Are there other benefits to receiving Social Security Disability?

Everyone talks about the monthly cash stipend from Social Security, but are there non-monetary benefits after being approved for Social Security Disability?

 

The answer is yes. After you are approved for Social Security Disability, several additional benefits can be accessed. Here is a list of some non-monetary benefits for people who are receiving Social Security Disability.

Auxiliary Benefits

When you become eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, your dependents may also become eligible for auxiliary or supplementary benefits.  The amount of these auxiliary benefits is based on how much you paid in Social Security taxes while employed.

For children to qualify for auxiliary benefits under your earnings history, the following criteria must be met. The child must be:

  • A dependent
  • Under age 18, unless enrolled in school full-time
  • Unmarried

Legally adopted dependent children are also eligible, as are dependents that may not be living with you (i.e. children for whom you provide child support).  Disabled Adult Child benefits may also be payable to your child if they are found disabled by Social Security prior to age 22.

Your spouse may be eligible to receive auxiliary benefits if they are under age 62 and they are the joint caregiver of your child who is under age 16. Also, if you and your spouse divorce, they may still be eligible to receive an auxiliary benefit under your earnings if you were married for at least 10 years.

Medicare

If you are approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you will become eligible for Medicare two years from the date you become eligible to receive your SSDI benefits.  However, if you have been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or are receiving dialysis for end-stage kidney failure, the two year wait time is waived and your Medicare eligibility starts immediately.

Medicaid

In most states, if you are approved for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits you immediately become eligible for Medicaid insurance.  When you apply for SSI, you automatically also apply for Medicaid.

Housing

SSI recipients do not receive housing assistance from Social Security, but they are often prioritized in housing assistance applications through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

State Medical Review Team (SMRT)

In Minnesota, persons who have been deemed disabled by the Social Security Administration or the State Medical Review Team (SMRT) may be eligible for a Community Access for Disability Inclusion Waiver (CADI).  This program provides financial assistance for disabled individuals by providing services that allow them to continue living independently.  People who are eligible for CADI waivers can receive a variety of benefits; including personal care attendance, adult daycare, home health aide services, respite care, and modifications to their home or vehicles to allow for mobility and safety.

Conclusion

Being deemed “disabled” by the Social Security Administration provides numerous resources.  From offering more support to family members to facilitating increased access to healthcare, the designation of “Disabled” by the Social Security Administration is more than a monthly stipend, it assists with all areas of life.

 


Written by President and Disability Representative Amy Pearson