What If My Disability Check Is Not Enough for My Expenses? (2024)

What If My Disability Check Is Not Enough for My Expenses? (1)

Governmental assistance for financial needs can take on many different forms. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program are two of the most common types. This income and assistance can help cover your living costs when you cannot work.

When your disability check isn’t enough to live on, you may have additional options at your disposal. For example, you may qualify for extra help in specific areas such as health care costs, food, and housing. Different federal, state, and local programs may be available. In addition, people can also seek help through private group funds.

What Disability Assistance Is Available Through The Federal Government?

If you meet disability qualifications, there are two main programs for which you may qualify:|

  • Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI), which includes benefits based on your previous earnings
  • Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI), which offers payments to those who are disabled and have a limited income.

Under some circ*mstances, you may be eligible for both programs, but the qualifications for each are slightly different. The money these programs provide can help cover your essential needs, but sometimes this amount might not be enough to live on. However, you might qualify for additional help and be able to take careful steps with your budget.

What Additional Assistance Is Available To Help Cover My Living Costs?

Suppose you qualify for disability payments from the federal government. In that case, you may also qualify for additional help based on your needs and income. Some states, including North and South Carolina, have a state-administered supplement. This supplement can help to cover your cost of living if you are already receiving supplemental security income.

However, you may need to contact the state to work towards receiving these benefits.

Considering, also, the following areas where you may also be able to receive help:

  • Health costs: Depending on your situation, you may qualify for additional help from Medicare via the program Extra Help to help cover medication-related costs. You may also qualify for help from the Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief.
  • Food costs: You may be eligible for food assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). You would go through the program in your state to determine your eligibility.
  • Housing costs: If you are on disability, you may be able to get assistance with housing costs, such as through public housing options or help with rent. You will likely be able to access these resources via your state program.
  • Cell phone costs: The Lifeline Program from the Federal Communications Commission helps assist those with low incomes to cover phone service. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for phone use discounts through this program.

Your research can include what programs are available at the federal, state, and local levels. You can also research assistance from charities or religious communities.

Options For Returning To Work

Depending on your situation, you may be able to return to work and even earn a higher income than you were receiving in disability payments. For example, the federal government utilizes one program called Ticket to Work that allows for a transition period and help while you evaluate whether or not you can return to work full time.

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Evaluating Your Resources And Effective Budgeting

Sometimes you might have resources that you are unaware of or available ways to cut down on your cost of living. You may be able to get help with budgeting and investments from someone such as a financial planner. You can look into evaluating the following elements:

  • The assets you have available to you and ways to utilize them
  • Your current level of income
  • Your daily, weekly, and monthly costs

Based on your costs and income level, you may be able to identify areas where you are spending more than you need to or areas where you may be able to save money. Setting a budget for yourself can help reduce unnecessary costs, while help from governmental programs can help with costs you don’t have control over.

Schedule A Free Consultation Today

If you need help securing your disability payments, our legal team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, is ready to help you with your case. We will carefully review the specifics of your situation and help you get the social security disability payments you qualify for.

We are ready to answer your questions and help you in any way possible. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.

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Social Security Disability FAQ:

How does Social Security Disability Work?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) explains that those who are disabled and unable to work may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to cover some of their lost income.

How Much Does Social Security Disability Pay Monthly?

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average monthly payment for a recipient of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) as of early 2019 was $1,234. That amount, related to

What Conditions Automatically Qualify You for Disability?

As the old adage goes, "Health is wealth." It's a phrase that resonates with many of us, as we all know how important it is to maintain good health. Unfortunately, accidents and injuries can happen

What Is the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are awarded to disabled individuals who worked and paid Social Security insurance, while Supplemental Security Income (SSI) awards benefits to

Can You Get Social Security Disability If You Don’t Have Enough Work Credits?

You cannot get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits on your own work record if you don’t have enough work credits, but you might qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

How Can I Get Disability Without Insurance?

You might be able to collect disability benefits even if you do not have a private disability insurance policy. Depending on your situation, your options could include Social Security Disability

What If My Disability Check Is Not Enough for My Expenses? (2024)

FAQs

What If My Disability Check Is Not Enough for My Expenses? ›

When your disability check isn't enough to live on, you may have additional options at your disposal. For example, you may qualify for extra help in specific areas such as health care costs, food, and housing. Different federal, state, and local programs may be available.

What if my disability check is not enough? ›

Your assets and resources are not taken into consideration with an SSDI claim. You can receive additional “unearned” income, including VA benefits, child support, alimony, or pension, without influencing your monthly SSDI payments. However, if you want or need to work while receiving SSDI payments, certain rules apply.

