A Guide to Programs and Benefits for Adults with Disabilities in the U.S. (2025)

Every year, millions of Americans with disabilities face a daunting challenge: understanding what help is available from the federal government. The maze of programs, eligibility requirements, and application processes can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

This guide breaks down federal benefits available to adults with disabilities in clear, straightforward language. From disability income and healthcare to housing assistance and employment rights, we cover the programs that can make the biggest difference in your life.

The key programs we’ll explore range from Social Security disability benefits that provide monthly payments to housing vouchers that make apartments affordable. Some are based on work history, others on income level. Many work together to create a comprehensive safety net.

Core Federal Disability Income Support

Two programs form the backbone of federal disability support: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both are run by the Social Security Administration, but they serve different needs and have different rules.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI functions like insurance you’ve already paid for. During your working years, you paid Social Security taxes. Now, if you become disabled, SSDI provides monthly checks based on your earnings history.

Who Qualifies for SSDI

To get SSDI, you need to meet both medical and work requirements:

The Disability Test: Social Security uses a strict definition. You’re disabled if you can’t do “substantial gainful activity” because of a medical condition that will last at least one year or result in death. For 2025, substantial gainful activity means earning $1,620 per month ($2,700 if you’re blind).

Your condition must prevent you from doing the work you did before AND prevent you from adjusting to other types of work. Social Security considers your age, education, and work experience when making this determination.

Work History Requirements: You need enough work credits from paying Social Security taxes. Generally, you need 40 credits total, with 20 earned in the 10 years before your disability began. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

Check your work history by creating a my Social Security account.

What SSDI Provides

SSDI offers more than just monthly payments:

Monthly Checks: Your benefit amount depends on your average lifetime earnings. Benefits start with the sixth full month of disability—there’s a five-month waiting period. You can receive retroactive benefits for up to 12 months before you applied.

Family Benefits: Your spouse and children may also qualify for monthly payments. This includes spouses 62 or older, spouses caring for your disabled child, and unmarried children under 18.

Medicare Coverage: After receiving SSDI for 24 months, you automatically qualify for Medicare, regardless of your age.

How to Apply for SSDI

You can apply three ways:

• Online at ssa.gov/benefits/disability
• By phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
• In person at your local Social Security office

Apply as soon as your disability begins. Processing takes three to six months on average.

You’ll need:

• Personal identification
• Complete work history for the past 15 years
• Medical records from all doctors and hospitals
• List of medications
• Contact information for all healthcare providers

The Decision Process

Social Security first checks if you meet the work requirements. If you do, they send your application to your state’s Disability Determination Services office, which makes the medical decision.

If denied, you can appeal through several levels: Reconsideration, Administrative Law Judge hearing, Appeals Council review, and Federal Court review.

Find complete SSDI information at ssa.gov/disability.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI provides monthly payments to disabled adults with very limited income and few resources. Unlike SSDI, you don’t need work history—but you do need to meet strict financial limits.

Who Qualifies for SSI

SSI eligibility requires meeting both disability and financial criteria:

Disability Definition: SSI uses the same disability definition as SSDI for adults. Children have a different standard based on marked and severe functional limitations.

Income Limits: You must have “little or no income.” Social Security doesn’t count all income—for example, they ignore the first $20 of most monthly income and the first $65 of earnings plus half of earnings over $65.

Resource Limits: You can only have $2,000 in countable resources as an individual ($3,000 for couples). This includes cash, bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. Your home and one vehicle usually don’t count.

What SSI Provides

Monthly Payments: SSI provides a federal base payment that’s the same nationwide. Some states add supplemental payments.

Medicaid: In most states, SSI automatically qualifies you for Medicaid health coverage.

How to Apply for SSI

Some adults can apply online at ssa.gov/apply/ssi. Otherwise, call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment.

You’ll need detailed financial information including bank statements, proof of income, and records of all assets.

Learn more at ssa.gov/ssi.

Getting Both SSDI and SSI

Some people qualify for both programs. This happens when your SSDI check is very low but you meet SSI’s strict financial limits. SSI can supplement your SSDI to bring your total income up to the SSI limit.

Social Security automatically screens disability applicants for both programs.

Your my Social Security account lets you check application status, manage benefits, and get estimates of potential payments.

Healthcare and Medical Assistance Programs

Healthcare coverage is often just as important as monthly income. Several federal programs provide medical insurance for people with disabilities.

