If you get SSI or SSDI, chances are someone has told you to use a prepaid card — maybe Direct Express, maybe True Link. They’re common. They’re simple. But are they actually the best option? For many people with disabilities, prepaid debit cards are marketed as the only safe choice. But the truth is, they come with major limitations — and there are better alternatives. What Is a Prepaid Card? A prepaid card works like a debit card, but it isn’t tied to a full-featured checkin

If you’re receiving SSDI, a single gap in income — like a missed or delayed paycheck — can confuse the Social Security Administration (SSA) and lead to one of the most stressful things a disabled person can face: An overpayment. Even if you’re eligible, even if the income was reported, even if it was just a glitch — SSA can say they paid you too much and demand you pay it back. Here’s how it happens — and how to protect yourself. What Is an SSDI Overpayment? An overpayment ha

ABLE accounts are one of the most powerful tools available to people with disabilities. They let you save up to $100,000 without losing SSI, spend on everyday needs, and grow your money tax-free. But there’s one small eligibility rule that trips people up — and if you miss it, you could lose your chance entirely. What Is an ABLE Account? ABLE stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience. It’s a type of savings account created by Congress that allows eligible people with disa

Big banks love to talk about innovation: smarter budgeting tools, faster direct deposits, AI-powered insights. But if you’re on disability benefits, you’ve probably noticed something else. Those tools aren’t made for you. Millions of disabled Americans are excluded from the banking system — not because they don’t need help managing money, but because banks weren’t built with their needs in mind. And even now, most still aren’t. The System Wasn’t Built for Disability Benefits

You’ve done everything right. You qualified for SSI or SSDI, submitted your paperwork, and set up direct deposit. But then—out of nowhere—your benefits stop showing up. No notice. No explanation. Just a missing payment when you need it most. This happens more often than you’d think. And in many cases, it’s because of a tiny banking error most people never see coming. How a Simple Mistake Can Cost You Everything Here are a few common issues that have caused people to lose thei

If you’re on SSI, you’ve probably heard the rule: don’t save more than $2,000 or you could lose your benefits. But here’s what most...

If you’re trying to save money without losing your disability benefits, someone has probably mentioned a Special Needs Trust (SNT). On the surface, it sounds like the perfect solution - but there are serious tradeoffs most people don’t hear about until it’s too late. Before you lock your money away in a trust, here’s what you need to know. What Is a Special Needs Trust? A Special Needs Trust is a legal structure that holds money for someone with a disability without counting

Every month, thousands of people with disabilities lose their SSDI benefits - not because they’re ineligible, but because they didn’t...

If you’re disabled and living on SSI or SSDI, chances are your bank isn’t looking out for you. In fact, they’re probably profiting off your situation - with fees, delays, and policies that make managing money harder, not easier. Let’s break down how traditional banks are quietly making billions from people with disabilities - and what you can do instead. The Hidden Costs of Traditional Banking Big banks made over $30 billion in overdraft and account fees last year alone. And

If you’re on SSI and have more than $2,000 in your name, the government can cut off your benefits - even if it’s just by a few dollars. Sound unfair? It is. And it’s been that way for decades. But there’s a way to protect yourself - and even save far more than the limit without putting your benefits at risk. What Is the $2,000 Rule? If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you’re subject to strict “resource limits.” That means you can’t have more than: $2,000 in tot

SSA just changed the rules again—here’s what it means for your check Introduction: Afraid SSA Will Take Your Whole Check? Let’s Clear It...

Understanding SSA’s rules—and how to protect your SSI or SSDI Introduction: Can You Really Spend Your Benefits However You Want? If you...

How to safely manage benefits for a minor—and avoid affecting their eligibility Introduction: Managing SSI for a Child Isn’t Always...

Simple steps to stay compliant—and keep your benefits safe Introduction: Afraid You’ll Owe SSA Money? You’re Not Alone. If you receive...

Understand what the SSA considers income—and how to stay eligible for benefits Introduction: Not All Income Is Created Equal (According...

Your options—and why more people are switching to modern alternatives like Purple Introduction: No Bank Account? You Can Still Get...

A guide to safe, SSI-friendly banking built for people with disabilities Introduction: Looking for a Disability Bank Account? Here’s What...

What this change means for you—and how to keep your benefits flowing Introduction: SSA Is Going All-Digital—Here’s What to Know Starting...

What to expect, how to prepare, and how to avoid benefit delays Introduction: Worried About a Redetermination? You’re Not Alone. If...

Top reasons for SSI and SSDI denials, and how to appeal or reapply Introduction: Got Denied? You’re Not Alone. If you recently applied...

Smart ways to build savings and stay under the $2,000 limit Introduction: Can You Really Save While on SSI? If you’re receiving...

How to fix it—and how to make sure it never happens again Introduction: Didn’t Complete Your Redetermination in Time? Don’t Panic. If...

Move your SSI or SSDI safely—and get paid faster with Purple Introduction: Ready to Leave Direct Express? Here’s How to Switch Many...

What you need to know before spending your SSI or SSDI lump sum Introduction: Got a Big Back Pay Check? Here’s What to Watch For If...