Disabled elderly people frequently qualify for financial aid programs.
Some disabled elderly people have substantial savings and some have significant incomes from retirement benefits or other sources. However, many disabled elderly people live on very limited incomes and many struggle just to keep roofs over their heads and put food on their tables. A number of federal and state programs offer assistance.
Social Security Retirement Benefits
Many elderly people rely on Social Security retirement benefits for financial support. You don't have to be disabled to receive Social Security retirement benefits but you can receive retirement benefits if you worked and paid Social Security taxes before becoming disabled. Apply for retirement benefits online or visit your nearest Social Security Administration office to apply.
Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income, also known as SSI, provides benefits for some elderly and disabled people. If you have low income and limited resources and do not qualify for Social Security retirement benefits or receive only a small amount in retirement benefits, you should consider applying for Supplemental Security Income. Apply online or at your nearest Social Security Administration office.
Medicare
Many disabled elderly people qualify for Medicare, a federal program that helps pay for medical care. If you previously received Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income due to a disability, you'll automatically receive Medicare after you've qualified for disability benefits for 24 full months. Otherwise you will need to apply for Medicare. You can apply online or by visiting your nearest Social Security Administration office.
Medicaid
Many elderly disabled people also qualify for Medicaid. You must have limited income and limited resources to qualify. In some states, people who receive Supplemental Security Income automatically qualify but in other states they must apply. If you don't receive Supplemental Security Income you may still qualify but you'll need to apply. Apply for Medicaid at the welfare office in the county in which you live.
Public Housing
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers public housing for disabled elderly people, in which rent is based on income and family size. Apply for assistance at the public housing agency in the area in which you want to live.
Food Stamps
Disabled elderly people with low incomes usually qualify for food stamps. The amount you can receive is based on your income and the number of people in your household. Apply for food stamps at the welfare office in the county in which you live. In many states, you can apply for both Medicaid and food stamps with one application.
Tags: Social Security, elderly people, retirement benefits, Security Income, Supplemental Security, Supplemental Security Income
