There is no sense sugar-coating the fact that money is generally in short supply for anyone going through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims process. So, identifying current and future sources of income is a top priority.

Turning to friends and family for financial support is sometimes an option. The goal; however, is to remain financially independent for as long as possible. The following are some ways to achieve this goal.

Personal resources. For those just starting the SSDI process, the financial resources you can draw on will depend on your existing savings and other assets. This is known as your financial net worth.

To help you identify all the immediate financial resources at your disposal, we offer a net worth calculator for your use.

Some assets, like cash, savings accounts and checking accounts are available for immediate use. Other assets, like stocks, vehicles and similar assets would have to be converted to cash for your use in paying monthly expenses. If you own your home, your options include selling it or pulling some equity from the home by refinancing.

Your Spouse’s income. For SSDI recipients who are married, having a supportive spouse is a blessing. Having a spouse who works, even more so.

In situations where an SSDI claimant was once the main earner in the household, the claimant’s spouse often goes back to work or increases the number of hours worked out of financial necessity. Not only does having the spouse work help financially, having access to medical insurance through the spouse’s employer is also extremely important.

If you didn’t already know how helpful having a spouse can be in this situation, we provide a calculator which shows the financial impact of having an extra income in your household.

Financial assistance programs. Finally, getting an SSDI award can take years because that is the nature of the system. In the meantime, there are many federal, state and local government programs available to help those with disabilities or low incomes. There are also many privately funded programs you can turn to.

The government sponsored financial assistance programs available to low income individuals include:

• Low- or no-cost health care for you and your family, including prescription drug coverage;
• Help paying heat, electricity, telephone and water bills;
• Upgrading your home to make it more energy efficient;
• Reduced public transportation fares;
• Property tax credits;
• Food stamps;
• Free meals for children attending school, including summer months; and
• Food pantries offering free monthly food packages.

Although there are many such programs out there, tracking them all down requires a lot of effort. Doing so, however, can fill a big hole in your basic monthly expenses. To help you get started, we have provided some links to financial assistance programs, accessible by clicking on your state in the map below.

The income and healthcare benefits of SSDI. Getting an SSDI award means once again having a regular monthly income coming in (with annual cost of living increases, too). If you are contemplating applying for SSDI benefits, use this Social Security benefits calculator to learn what your monthly benefit amount is likely to be.

If you haven’t already done so, complete our free online Social Security disability evaluation form. You may also call (800) 279-4357 to speak with one of our SSDI specialists who can assist you with the SSDI claims process.

Qualifying for SSDI may also include the following benefits:

 

• A lump sum retroactive SSDI payment for previous months from the date of eligibility confirmed by the Social Security Administration;
• Eligibility for Medicare;
• Possible extension of COBRA benefits;
• Potentially higher retirement benefits when you turn retirement age accomplished by freezing earnings records during the period of disability;
• Dependent benefits for children under 18; and
• Return to work incentives allowing limited employment without reduction of SSDI payments.

Coordination with overall financial plan. Using the above ways to increase your cash flow will not make you rich, but they will help your financial situation. In order to survive, though, you must also get a handle on your expenses and control them as much as possible.