Government Support for Individuals with Disabilities
There are many government programs designed to help those with disabilities lead a full and productive life. If you are disabled, you may already be receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration, Medicare, or many state-run programs. These programs are designed to help individuals receive financial benefits to pay for their living expenses. However, there are other programs offered to help disabled individuals find a job, get an education, receive financial assistance, and pay for a service animal. You may work directly with a government agency or through a non-profit organization to receive this support. We’ve listed some of these programs below;
Federal and State Programs
Disabled individuals may be entitled to receive benefits through a variety of federal and state programs. The most commonly known programs include;
- Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) - For those with a qualifying disability and an employment history, benefits can be paid out to the individual and, in some cases, their family.
- Supplementary Security Income (SSI) – Under this Federal program, benefits are paid out to children or low-income disabled adults.
- Medicare – Under this Federal program, disabled individuals can receive medical treatment at a doctor’s office or hospital, as well as prescription medication. Medicare does not automatically cover all medical expenses, nor does it cover long-term care costs.
- Medicaid – This is a state-run program that provides health care services for the elderly and disabled. These programs receive a portion of their funding from the federal government. Since these programs are administered by each state, eligibility and income requirements will vary.
Education and Job Assistance
There are many college degrees, train for a new job, prepare for an interview, or look for a job. A few programs available through the Social Security Administration include;
- Job assistance and training for those receiving social security benefits between the ages of 18 and 64 through its Ticket to Work program.
- Work Incentives allows an individual to try out a job, usually for a period of up to nine months, but still, receive their social security benefits.
The Federal government offers many jobs for people with disabilities. These jobs can be found by visiting the USA.gov website. In addition to federal programs, states offer employment resources, training, and jobs for the disabled.
Veteran Disability Benefits
If you are a veteran who is disabled, there are many government benefits available to you. These include disability compensation, grants for homes, modification of vehicles to accommodate a disability, and medical services.
Financial Assistance
A variety of programs exist that offer financial assistance to disabled individuals. These programs include help with paying medical bills and receiving treatment, service animals, housing, and taxes.
- Housing programs – Those with disabilities may be eligible for housing subsidies, rental assistance, and Section 8 housing vouchers. Programs are available for those who wish to own their home or those who rent.
- Vehicle modification – Disabled individuals often need specially-designed vehicles. The federal government has programs to provide financial assistance for modified cars that are designed for those with disabilities. This also includes financial assistance for a driver rehabilitation specialist who will help you to find the right vehicle.
- Free tax help – The Internal Revenue Service provides free tax return assistance to those who are disabled.
- Medical bill assistance – If you are disabled and under 65 years old, you may qualify for Medicare. Individuals may also be able to get assistance with health insurance through the open exchange.
- Service animals - While Medicare and Medicaid do not cover the cost of service animals, you may be able to pay for one through your monthly SSDI and SSI benefits. There are also a handful of non-profit organizations that provide free or reduced training costs, as well as financial assistance to those seeking a service animal.
If you are disabled and want to know what’s available to you, check out the Social Security Administration to see if you qualify for benefits and what the application process is. Visit the website for the state that you live in for eligibility requirements for Medicaid and other state-run programs. In addition to the above, there are many non-profit organizations that help disabled individuals to develop learning skills, live on their own, and have paid caregivers. Whether you need financial assistance, medical treatment, or help to get a job, there are many options that may be available to you if you are disabled.