When you are disabled, it can be difficult to get the resources you need to take care of yourself or even your family. Applying for disability benefits can help get you on your feet and ready for moving forward. In addition to monthly payments, disability and all other Social Security payments come with several benefits to assist those who are unable to work.
Some of these benefits help people who are waiting for their SSI or SSDI benefits to go through. There can be potholes when it comes to getting the payments you need to support your family. Applying for temporary benefits can help with health insurance, cash assistance, or even food and nutrition service.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance is a program established as a support service for people who are unable to access quality food. Families with Social Security benefits may be eligible for SNAP benefits to help optimize their spending and support their families. This benefit is determined by the number of people and children living with you and your spouse.
There are tools online to help determine your eligibility for SNAP. Since this program is managed by the State, the requirements and benefits vary per state. Use this calculator to determine your eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
This program is made for low-income to very low-income families. To be eligible, you must be pregnant or taking care of a child who is under 19. You must prove your under-employment or unemployment status when applying for this benefit. TANF benefits come in a cash payment based on how many people are in your household and the total income. TANF is granted out per state and each territory has defined separate qualifications for TANF. For example, in Georgia, the requirements dictate your income, child’s school attendance, and other heavy requirements. Some states will have strict requirements, while others not so much.
State Temporary Disability
Some states offer a temporary disability program if you have been disabled and are unable to work. These states are:
- California
- New York
- New Jersey
- Rhode Island
- Hawaii
The size of the benefit is usually based off two-thirds of your current monthly salary. This benefit can last anywhere from six to twelve months and is great for people who are waiting for their SSDI or SSI benefits. Be sure to research for your state laws regarding temporary disability, or visit a local Social Security field office to meet with an agent.
Insurance Coverage and Discounted Medical Care
When you start applying for SSI, you may use that application to apply for Medicaid or your state medical plan. These projects will use your financial information to determine if you should receive discounted or even free, medical plans. Be sure to do research on your local medical coverage because you could automatically apply if you have low-income or already receiving Social Security benefits. If you are older than 62, there are programs to help you cover medical expenses.
FAQ
What Are The Qualifications For Temporary Disability?
In each state, the eligibility requirements vary. If you become disabled and are legally unable to work, this will qualify you to receive a portion of your monthly salary as a Social Security benefit.
How Do You Qualify For Disability?
Often times when applying for SSDI, people will qualify for temporary disability that claims them unable to go to work. If you have spent at least 10 years contributing to your work record, you may be compensated past your temporary disability and able to receive monthly payments to help you pay your bills and medical expenses.
How Do You Get Food Stamps?
Food stamps, now called SNAP, are distributed based on income and the number of people in a household. Applying for SNAP is easy and there are online calculators to help you determine if you are eligible.
What’s The Difference Between SNAP and Food Stamps?
SNAP is the new name for Food Stamps. The previous name for the national nutrition program, food stamps was a coupon used at stores to pay for food. Monthly SNAP benefits are now added to an EBT Debit Card that holds all of your benefit money.
What Is The Crisis One Time TANF Payment?
One-time TANF payments can occur if a family is eligible for housing or emergency support. Crisis payments can be up to $1,000.
Do TANF Benefits Increase With More Kids?
Yes, but you will only get benefits for the number of kids you have as you apply. Having kids while receiving the benefit will not increase your monthly payments.