Benefits for People With Disabilities

People that are receiving Social Security Disability or SSDI are unable to continue working due to a disability or illness. Once the SSDI is approved, the beneficiary begins receiving monthly payments based on an average of their earnings. However, health benefits do not start for two years after approval, unless the person is also awarded Supplemental Security Income.

Social Security Disability Insurance

The process for applying for SSDI can seem overwhelming, but if you have worked several years and are no longer able to, this is your right to apply. Go to the Social Security Administraiton website to submit your initial application online. Many people that truly need SSDI are denied the first time they apply, but you can appeal the decision and hire an attorney at that point. Health benefits via Medicare do not begin for two years after you are approved.

Supplemental Security Income

When it comes to SSI, this is based on income. Therefore, if you made under a specified income for your state, you may qualify for both SSDI and SSI. If you qualify for SSI, once you are approved, you will begin receiving both Medicare and Medicaid health benefits. SSI is not an automatic approval and there is a chance you could be denied, but it is more straightforward than SSDI.

Medicare and Medicaid

People that are on SSDI and have a disability receive Medicare health benefits after a two-year waiting period from the date your application was approved. For example, if your application was approved on May 15, 2011 you would become eligible for Medicare benefits on May 15, 2013. Some people receiving SSDI can qualify for some SSI benefits to help pay for the cost of their medication depending on the amount of money they are receiving from SSDI each month.