Financial Assistance while Waiting

Posted August 13, 2024 by Premier Disability Services, LLC®

The Social Security Administration (SSA) takes many months—sometimes even years—to approve an application for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While you wait for a decision, it can be risky to work. So, how do you survive? Here are some ways to get cash assistance to help you get by.

Your first step should be to contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS) and ask to speak with an Adult Services Social Worker. Social workers can refer you to assistance programs and charitable organizations that help people who need money or other assistance while waiting for disability benefits. Here are some types of assistance they may be able to help you apply for.

State Disability Benefits and Paid Leave Programs

Five states, including California and New York, provide short-term disability benefits (also called temporary disability insurance) for 26 to 52 weeks, and now another dozen states provide paid family and medical leave, though usually only for 6 to 12 weeks.

Each state program operates differently, but generally, these programs can replace some of your income while you’re waiting for Social Security disability. For more information, read about the short-term disability and paid medical leave programs in all 50 states.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance in all 50 states to low-income families with children, for a limited number of months. You can use the cash to pay for your living expenses.

Each state has different rules about who can qualify for TANF, and for how long. You can get contact information for each state’s TANF program on the Health and Human Services TANF map.

General Assistance or Relief Money

About half the states provide cash assistance to people without children. Previously known as “welfare,” public assistance (called general assistance or general relief in some areas) pays a limited amount of money for a short period of time. The amount of the benefit and how long it’s paid varies widely by state.

If you’ve filed for SSI benefits, you could get temporary cash through your state’s Interim Assistance Reimbursement (IAR) program, which is usually part of the general assistance program. However, you’ll have to pay back the IAR money when and if you get your SSI back pay.

Food Stamps

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called food stamps, can help you put food on the table while you’re waiting for disability benefits.

You should qualify for SNAP benefits if you’re financially eligible for SSI or TANF benefits. You could also qualify for this food assistance program if you have little to no income while waiting for SSDI disability benefits to be approved.

Free Health Insurance

If you had to stop working because of a disability, your health insurance probably ended. You might be able to get help covering your medical costs through the Medicaid program, which provides health insurance to people with low incomes.

Each state runs its own Medicaid program, so eligibility will vary depending on where you live. But if you qualify for SSI, TANF, or SNAP benefits, you should qualify for Medicaid too. To apply for Medicaid, you can contact your state Medicaid agency or fill out an application at healthcare.gov.

Get Help With Heating and Cooling Bills

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) helps low-income households with heating and cooling costs through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP can help you pay utility bills and make energy-related home repairs.

If you qualify for SNAP or TANF benefits, you might be automatically eligible for help from LIHEAP. To apply, find the LIHEAP program in your area.

Learn more about getting help with housing while you wait for Social Security to make a decision on your claim.

Cut Back on Expenses and Consider a Loan

You’ll probably need to reduce your expenses even if you’re able to get some kind of public assistance. Analyze your personal finances to see what you can cut. While you need to pay for food and other necessary items, you might be spending too much on these items. You might be able to make different choices and save some money.You can also look into taking out a loan to keep your bills paid while you wait for the disability determination processes to be completed. But beware of payday loans, personal loans with high interest rates, and pawnshop loans.