When you are disabled, it can be challenging 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 to move forward. In addition to monthly payments, disability and all other Social Security payments come with several benefits to assist those 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 getting the payments you need to support your family. Applying for temporary benefits can help with health insurance, cash assistance, or food and nutrition services.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
What is SNAP?
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance is a program established as a support service for people 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 the State manages this program, the requirements and benefits vary per state. Use this calculator to determine your eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Two of the most extensive assistance programs are the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- Several states offer temporary disability programs that can serve as a stopgap before SSDI or SSI benefits begin.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
What is TANF?
This program is made for low-income to very low-income families. You must be pregnant or caring for a child under 19 to be eligible. 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 per state, and each territory has a defined set of separate qualifications for TANF. For example, in Georgia, the requirements dictate your income, your child’s school attendance, and other heavy requirements. Some states will have strict requirements, while others will not.
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State Temporary Disability
Some states offer a temporary disability program if you have been disabled and cannot work. These states are:
- California
- New York
- New Jersey
- Rhode Island
- Hawaii
The benefit size is usually based on two-thirds of your current monthly salary. This benefit can last anywhere from six to twelve months and is excellent for people waiting for SSDI or SSI benefits. Be sure to research your state laws regarding temporary disability or visit a local Social Security field office to meet with an agent.
TIP
Each state administers the SNAP and TANF programs and can establish its own qualifications. Researching your state assistance programs may lead to additional benefits.
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 programs will use your financial information to determine if you should receive discounted or even free medical plans.
Be sure to research your local medical coverage because you could automatically apply if you have a low income or are already receiving Social Security benefits. If you are older than 62, there are programs to help you cover medical expenses.
The Bottom Line
Additional assistance programs are available to Social Security recipients. Two primary programs are the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), but other state programs are also available.
Your SSI application may also be used to apply for Medicaid or your state medical plan. They will use your application to determine your eligibility for discounts or free medical plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Often, when applying for SSDI, people will qualify for a temporary disability that claims them unable to go to work. Suppose you have spent at least 10 years contributing to your work record. In that case, you may be compensated past your temporary disability and able to receive monthly payments to help you pay your bills and medical expenses.
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.
SNAP is the new name for Food Stamps. The previous name for the national nutrition program was food stamps, which were coupons 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.
If a family is eligible for housing or emergency support, one-time TANF payments can occur. Crisis payments can be up to $1,000.
You can find a Social Security Administration office near you by using our SSA office locator and searching for your closest location.