Medicare for People with Disabilities

Most people think Medicare only covers seniors, but it also covers younger people with disabilities.

Who Gets Medicare

Three groups of people under 65 qualify for Medicare:

• People who’ve received SSDI for 24 months
• Anyone with End-Stage Renal Disease (kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant)
• People with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), who get Medicare immediately with SSDI

What Medicare Covers

Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care after a hospital stay, hospice care, and some home health services. Most SSDI recipients get Part A premium-free.

Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient hospital care, medical equipment, and preventive services. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B.

Enrolling in Medicare

If you get SSDI for 24 months or have ALS, Medicare enrollment is usually automatic. You’ll get a “Welcome to Medicare” package three months before coverage starts.

For other situations, you may need to enroll manually. Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov.

Find detailed Medicare information at medicare.gov.

Medicaid

Medicaid provides comprehensive health coverage to low-income Americans, including many people with disabilities.

Who Qualifies

Medicaid eligibility varies by state, but generally follows SSI income and resource rules for people with disabilities. If you get SSI, you’re usually automatically eligible for Medicaid.

Each state runs its own Medicaid program with federal oversight, so benefits and eligibility can vary significantly depending on where you live.

What Medicaid Covers

Medicaid typically covers:

• Doctor visits and hospital care
• Prescription drugs
• Long-term care services
• Mental health services
• Dental and vision care (varies by state)

Home and Community-Based Services

One of Medicaid’s most important features for people with disabilities is Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. These programs let you receive long-term care in your home instead of a nursing home.

HCBS can include:

• Personal care assistance
• Home health aide services
• Adult day programs
• Respite care for caregivers
• Home modifications

How to Apply

Apply through your state Medicaid agency. Find your state’s contact information at medicaid.gov.

State Medicaid Agency Contact Information

Many people with disabilities have both Medicare and Medicaid (“dual eligibility”). In these cases, Medicaid often pays Medicare premiums and covers services Medicare doesn’t, like dental care and long-term services.

Other Medical Financial Help

Several nonprofits help with medical costs:

• Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief: Helps with co-payments and deductibles
• HealthWell Foundation: Assists with prescription costs and premiums
• Good Days: Provides financial and travel assistance for treatment

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) offer free Medicare counseling. Call 1-800-677-1116 to find local help.

Housing Assistance and Independent Living

Affordable, accessible housing is essential for independent living. HUD operates several programs specifically for people with disabilities.

HUD Housing Programs

Section 811 Supportive Housing

This program creates affordable housing specifically for people with disabilities, combining rental assistance with support services.

Section 811 funds nonprofit organizations to develop accessible housing and provides ongoing rental assistance to keep units affordable. The program emphasizes collaboration between housing and health agencies to ensure residents get necessary support services.

Public Housing

Public Housing provides safe, affordable rental housing for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) own and manage these properties with HUD funding.

To apply, contact your local PHA directly. Find contact information at hud.gov.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

Section 8 vouchers are HUD’s largest assistance program. Instead of living in a specific public housing unit, you get a voucher to use in the private rental market.

The PHA pays your landlord directly, and you pay the difference between the actual rent and the subsidized amount. This gives you much more choice in where to live.

Eligibility is based on income (generally 50% or less of area median income) and family size. Due to high demand, most PHAs have long waiting lists.

Once you get a voucher, you find your own housing where the landlord agrees to participate. The unit must meet HUD’s quality standards and have reasonable rent for the area.

Learn more at hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8.

Section 504 Housing Rights

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination in federally funded programs, including most HUD housing.

Your rights include:

• Program Accessibility: Housing programs must be accessible when viewed as a whole
• Reasonable Accommodations: Housing providers must modify rules when necessary for equal access (like allowing service animals in no-pet buildings)
• Effective Communication: Providers must ensure people with disabilities can communicate effectively (sign language interpreters, large print materials)

Find more information at hud.gov section 504 FAQ.

Centers for Independent Living

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are community organizations run by and for people with disabilities. They provide services like:

• Peer counseling
• Independent living skills training
• Information and referral
• Individual and systems advocacy

The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) represents over 700 CILs nationwide. Find your local CIL at ncil.org/about/find-your-cil.

Employment, Training, and Workplace Rights

Federal laws and programs help people with disabilities find and keep jobs while protecting against discrimination.

Americans with Disabilities Act Employment Rights

Title I of the ADA prohibits employment discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities. It applies to employers with 15 or more employees.

