People who cannot work due to an illness, injury, or other health condition may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The monthly benefit payments are a crucial source of income for recipients. Many people, however, ponder whether or not these advantages are sufficient to support them.
SSDI can provide one with enough benefits to live on. However, it might be difficult to get by solely on disability compensation. Making a budget and reducing your monthly expenses can make it simpler to survive solely on SSDI if you have no debt or other financial obligations.
However, for many others, this is not the case. There are many factors at play that can affect one’s ability to live on SSDI benefits alone.
This article will provide some advice on how to live off SSDI benefits if this is the situation you find yourself in.
Benefits For Family Members
There may be additional monthly advantages available for certain of your family members.
The Social Security handbook states that family members listed on your wage record may be eligible for payments. If your child is young or disabled, you can also be eligible for further payments.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Another Social Security program is called Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is funded by general tax funds, whereas SSDI is paid for by Social Security taxes. SSI may be able to help:
- If you have little to no income and are disabled, blind, or elderly
- For necessities like food, clothing, and shelter
You may be qualified for SSI and SSDI benefits if you are in need. If you’re unsure, it’s best to apply and find out. If your household income is extremely low, you may be eligible for SSI benefits.
A Social Security disability attorney can assist you with the application process. There may be other resources available to you through your attorney.
Earning Additional Income On SSDI
The Social Security Administration will check your SSDI application to determine your current employment. The Social Security Administration may decline your benefits if you have a high salary. You can still earn some money while receiving SSDI, though.
You cannot perform significant gainful activity (SGA) while receiving SSDI. For 2023, the statutorily blind will receive a monthly SGA of $2,460. The SGA for non-blind individuals in 2023 is $1,470 per month.
You might earn some extra money if your salary is below the SGA. A few possibilities include babysitting, selling things on eBay, or doing odd jobs for family members or friends. You can use a little extra money to cover supplemental living expenses.
Ticket To Work Program
If you wish to try working while receiving SSDI, you can get benefits from Social Security while working. Those on disability who return to work are eligible for various benefits under the Ticket to Work program. While receiving SSDI, you can also start a trial employment term.
You may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if your income is low. Additionally, if you have a disability, you may be eligible for additional assistance. You may now be eligible for food assistance even if you weren’t previously.
Energy Assistance Programs
Each year, you might be eligible for energy assistance. Your benefits will vary based on your income, where you live, and your energy costs. However, you generally won’t get assistance without asking for it.
Contact your energy provider for more information. Inform them of your SSDI status and inquire about local energy aid programs.
Coupons and Special Discounts
The amount of money you spend on groceries can be significantly reduced by using coupons for the food you and your family frequently purchase and taking advantage of special discounts.
Medication Assistance and Samples
You might incur medication costs for one or more conditions if you get SSDI. Medication costs can become a burden if SSDI is your only source of income.
Ask your doctor if they can provide you with any pharmaceutical samples. Additionally, look into medicine assistance cards to help you save money or take advantage of prescription programs at your local pharmacies.
Home Aide Benefits
You might be qualified for a home assistance program. These initiatives may consist of:
- Nurses
- Caregivers
- Delivery of meals
- Doctor visits at home
- Personal trainers
Suppose a family member is taking care of you. They might be eligible for funding. Investigate the offerings in your area.
Transportation Programs
You may have access to a variety of transportation programs in your area, including:
- Wheelchair assistance
- Uber for Medicaid
- Health care transportation
- Transit alternatives
You can go from place to place for a reasonable price with transportation aids.
Low-Income Housing
Housing expenditures may significantly deplete your SSDI benefits. Look into low-income housing possibilities if your living expenses are too high relative to your income. Your income determines the rent in some apartments. Others provide senior or disabled-friendly rentals. By investigating these choices, you could significantly reduce your rent expenses.
School Meal Programs
Some organizations may help with your children’s meal expenses if you have school-age children at home. Check to see if the school system offers breakfast or lunch meal programs that are discounted or free. You will probably be able to meet the requirements if you only rely on SSDI.
Options For Returning To Work
Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to return to work and possibly make more money than before getting disability benefits.
For instance, the federal government uses a program called Ticket to Work, which enables a transition period and offers assistance. At the same time, you determine whether you can return to work full-time.
Evaluating Your Resources and Effective Budgeting
Sometimes, you may have resources available to you that you are unaware of or strategies to lower your cost of living. Someone like a financial planner could assist you with investing and budgeting. You can consider assessing the following components:
- The resources you have at your disposal
- How to use your present salary level
- Your costs per day, per week, and per month
You might be able to pinpoint places where you are spending more than you should or where you might be able to cut costs based on your costs and income level, while assistance from government programs can help with costs you have no control over, creating a budget for yourself can help you cut back on unneeded expenses.
Conclusion
While it is possible to get by only on SSDI benefits, covering all of your expenses can be difficult.
Without large debts or financial obligations, surviving on SSDI can be accomplished with planning and cost-cutting. Additionally, looking into extra programs can offer more assistance.
Even though living on SSDI can be difficult, it is attainable. It is beneficial to speak with a lawyer if you require assistance with your application or disability compensation.
Your greatest options can be explained to you by a Social Security disability attorney. They can also assist in making sure you get the advantages you deserve.
