Dealing with an extended illness can turn life upside down with all the physical and emotional toll one has to handle. However, its financial impact can also be as devastating. To support individuals suffering long-term illness, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides a much-needed lifeline.
This kind of insurance is a federal program specifically designed to assist those unable to work due to a severe illness or injury. This can impair one’s ability to earn a living and increase the costs of living, such as medical expenses. If you’ve worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes, SSDI relies on that history and contributions for benefits. You can utilize it when you are no longer able to work.
The payments from SSDI differ from person to person, meaning that they are calculated based on your lifetime earnings before your disability. It may not fully replace your income, but these benefits can cover necessary expenses for living like housing, utilities, and groceries, offering some financial relief while you can focus on your health.
With two years of SSDI, you qualify for Medicare from the federal health insurance program to further help you through difficult times. This can help reduce the burden of medical bills, covering hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescriptions. This can be especially beneficial for illnesses that require long-term care, surgeries, or ongoing treatment.
Many disabilities can affect a person’s ability to prepare or consume food or may require special dietary needs. This program is designed to provide food assistance for low-income individuals and their family members. You can also receive these aids using an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card, which makes it easier to purchase food from participating retailers.
Furthermore, if you are enrolled with supplemental security income (SSI), you automatically qualify for SNAP regardless of other requirements.
For those who wish to return to work, the SSDI also offers a range of vocational rehabilitation services. However, an extensive evaluation of your skills and abilities is part of the eligibility process for these benefits. Some of them include:
SSDI has services to help you overcome barriers to employment and basic living needs, such as transportation assistance, childcare assistance, or counseling for mental health issues. You can benefit from transportation services, such as bus passes, taxi vouchers, and anything else to make commuting a safer experience.
If you or a loved one is struggling with an extended illness, SSDI can be the bridge between financial stability and uncertainty. At Regas & Haag, we understand the urgency and complexity of securing your deserving support right on time. Contact us today!