Key Protections

The ADA covers all aspects of employment:

• Job applications and hiring
• Firing and advancement
• Pay and benefits
• Training opportunities
• Freedom from harassment

Reasonable Accommodations

Employers must provide reasonable accommodations—changes that help you do your job without creating undue hardship for the employer.

Common accommodations include:

• Installing ramps or modifying workspaces
• Flexible work schedules
• Modified equipment or assistive technology
• Providing interpreters or readers
• Environmental adjustments (quiet workspace, better lighting)

To request an accommodation, inform your employer you need a work-related adjustment due to a medical condition. You and your employer should then work together to find an effective solution.

Getting Help and Filing Complaints

The Job Accommodation Network (askjan.org) provides free, expert guidance on workplace accommodations.

If you face discrimination, file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 days (300 days in some states). Visit eeoc.gov for more information.

Social Security Work Incentives

Social Security offers special rules to help disability beneficiaries try working without immediately losing benefits.

Key Work Incentives

• Trial Work Period: SSDI recipients can test their ability to work for at least nine months without affecting benefits
• Extended Period of Eligibility: Provides a safety net after the trial work period
• Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS): Lets SSI recipients set aside income for work-related goals

Learn about all work incentives at ssa.gov/work.

Ticket to Work Program

This free, voluntary program helps people ages 18-64 who receive SSDI or SSI find and keep employment. You can assign your “ticket” to an approved Employment Network or state vocational rehabilitation agency.

Services include:

• Career counseling and planning
• Job training and placement
• Ongoing support once employed

Call 1-866-968-7842 or visit choosework.ssa.gov to participate.

State Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Every state has a vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency that provides direct employment support and training.

Services Offered

State VR programs provide individualized services based on your specific needs and goals:

• Vocational assessment and evaluation
• Counseling and guidance
• Job training and education support
• Assistive technology
• Job placement assistance
• On-the-job coaching

Services are outlined in an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) you develop with a VR counselor.

Find your state VR agency at rsa.ed.gov/about/states.

Department of Labor Resources

The Department of Labor supports disability employment through its Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and various programs.

ODEP Resources

• Job Accommodation Network: Expert accommodation guidance
• EARN (Employer Assistance Resource Network): Helps employers recruit and retain workers with disabilities
• Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology: Promotes accessible technology in the workplace

American Job Centers

These one-stop career centers nationwide provide free employment services to all job seekers, including people with disabilities. Services include job search assistance, training referrals, and career counseling.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) prioritizes services for people with significant barriers to employment, including those with disabilities.

Find resources at dol.gov/agencies/eta/disability/resources.

Education and Lifelong Learning

Federal laws ensure equal access to postsecondary education for students with disabilities, while financial aid programs help make education affordable.

Rights in Postsecondary Education

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the ADA prohibit discrimination in colleges, universities, and vocational schools that receive federal funding.

Key Differences from K-12

• Schools don’t have to identify students with disabilities or provide a Free Appropriate Public Education
• Students must self-disclose their disability and request accommodations
• Schools must provide “academic adjustments” rather than individualized education programs

Academic Accommodations

Colleges must provide reasonable accommodations that ensure equal opportunity. Examples include:

• Extended time on tests
• Note-takers or recording devices
• Alternative testing formats
• Priority course registration
• Accessible housing and classrooms
• Sign language interpreters

Requesting Accommodations

Contact your school’s disability services office to:

• Disclose your disability
• Provide current documentation from a qualified professional
• Work with staff to determine appropriate accommodations

The National Center for College Students with Disabilities (nccsd.net) provides resources and support for students navigating higher education.

Federal Student Aid

Most federal student aid programs aren’t specifically for students with disabilities, but special provisions exist.

General Eligibility

To receive federal aid, you must:

• Demonstrate financial need (for need-based aid)
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Have a valid Social Security number
• Be enrolled in an eligible program
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov/fafsa.

Aid for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in approved Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) programs can access:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
• Federal Work-Study

Find information on TPSID grants at ed.gov.

Think College (thinkcollege.net) offers resources on college for people with intellectual disabilities.

Total and Permanent Disability Discharge

If you become totally and permanently disabled, you may qualify to have your federal student loans discharged.

Qualifying Documentation

• VA documentation of 100% service-connected disability
• SSA notice showing SSDI/SSI with next review in 5-7 years
• Physician certification of inability to work

Apply at disabilitydischarge.com. More information is available at studentaid.gov/tpd-discharge.