How to increase disability payments? ›

How to Increase Social Security Disability Payments (7 Ways)
  1. A Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) ...
  2. A Recalculation of Disability Benefits. ...
  3. Work for at Least 35 Years Before Retiring. ...
  4. Wait Until Full Retirement Age to Apply for Disability Benefits. ...
  5. Apply for Social Security Spousal Benefits.
Feb 4, 2023

Can you spend disability money on anything? ›

Again, legally speaking, you can spend it on whatever you want, but you should have some priorities. Focus on the essentials first, housing, utilities, and food, then worry about your little luxuries.

Why is my SSDI payment so low? ›

Your amount may be lower based on your income, certain family members' income, your living situation, and other factors.

What is the least amount you can get on disability? ›

According to the Social Security Administration, the SSDI payment people get can be between $100 and $3,627. It will all depend on the person'a working history and only on that. People may get $100 as the lowest aid they get but there are very rare occassions where they get that.

Can you ask Social Security for more money? ›

If you, or a family member, receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), certain life changes may affect eligibility for an increase in your federal benefits. For example, if your spouse or ex-spouse dies, you may become eligible for a higher Social Security benefit.

How can I get more money on my SSDI check? ›

Increasing Your SSDI Benefits
  1. Reaching Retirement Age. ...
  2. Death of an Adult Child. ...
  3. Additional Benefits Based on Your Own Work. ...
  4. Benefits From a Former Marriage. ...
  5. Child Entitled to Benefits. ...
  6. Update the Social Security Administration About Any Changes. ...
  7. Consider Other Types of Benefits.

How can I make extra money on disability? ›

29 Best Side Hustles for the Disabled
  1. Freelance Writing. If you can write, consider taking on freelance writing assignments as a way to make money on your own time. ...
  2. Virtual Assistant. ...
  3. Tutoring. ...
  4. Pet Sitting. ...
  5. Selling Crafts. ...
  6. Ride-Sharing. ...
  7. Online Surveys. ...
  8. Selling Products Online.
Jun 7, 2023

How do you get extra money added to your Social Security check? ›

Below are the nine ways to help boost Social Security benefits.
  1. Work for 35 Years. ...
  2. Wait Until at Least Full Retirement Age. ...
  3. Sign Up for Spousal Benefits. ...
  4. Receive a Dependent Benefit. ...
  5. Monitor Your Earnings. ...
  6. Watch for a Tax-Bracket Bump. ...
  7. Apply for Survivor Benefits. ...
  8. Check for Mistakes.

Does disability watch your bank account? ›

In the case of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the SSA does not physically check bank accounts for asset limits. However, you may lose benefits if you have an increase in income or assets that is discovered during a review process.

Can I save my disability money? ›

ABLE Accounts

The account's earnings are allowed to accumulate tax-free, and the withdrawals, provided they are applied to qualifying disability expenses, are tax-free. For individuals receiving SSI benefits and/or State or local means-tested benefits, their ABLE accounts must not exceed $100,000.

Can they take money out of your disability check? ›

Social Security and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can sometimes be garnished to pay money you owe to the government, such as back taxes or federal student loans, and money you owe for child or spousal support.

Can you live comfortably on disability? ›

Living and surviving on only SSDI is possible. However, making ends meet with disability benefits alone can be a challenge. It's important to know how to make the most of your benefits and consider other income or benefit sources. Budgeting and minimizing your monthly costs can make it easier to live on SSDI alone.

How much are most disability checks? ›

California disability pay chart
Benefits ProgramAverage Payment Amount in CAMaximum Payment Amount
State Disability Insurance60-70% of your wages$1,620 per week
Supplemental Security Income$578.62 per month$943 per month
Social Security Disability Income$1,524.99 per month$3,822 per month
Jan 29, 2024

What is the maximum SSDI payment? ›

The maximum monthly benefits for SSI, SSDI, and retirement in 2024: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – The maximum payment is $943 monthly for individuals and $1,415 monthly for couples. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – The maximum payment is $3,822 a month (up from $3,627 in 2023).

Why would my disability check decrease? ›

If your part-time wages and benefits combined exceed your regular weekly wages, your weekly benefit amount (WBA) may be reduced.

Why is my social security benefit so low? ›

Key Takeaways. Your Social Security check will decrease if you owe certain debts like back taxes or student loans. Taking your Social Security benefits early can reduce your payments by up to 30%. Triggered by higher income, a higher Medicare premium can diminish your monthly Social Security check.

What is the maximum payment for social security disability? ›

The maximum monthly benefits for SSI, SSDI, and retirement in 2024: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – The maximum payment is $943 monthly for individuals and $1,415 monthly for couples. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – The maximum payment is $3,822 a month (up from $3,627 in 2023).

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