Financial Assistance While Waiting on Disability

The Social Security Administration (SSA) takes many months—sometimes even years—to make a decision on an application for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  While you’re waiting for the decision, it can be risky to work. But you need some kind of income to live. Here are some ways to get assistance that will help tide you over until your benefits are approved.

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 find assistance programs that you’re eligible for, as well as charitable organizations that help people with disabilities. Here are some types of aid they may be able to help you apply for.

State Disability Benefits and Paid Leave Programs

If you’ve been working, five states, including California and New York, provide temporary (short-term) disability benefits for 26 to 52 weeks. Another dozen states provide paid family and medical leave that may cover your own medical leave, but paid leave usually covers you for only 6 to 12 weeks.

If your doctor certifies that you can’t work due to your disability, these state programs can replace some of the income you lost when you leave your job. 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 families with low income and children, for a limited number of months. 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

Only 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’re waiting to be approved for SSI benefits, you may also be able to 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.

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Food Stamps

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can give you several hundred dollars a month to buy food while you’re waiting for disability benefits. You will likely qualify for SNAP benefits if you’re financially eligible for TANF or SSI benefits. You can also qualify for this SNAP benefits if you have low income but you aren’t yet receiving public benefits.

Free Health Insurance

If you had to stop working due to your disability, your health insurance probably ended. You might be able to qualify for health insurance through the Medicaid program, which provides insurance to people with low incomes.

Each state runs its own Medicaid program and makes its own eligibility rules, so whether you qualify for Medicaid will depend on where you live. But if you’re eligible for TANF or SNAP benefits (or SSI), 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 individuals and families 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’re eligible for SNAP or TANF benefits, you might qualify automatically for LIHEAP. To apply, find the LIHEAP program in your area.

Learn more about getting housing help while you’re waiting for a disability decision on your claim.

Consider a Loan but Cut Back on Expenses

You can look into taking out a loan to help pay your bills until you get approved for disability benefits. But beware of payday loans, personal loans with high interest rates, and pawnshop loans. And also, consider how you’ll pay back the loans if you don’t get approved.

You’ll probably need to reduce your expenses even if you’re able to get some kind of public assistance or a loan. 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.