Benefits for People with Disabilities
Summary
A disability is a health issue that limits what you can do. There are public and private sources of benefits for children, adults and veterans with disabilities, and their caregivers.
- Children. Children under 18 with disabilities may be able to get support. This support involves help with speech, physical therapy and special schooling. They may also get Supplementary Security Income (SSI) payments. Disabled children's health plans include Medicaid, Medicare and plans supplied by your employer. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, employer plans can cover your children, if you so request, until they turn 26. Part of a military family? There is support for military households who have children with disabilities too. These involve childcare programs and help with learning how to plan for costs.
- Adults. Adults with disabilities have choices for health plans. These choices include private health plans, disability insurance, Medicaid and Medicare. If you've paid enough in Social Security taxes, you could get Social Security Disability Insurance. If you have a disability and low earnings, SSI can give you some financial help. You can also work while getting public disability benefits, though there are limits to how much you can earn.
- Veterans. If you have a service-related injury or illness, there are some veteran disability benefits you could get. These include Veterans Affairs (VA) disability payments and housing support.
- Caregivers. Your disabled spouse or partner can often be covered by your health plan. If you're feeling like caring for a disabled friend or person in your family is too much, planning and booking a break with respite care can help.
Your Action Plan: Get Benefits if You or a Loved One Has a Disability
- Think about benefits that can help your disabled child. These can include early intervention programs, special education, SSI, Medicaid and Medicare.
- If you're a disabled adult, private and government sources can help. Government sources include Medicaid, Medicare, SSDI and SSI.
- If you're a disabled veteran, think about applying for veteran disability benefits.
- If you're caring for a disabled person, consider taking a break with respite care.
More articles to read
What Young Adults Need to Know about Health Insurance
Skipping health insurance may seem like you’re saving money in the short run—especially if you’re young and healthy. But the cost of getting care without health insurance can be more than you expect. An unforeseen hospital stay, for example, can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
After you get care, your provider sends a bill, or “claim,” to your insurance company. Your insurance company handles the claim and sends you an Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
Finding Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
If you or someone close to you has opioid use disorder, also called opioid addiction, you aren’t
alone. The United States is in the middle of an opioid crisis. Find out about how you can afford treatment—no matter
what your income level is—and about resources for support.