General Disability Options

Be your disability temporary or permanent, due to your work, an accident or an inherent medical condition, here are some reminders on how you can maximize disability assistance benefits.

Unemployment Benefits

When visiting your local state unemployment insurance agency, make sure you have your medical records so you can file for all applicable benefits related to your injury, aside from the standard unemployment benefits. Some of these are bundled with other packages, such as veteran’s benefits. There are also industry-specific packages.

Social Security

Inquire about Disability Insurance specific to your condition (if you have already worked for a certain amount of time and you’ve paid your taxes), or ask about Supplemental Security Income you can use if your disability is causing you serious financial concerns.

Developmental Disabilities

The State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Protection and Advocacy Agencies can help you if you or a family member has developmental disabilities. They can provide you with assistance and information concerning services that can help you.

TANF

If you or someone in the household is applying for TANF, be sure to list all disabilities, as this affects aid calculation.

Food Stamps

When you do apply for SNAP (food stamp) benefits, it is again important to list down if you or any family member is disabled, as it affects how much you will receive per family member (about $150 to $170).

Housing

When applying for any housing program, particularly for Section 8 Housing (housing choice vouchers), you must state any disability, as this will be factored into which housing units can be suited for you. There are also local housing programs that may help you customize a house for a particular disability. In such a case, it may be under a home improvement program.

Weatherization

Be it the local WAP or LIHEAP program, you must state your disability when applying for weatherization and utility assistance, as this will be a big factor in how much assistance they can give you, and may, like in housing programs, help them determine if you need weatherization improvements done to your house.

Sign up on the box at the right for more information on disability benefits and options.