Unfortunately, being handicapped or caring for someone who is handicapped usually results in a host of extra costs. Depending on the nature of the disability, there may be regular medical bills, loss of income and many kinds of additional everyday concerns. Handicapped people may need assistance in working, saving money or attending school. There are benefits available for the handicapped in the United States meant to lighten the load and open new doors of opportunities.
The Social Security Administration
A major provider of benefits for the handicapped in the United States is the Social Security Administration (SSA) . Social Security Income (SSI) payments may be made to those qualify for them. According to the SSA, SSI or Social Security Disability (SSDI) payments may be made to children with disabilities, those disabled in childhood, and to "people with low income and limited resources who are 65 or older, or blind or disabled". To qualify as disabled, you must "have marked and severe functional limitations" lasted or are expected to last at least 12 months.
Employment Support Program
The SSA also offers help for young disabled adults who work. Essentially, teenagers and adults who are employed can save money and not have their savings count against them when determining SSI or SSDI payments. Disabled adults younger than 22 years old may claim of exemption of up to $6,600 per year when determining their income for SSI. Adults who get SSDI payments may also claim the same exemption.
Health Care Benefits
Social Security Income payments are generally made to families with disabled children. Social Security Disability Insurance payments are usually for adults who have been disabled since childhood. In many states, those who qualify for SSI also automatically qualify for Medicaid, a health care program for people with low incomes. In some states, the coverage is not automatic; you may have to request Medicaid coverage individually. Medicare is health care program for those 65 years and older. However, you may get Medicare coverage immediately if you have been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for 24 months or your child "has a chronic renal disease and needs a kidney transplant or maintenance dialysis; or has Lou Gehrig's disease," according to the . If your income is too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance, the State Children's Health Insurance Program can help provide health insurance.
Time Frame
Adults of any age who become disabled and cannot work due to their conditions may also receive Social Security payments. To qualify, the disability must be expected to last at least a year or result in death. According to the SSA, you must also meet two more qualifications: pass a "recent work" criterion based on your age at the time you became handicapped, and pass the "duration of work" criterion to show that you have worked long enough to be entitled to benefits. For example, the recent work test for a 38-year-old is that you have worked at least five of the ten years preceding your disability. The duration of work needed for a 38-year-old is three years.
Applying for Benefits
The SSA recommends that you apply for benefits as soon as you become disabled, as the investigation and processing time can be anywhere from three to five months. You can apply online or call your local SSA office or their toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, in order to set up an appointment to come in and fill out a claim or for someone to take your claim over the telephone. There is also a TTY number for the deaf or hard of hearing: 1-800-325-0778. You will also need to complete a disability report, which can be downloaded from the SSA website.
Tags: Social Security, Security Administration, Social Security Administration, SSDI payments, that have