Financial Empowerment and Savings

For decades, strict asset limits on means-tested benefits made it nearly impossible for people with disabilities to save money. ABLE accounts changed this.

ABLE Accounts

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts specifically designed for people with disabilities.

Who Qualifies

To open an ABLE account, you must:

• Have a disability that began before age 26 (expanding to 46 in 2026)
• Currently receive SSI or SSDI, OR have a physician certify a qualifying disability

Key Benefits

Benefit Protection:

• First $100,000 in ABLE accounts doesn’t count toward SSI resource limits
• Medicaid eligibility isn’t affected by ABLE account balances
• Funds can be used for a wide range of qualified disability expenses

Qualified Expenses:

• Education and job training
• Housing costs (rent, mortgage, utilities)
• Transportation
• Assistive technology
• Health care
• Personal support services
• Basic living expenses

Tax Advantages:

• Contributions grow tax-deferred
• Withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free
• Some states offer tax deductions for contributions

Account Features

Anyone can contribute to your ABLE account—you, family, friends, or organizations. Annual contribution limits apply (tied to federal gift tax exclusion).

Employed ABLE beneficiaries may be able to contribute additional amounts above the annual limit.

Important Considerations

Upon death, states may claim remaining ABLE funds to recover Medicaid costs paid after the account was opened. Some states have limited this “Medicaid payback” provision.

Finding an ABLE Program

ABLE accounts are administered by states, but you can generally enroll in any state’s program.

The ABLE National Resource Center (ablenrc.org) provides:

• Program comparisons by state
• Educational resources
• Free webinars and training

Compare state programs at ablenrc.org/compare-states.

Social Security information on ABLE accounts is available at ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-able.html.

Nutrition Assistance

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income individuals and families buy food. Special rules make it easier for people with disabilities to qualify.

SNAP for People with Disabilities

SNAP provides monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to purchase food at authorized stores.

Special Rules for Disability

Households with a disabled member (or someone 65+) get advantages:

• Higher resource limits ($4,500 vs. lower limits for other households)
• Only need to meet net income limits (not gross and net)
• Can deduct medical expenses over $35 per month
• No cap on shelter cost deductions

Definition of Disabled for SNAP

You’re considered disabled if you:

• Receive SSI, SSDI, or VA disability benefits
• Get state disability assistance
• Have a disability determination from an approved source

Applying for SNAP

Apply through your state SNAP agency. Each state has its own application process, which may include online applications, phone interviews, or in-person visits.

Find your state agency at fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory.

SSI Recipients

If you get SSI, your resources generally don’t count toward SNAP resource limits. This coordination between programs reduces barriers to accessing food assistance.

Learn more about SNAP eligibility at fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility.

Transportation Access and Rights

Accessible transportation is essential for employment, healthcare, education, and community participation.

Air Travel Rights

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) prohibits disability discrimination in air travel on U.S. airlines and international flights to/from the U.S.

Required Airline Services

Airlines must provide:

• Assistance with boarding, deplaning, and connections
• Seating accommodations for disability-related needs
• Proper handling of wheelchairs and assistive devices
• Service animal accommodation in the cabin
• Accessible aircraft features on newer planes

Filing Complaints

If an airline violates your rights, file a complaint with the Department of Transportation at secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint.

The DOT’s Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights explains your rights: transportation.gov/airconsumer/disabilitybillofrights.

Community Transportation

Federal agencies work to improve accessible transportation for daily needs.

Key Initiatives

• Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM) promotes coordination among federal transportation funding programs
• Research into autonomous vehicles to improve accessibility
• Support for paratransit and demand-responsive transportation services

Resources

• National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (nadtc.org): Technical assistance for accessible transportation
• National Center for Mobility Management (nationalcenterformobilitymanagement.org): Helps communities coordinate transportation services

Under the ADA, public transit agencies that operate fixed-route services must also provide complementary paratransit for people who can’t use the regular system.

Find DOL transportation resources at dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/employment-supports/transportation.

Assistive Technology Resources

Assistive technology includes any device or service that helps people with disabilities perform tasks and participate in daily life.

Assistive Technology Act Programs

The AT Act provides federal funding to support state efforts to improve access to assistive technology.

What is Assistive Technology?

AT ranges from simple devices (pencil grips, magnifiers) to complex systems (power wheelchairs, computer screen readers). It also includes services that help you select, get, or use AT devices.

