, like AirTalk Wireless, eligible individuals can choose from a wide selection of discounted or free smartphones, tablets, and bundles, regardless of their location, including California, Kentucky, or Tribal areas. 

Besides, you can get free monthly mobile data, with up to 30GB of high-speed 5G+ internet depending on your area. AirTalk Wireless plans include unlimited talk and text, so you can stay connected without worrying about extra costs. 

A quick guide to applying Lifeline on AirTalk Wireless

Step 1: Visit the AirTalk Wireless website and enter your zip code. Click “Apply Now” to get started.

Step 2: Select a phone plan: 

• Free Phone and Plan: Choose this to receive a free phone along with a phone plan. 
• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): If you already have a phone, select this option to get just the phone plan. 

Step 3: Explore the available cell phones, tablets, or bundles and pick your preferred option. 

Step 4: Upload the required documents to verify your eligibility for the Lifeline program. 

Step 5: Submit your application. AirTalk Wireless will review your information and notify you once your application is approved. 

If you’re interested, check out a detailed guide here.

6. Other Benefits You Can Get

Besides, people with disabilities may qualify for other useful programs, such as: 

• Disability Payments
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) 
• Workers’ Compensation Benefits
• Veteran Affairs Disability Benefits
• Temporary State Disability Insurance

Also read: How To Get A Free Phone For Medicaid With Ease

Conclusion

The most common disabilities in the U.S. involve mobility, hearing, vision, or cognition. Disability rates are higher among older adults. Government programs such as SSDI, SNAP, and Lifeline offer access to additional benefits to support those in need.