Are you struggling to make ends meet even though you’re getting Social Security disability benefits? If you’re receiving Social Security disability benefits you may be eligible for other government assistance programs as well. Oftentimes, people who are awarded Social Security disability benefits can use their application for disability benefits as an application for other government programs as well. It’s possible to receive assistance with food, housing, and other expenses if you’re also receiving Social Security disability benefits.
Other Government Assistance You May Qualify For
There are a variety of programs that people who are receiving Social Security disability benefits may qualify for to help pay for food and housing like:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP is a food assistance program that helps people pay for groceries. Under Federal SNAP guidelines, all income, including SSDI payments, count as income. But there are a number of different deductions that can help people on disability qualify for SNAP benefits. Additionally, there is no work requirement to receive SNAP benefits if you are also receiving Social Security disability benefits.
Housing Voucher Program (Section 8)
Section 8 helps low-income families find affordable and safe housing. To help families or individuals that are disabled or elderly find housing, the Section 8 program will provide a voucher for a portion of the rent for a home. The voucher typically covers the difference between 30% of the rent and the total rent. In other words, the resident is expected to pay 30% of the rent and the voucher will cover the rest.
Section 8 benefits are income based. This means that there is an income cap for Section 8. Your total household income must be below the cap in order to qualify. It is important to note that disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) do count as income when it comes to Section 8. But, as long as the total household income is below the cap set by the SSA, you can receive a Section 8 voucher while you are receiving disability benefits.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The ACP helps pay for Internet access in rural areas or in areas where people can’t afford to pay for high-speed Internet access. The ACP will provide a $30 discount on the cost of Internet service monthly. People approved for ACP will also receive a one-time payment of $100 to help them pay for a laptop or tablet.
To qualify for ACP, you must have an income that is no more than 200% of the Federal poverty level or be receiving SNAP, Section 8, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Get Connected With a Lawyer
You may be able to apply and qualify for both Social Security benefits and government programs. Government programs differ from each other in terms of their objectives, so it is important to research these programs and find the one(s) that suits your needs. If you have questions about what other benefit programs you may qualify for, you should talk to a disability lawyer. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation form on this page now to get connected with a local Social Security lawyer that can answer your questions—all at zero cost to you.
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