State AT Program Services

Every state has an AT program that provides:

• Device Demonstrations: Try different AT devices hands-on
• Device Loans: Borrow devices short-term to test in your environment
• Reutilization Programs: Get refurbished AT at lower cost
• Financial Assistance: Loans, grants, or other help buying AT
• Training and Technical Assistance: Learn to use AT effectively

Finding Your State Program

Find your state AT program at at3center.net/state-directory.

The Center for AT Act Data Assistance (catada.info) provides additional information about each state’s program.

Learn more about federal AT programs at acl.gov/programs/assistive-technology.

Benefits for Veterans with Disabilities

Veterans with service-connected disabilities have access to comprehensive benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

VA Disability Benefits

The VA provides several key programs for disabled veterans.

Disability Compensation

This tax-free benefit is paid to veterans disabled by injuries or illnesses incurred or aggravated during military service.

Eligibility: Must have a current condition connected to military service Ratings: VA assigns disability ratings from 0% to 100% based on severity Amount: Monthly payments based on your disability rating

Pension Benefits

The VA pension provides income to veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or age 65+ with limited income. Unlike disability compensation, pension isn’t based on service-connected disability.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

Also called Chapter 31, this program helps veterans with service-connected disabilities:

• Prepare for employment
• Find suitable jobs
• Achieve daily living independence

Services include career counseling, training, education, and job placement assistance.

Applying for VA Benefits

Apply online at va.gov/disability or va.gov/careers-employment for VR&E.

You can also apply:

• By mail or fax using VA forms
• In person at a VA regional office
• With help from an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO)

Other VA Benefits

The VA offers additional services for disabled veterans:

• Comprehensive healthcare through VA medical centers
• Home modification grants (Specially Adapted Housing)
• Life insurance programs
• Burial benefits

Find general information on applying for VA benefits at benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/Applying.asp.

Advocacy, Legal Rights, and Support

A nationwide network helps people with disabilities understand their rights and access services.

Protection and Advocacy Systems

Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agencies exist in every state and territory to protect the rights of people with disabilities.

Services Provided

P&A agencies offer free legal advocacy services including:

• Investigating abuse and neglect in facilities
• Legal representation for rights violations
• Information and referral services
• Self-advocacy support
• Systemic advocacy for policy changes

Areas of Focus

• Community living and integration
• Special education rights
• Employment discrimination
• Criminal justice issues
• Healthcare access
• Voting rights

Finding Your P&A Agency

The National Disability Rights Network represents all P&A agencies. Find your local agency at ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies.

National Advocacy Organizations

The Arc

The Arc promotes rights and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through:

• Policy advocacy
• Local services through state and local chapters
• Educational resources
• Criminal justice reform initiatives

Visit thearc.org or find state chapters like The Arc New York.

American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

AAPD works to increase political and economic power for people with disabilities. Key programs include:

• REV UP Campaign (voting rights)
• Disability Equality Index for businesses
• Disability Mentoring Day
• Internship programs

Learn more at aapd.com.

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF)

DREDF advances civil rights through legal advocacy, training, and policy development. Focus areas include healthcare, housing, education, and transportation.

Visit dredf.org for resources and advocacy updates.

General Navigation of Government Benefits

Several websites help you find and apply for government benefits more easily.

Key Government Portals

USA.gov

The official U.S. government web portal provides:

• Benefit finder tools
• Information on Social Security disability
• Veterans’ benefits overview
• Directory of government services

Visit usa.gov to start your search.

Benefits.gov

This specialized site focuses specifically on federal benefit programs:

• Browse by category or use the Benefit Finder questionnaire
• Get customized lists of potential benefits
• Find application information and eligibility requirements

Explore options at benefits.gov.

Contacting Federal Agencies

Social Security Administration

Online: ssa.gov and ssa.gov/myaccount Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) Best Times to Call: Early morning (8-10 AM) or mid-week (Wednesday-Friday)

Other Key Agencies

• Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or medicare.gov
• Veterans Affairs: 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) or va.gov
• Department of Labor: Resources at dol.gov
• HUD: Contact information at hud.gov/contact

Tips for Contacting Agencies

• Have your Social Security number and any case numbers ready
• Keep records of all communications (dates, times, names)
• Be clear about what you need
• Follow up in writing when appropriate

The programs described in this guide work together to provide a comprehensive support system. While navigating these benefits may seem complex, help is available at every step. Whether you’re applying for the first time or managing existing benefits, understanding your options empowers you to get the support you need and deserve.

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.