If you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may wonder whether there are additional benefits that could ease your financial burden. The answer is yes! SSDI opens the door to several other programs that can help with essential expenses like healthcare, food, and even housing. It’s not just about the monthly checks; understanding what you qualify for can make a world of difference.
Here’s a clear breakdown of other benefits you may be eligible for when you’re receiving SSDI.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
One of the most common additional benefits you could qualify for alongside SSDI is Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
What Is SSI?
SSI is designed to provide financial support to individuals with limited income and resources. This program benefits people who are disabled, blind, or over the age of 65.
Can I Receive Both SSDI and SSI?
Yes, this is referred to as “concurrent benefits.” If your SSDI payments are lower than the SSI income limit (currently around $914 per month for an individual as of 2025), you could get SSI to make up the difference. Keep in mind that eligibility will depend on your total income and financial resources.
Why SSI Matters
SSI can cover basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. Even better, qualifying for SSI automatically makes you eligible for Medicaid in most states, which we’ll discuss next.
Medical Assistance
SSDI automatically connects you to valuable health insurance programs like Medicare. If your income is very limited, Medicaid may also be an option.
Medicare Benefits
If you’ve been receiving SSDI for 24 months, you automatically become eligible for Medicare, regardless of your age. Medicare has multiple parts:
- Part A covers hospital stays.
- Part B handles outpatient care and doctor visits.
- Part D focuses on prescription drug coverage.
Some individuals may qualify for Medicare even sooner if they have conditions like end-stage renal disease or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Medicaid for Low-Income Individuals
If your financial resources are minimal, Medicaid can help. This program is offered at the state level and covers medical expenses, ranging from doctor visits to long-term care. Additionally, applying for SSI often doubles as a Medicaid application, simplifying the process.
By pairing SSDI benefits with Medicare or Medicaid, you can significantly lower your healthcare expenses.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Food Assistance
Having a disability often increases living costs, and putting food on the table shouldn’t add stress to the mix. Through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you can receive funds to purchase healthy groceries. These are issued through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works much like a debit card.
Who Qualifies for SNAP?
If you’re on SSDI and have limited income or resources, you’ll likely qualify for SNAP. Benefit amounts vary based on your household size, resources, and income level.
Beyond food stamps, many states also offer programs like commodity food programs or farmers’ market credits for those on SSDI or SSI.
Energy Assistance Programs
Maintaining utilities like heating or cooling can be a struggle, especially with rising energy costs. Programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) exist to help households cover these expenses. If you’re on SSDI and meet the income guidelines, LIHEAP could help with:
- Heating and cooling bills
- Weatherization of your home
- Emergency furnace repairs
This benefit is particularly useful during frigid winters or scorching summers when utility bills can skyrocket.
Private and Employer-Based Benefits
Government benefits aren’t your only option. SSDI recipients may also qualify for private or employer-sponsored programs.
Disability Insurance from Private Providers
If you had a private disability insurance policy in place before becoming disabled, you could receive monthly payments in addition to SSDI. These payments generally won’t affect your SSDI, making them a great supplementary resource.
Workers’ Compensation
If your disability is work-related, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These typically cover medical expenses and provide partial income replacement.
Veterans Disability Benefits
If you’re a veteran with a service-connected disability, you could receive benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA’s disability payments are separate from SSDI, meaning you can qualify for both simultaneously.
Combining VA and SSDI Benefits
Since the VA and Social Security Administration (SSA) use different criteria to assess disabilities, receiving SSDI does not disqualify you from VA benefits.
Tax Benefits and Credits
You may also be eligible for tax breaks as an SSDI recipient:
- Your SSDI benefits may not be taxable if your total income falls below a certain threshold.
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): If you work part-time, you might qualify for the EITC, even while on SSDI.
- Additional standard deductions are available for individuals who are legally blind.
How Can an Attorney Help?
Navigating the benefits system can be overwhelming. That’s where knowledgeable legal assistance can make all the difference. A Social Security Disability attorney understands the complexities of these programs, from filing an application to appealing a denial.
Whether you need help maximizing your benefits or clearing up confusing eligibility rules, professional guidance ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
Why Choose Victor Malca Law?
At Victor Malca Law, we specialize in helping individuals secure the benefits they deserve. From SSDI to SSI and beyond, our team simplifies the process while fighting to protect your rights. With decades of experience, we’ve supported countless clients through complex disability claims, so they can focus on living their lives.
If you’re facing challenges with your SSDI or wondering what other benefits you might be entitled to, contact us today for a free consultation.
Final Thoughts
SSDI can be a lifeline in tough times, but knowing the additional benefits you qualify for can make your financial outlook much brighter. From Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicare to SNAP and energy assistance, there’s a wide range of programs available to ease your burden.
Explore these opportunities confidently, and don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Every benefit you unlock could improve your day-to-day life, making your path forward just a bit smoother.
VICTOR MALCA – Florida Workers Compensation & Social Security Disability Attorney
Victor Malca P.A. has over 27 years of litigation experience in Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability lawsuits. His experience and continued success when fighting for his clients puts him among the most trusted workers’ compensation attorney’s in Florida. He specializes in representing injured workers on compensation benefit cases and disabled individuals claiming lost social security disability benefits.
Book a free consultation today. Our unwavering advocacy for employee rights and privileges are recognized by our past clients across South Florida.
About The Author
Meet writer Rei Bayucca, a graduate of Saint Louis University with a passion for writing about legal topics. Explore insightful articles tailored to solve your most pressing issues. Rei’s expertly crafted content is thoroughly researched and fact checked.