What Are Social Security Disability Benefits?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two separate programs offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help individuals with disabilities. SSDI is for individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, while SSI is based on financial need and does not require a work history.

These benefits provide monthly payments to help cover basic living expenses, such as:

• Housing
• Food
• Utilities
• Transportation

While Social Security Disability benefits are intended to help with these everyday costs, they are not specifically designated for medical expenses. However, there are ways that your benefits can indirectly help cover healthcare-related costs.

Can Social Security Disability Help Pay for Medical Expenses?

While Social Security Disability benefits are not directly allocated for medical expenses, there are several ways these benefits can be used to assist with medical costs:

Qualifying for Medicare or Medicaid

One of the most important ways Social Security Disability can help with medical expenses is through Medicare or Medicaid, which are health insurance programs that can help cover medical costs. Here’s how it works:

• Medicare: After being approved for SSDI, you are eligible for Medicare coverage after 24 months of receiving disability benefits. Medicare provides health insurance for individuals with disabilities, covering a wide range of medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor visits, surgeries, and prescription medications. Once you qualify, Medicare can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• Medicaid: If you are receiving SSI benefits, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid, which provides health insurance to individuals with low income and limited resources. Medicaid can help cover medical services such as doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, and even long-term care. In many states, Medicaid is available to SSI recipients, and eligibility can be quicker than for Medicare.

Using Your SSDI/SSI Payments for Medical Bills

Although Social Security Disability benefits are intended for general living expenses, you can choose to use these funds to pay for medical costs, including:

• Doctor’s visits
• Prescription medications
• Hospital bills
• Specialist consultations
• Medical treatments, therapies, and equipment

Since SSDI or SSI payments can be used however you need, you can use the benefits to pay for medical expenses, as long as you have enough funds to cover both healthcare costs and your basic living needs.

Prescription Assistance Programs

While SSDI and SSI benefits themselves don’t directly cover prescription medications, there are programs that can help with the cost of prescriptions. Many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs that provide free or discounted medications to individuals with disabilities who meet certain income requirements.

Additionally, some states have their own prescription assistance programs for individuals with disabilities, including those receiving SSDI or SSI benefits. Check with your healthcare provider, local government agencies, or disability advocates to find programs available in your area.

Coverage for Therapy and Mental Health Services

If your disability requires ongoing therapy or mental health services, Social Security Disability benefits can help you pay for these services, either directly or through insurance coverage like Medicare or Medicaid. Coverage typically includes:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Mental health counseling
• Psychiatric services

Once you qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, these therapies may be covered. If you don’t yet qualify for these programs, your SSDI or SSI payments can help you pay for therapy services out of pocket.

What Expenses Are NOT Covered by Social Security Disability?

While Social Security Disability benefits can be used for a wide range of personal expenses, there are some medical costs they don’t directly cover:

• Dental care: Medicare and Medicaid typically do not cover routine dental care, including check-ups, fillings, and crowns (though Medicaid may cover some dental care in certain states for adults).
• Vision care: Routine eye exams and glasses are generally not covered under Medicare. However, certain vision-related medical conditions may be covered.
• Hearing aids: Medicare and Medicaid do not typically cover the cost of hearing aids, though Medicaid may cover hearing aids for children in some states.
• Cosmetic procedures: Procedures that are considered cosmetic or elective, such as plastic surgery or cosmetic dermatology, are not covered by Social Security Disability benefits.