If you are disabled, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.
Social Security Disability is a program that pays monthly benefits to those who are legally determined to be disabled. You can be determined disabled at any age. The Social Security Administration has a listing of impairments used to make the determination; an impairment has to last for a consecutive period of 12 months. If you are determined disabled by the Social Security Administration and are approved, you may become eligible for additional benefits, including food programs, Medicare, Medicaid and the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program.
Food Programs
Social Security benefits can include grocery vouchers.
There are several food programs available for people who receive Social Security Disability benefits. Food stamps are benefits that come on a card and that allow you to go to grocery stores, food marts, convenience stores and the like to purchase groceries. There is a monthly income limit to be eligible for food stamps. The WIC program provides vouchers to low-income women who are pregnant, post-partum or breastfeeding, as well as for infants and children up to age five. Contact your local or state health department to determine if you are eligible for this program. The Nutrition Service Incentive Program (NSIP) is run by the Department of Health and Human Services. This program in-home service to frail elderly people by providing them with nutritious meals.
A number of other food distribution programs cater to those with low incomes. Churches, shelters and soup kitchens often offer aid to those in need. Children in low-income families benefit from National School Lunch and Breakfast programs, as well as the Summer Food Service Program, run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Finally, the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides low-income seniors age 60 and older with vouchers that can be used to purchase food from farmers' markets, community supported agriculture programs and roadside stands.
Medicare
Medicare is a program that assists with payment of medical bills. This program is typically designated for the elderly. Serious medical problems---for instance, if you have permanent kidney failure that requires you to have regular dialysis and you need a transplant, or if you have Lou Gehrig's disease---will qualify you for Medicare benefits almost immediately. Typically, Medicare benefits will be given to you after the waiting period of 24 months.
Medicaid
Medicaid is another program that assists with payment of medical bills. This program benefits younger persons, like women and children, who have low incomes. This is a government-funded program, and you must meet certain criteria to be eligible. You can apply for this program or learn more information through the Department of Health and Human Services or your local health department.
Work Incentives
Not all disabilities are permanent, so the Social Security Administration offers work incentive programs to those who qualify. You may be eligible to go back to work for a trial period, during which time you will still receive your diability payments. Alternatively, you can request aid paying disability-related work expenses, for instance if you have trouble commuting to work because of your disability. Visit the Administration's website for more information and options.
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