The disabled are at more of a disadvantage than most people. Here are some tips on how the disabled can get government benefits and assistance.
SSA and SSI
The first thing to do is to find out what benefits you qualify for. You should go to your local welfare office and see what the SSA (Social Security Administration) has for you. These benefits can be under Disability Insurance, if you’ve worked for a certain amount of time and paid your taxes. Your benefits can also be under Supplemental Security Income, which is based on financial need. Make sure you have your medical information and applicable work history. Do inquire if there are industry-specific disability programs, such as for veterans, railroad workers and miners.
State Level
On the state level, you can contact two kinds of programs, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Agencies. The State Council looks out for families who have members with developmental disabilities, while P&As provide information and referrals for services.
LIHEAP
Each state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program its own sets of guidelines and qualifications. However, the basis for assistance and amount of assistance to be given is based on household income, and this includes disability benefits as received by any member of the family. Be sure to emphasize that your family has a member who is disabled when applying for LIHEAP assistance. This also applies for the elderly and children. Do inquire, too, if disability information will be considered for weatherization programs. Sometimes, funding for LIHEAP and weatherization programs are under one program, depending on your state.
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6 Responses
i have been on long term disability since 2009. I have applied for social security disability and am waiting for court date (i do have a attorney) At this time I have to pay my monthly cobra bill and am seeing numberous specialists that even with my insurance I have a 60.00 copay each visit, plus copays for all tests and hospital. between doctors and prescriptions i am spending between 400 -475 a month. After my medical expenses I am not left with enough to cover everyday bills (rent, car, utilities, etc) and often have to decide whether to go to doctor, fill prescription or pay utility. I dont know how to get on the section 8 list or what help is available for me. Any help as to how I go about this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Posted on July 26th, 2010 at 3:58 am
Hello, Dawn!
You can seek assistance for the Housing Choice Vouchers or Section 8 Program through the local HUD offices, under which the programs are primarily organized on the local level. However, you should also check your community center to see if there are other government-approved Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) who handle the actual program. It’s highly possible that your local government offices may even point you to these same organizations anyway. For further assistance, you should also check out local LIHEAP and WAP utility assistance programs.
Posted on July 28th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
I would like to know if any programs help with hospital parking. I am at the hospital anywhere from once to six times a month and parking is from $ 2.00 to $ 10.00 depending on time spent in the hospital. If you have more then one appointment or test this can add up. I talked with the hospital and they do not offer any programs except one, buying parking tickets in advance, but this is not helpful to me i am still paying the same amount. My disability when in a flare brings me to the hospital often and if it is the middle to end of the month i skip going because i can not pay the parking. Any advice
Posted on August 9th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Hello, SG!
It’s rather unusual, your request, but you could apply for TANF, COBRA or Social Security Disability programs that may be able to cover more aspects of your health expenses to make the parking fee a minor expense (as it’s supposed to be). If your local government offices have a cash assistance program, there is a longshot that they may have disbursements under which your needs can be addressed.
Posted on August 13th, 2010 at 6:56 am
Already filed ssi awainting for the administrative judge hearing. But , I’m having life threatening health problems and hospital stay and husband not payingf rent again and leaving me and wainting a divorce and me not working been g=hmo him for the last 10 years he doing better and out of the picture need 2months rent he didn’t pay and Knoe I need help with mental problems amd more health prooblemx annow help with the bills he didn’t6 pay nothing and landlord wanst 14oo hundred dollars buy this next week or I’m getting evicted please help me Reach me at 719-332-2791
Posted on January 9th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
I not on SSI butr I appel theer times and steel fithing for SSI. I buerey can pay my bill.
Posted on February 13th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
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