Quick Answer: Disabled individuals drowning in debt have specific resources available, including HELPS nonprofit law firm for collection issues and potential SSI benefits even while receiving SSDI. The key is understanding that disability status opens doors to specialized assistance programs designed for people with limited income facing financial hardship.
Question:
Dear Steve,
I’m on disability and losing everything I have. So any little thing I’m grateful for.
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Answer:
Dear Jimmy,
I sat here looking at your question, frustrated by so little information to go by. Typically I’d skip past a question like this, but the longer I sat here looking at it, the more I realized maybe there is something I can do with what you have shared.
On Disability
When you say you are on disability, I suspect you might be on SSDI or Social Security Disability Insurance. If that is the case, then the government has already determined you are disabled, making it easier to get some benefits.
If you are facing financial hardships, a non-profit law firm specializes in assisting people who are disabled or seniors. If the issue you are facing is collection calls or creditor threats, then you should contact HELPS. They provide low-cost assistance to people in your specific situation.
As HELPS says right on their homepage, “HELPS is a nonprofit law firm and 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We serve senior citizens and disabled persons struggling with debt.”
SSDI and SSI Benefits
While you might be receiving SSDI because you have been determined to be disabled, you may not have also applied for SSI or Supplemental Security Income. SSI is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income and it provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
Some people are confused if they can receive SSDI and SSI at the same time. The answer is yes.
As the Social Security Administration says, “Many individuals are eligible for benefits under both the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs at the same time. We use the term “concurrent” when individuals are eligible for benefits under both programs.”
SSI Eligibility Requirements
Anyone who is:
- aged (age 65 or older);
- blind; or
- disabled.
And, who:
- has limited income;
- has limited resources;
- is a U.S. citizen or national, or in one of certain categories of aliens;
- is not absent from the country for a full calendar month or for 30 consecutive days or more;
- is not confined to an institution (such as a hospital or prison) at the government’s expense;
- applies for any other cash benefits or payments for which he or she may be eligible, (for example, pensions, Social Security benefits);
- gives SSA permission to contact any financial institution and request any financial records about you;
- files an application; and
- meets certain other requirements.
You can use the online Social Security Benefit tool to see if you are eligible for the additional benefits.
More Benefit Eligibility
The US government provides an excellent website to find other benefits you may be eligible for. The Benefits.gov site can identify additional funding available to assist you and help you apply for that funding or guide you in the right direction to apply.
It is an excellent resource.
Other benefits you may be eligible for since you are disabled include:
- Medicare (even under age 65 if you are disabled and meet the requirements)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP)
- State Disability Benefits
- Home Energy Assistance Program
- and more.
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I’m disabled and need help.
I just answered your question about disability and gave you some excellent resources to help in this difficult time.