Living with a disability comes with extra costs that most people don't realize. Here's why benefits often fall short and how to bridge the gap.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Hidden costs of disability
- Why benefits don't cover everything
- Finding additional resources
- Advocacy and change
1. Hidden Costs of Disability
Medical costs beyond insurance:
- Copays and deductibles
- Non-covered treatments
- Supplies and equipment
- Travel to specialists
Assistive technology:
- Wheelchairs and mobility aids
- Communication devices
- Computer adaptations
- Home modifications
Personal care:
- Caregiver costs
- Personal assistance
- Specialized clothing
- Hygiene products
Transportation:
- Accessible vehicle modifications
- Specialized transport costs
- Paratransit fees
- Ride service expenses
Housing:
- Accessible housing premium
- Modifications and adaptations
- Higher utility costs
- Location restrictions
Important: Studies show people with disabilities face 28% higher living costs on average. Benefits weren't designed with these costs in mind.
2. Why Benefits Don't Cover Everything
SSI maximum:
- $967/month (2026)
- Below poverty line
- Supposed to cover everything
- Clearly insufficient
SSDI amounts:
- Based on work history
- Average around $1,500
- Still below many needs
- Varies widely
The gap:
- Benefits: $967-1,500/month
- Rent alone often exceeds this
- Then food, utilities, medical
- Math doesn't work
Historical context:
- Benefits haven't kept pace
- Cost of living increased
- Disability costs increased more
- Policy hasn't adapted
3. Finding Additional Resources
Food assistance:
- SNAP benefits
- Food banks
- Community meals
- Disability-specific programs
Housing help:
- Section 8 vouchers
- Subsidized housing
- HUD programs
- State assistance
Healthcare savings:
- Medicaid programs
- Medicare savings programs
- Patient assistance
- Community health centers
Utility assistance:
- LIHEAP
- Utility company programs
- State energy assistance
- Weatherization
Other programs:
- Lifeline (phone/internet)
- Transportation assistance
- Prescription assistance
- Local nonprofits
4. Advocacy and Change
Know your rights:
- ADA protections
- Benefit eligibility
- Appeal processes
- Legal resources
Systemic issues:
- Asset limits unchanged since 1989
- Benefits below poverty
- Work disincentives
- Broken system
Advocacy matters:
- Contact representatives
- Support disability organizations
- Share your story
- Vote on disability issues
Community support:
- Disability organizations
- Peer support groups
- Online communities
- Local resources
Practical Coping Strategies
Budget carefully:
- Track every dollar
- Prioritize needs
- Find all assistance
- Plan ahead
Use all tools:
- ABLE accounts
- Work incentives
- Benefit programs
- Community resources
Build support:
- Family and friends
- Community organizations
- Online networks
- Professional help
Self-advocacy:
- Know your benefits
- Appeal when needed
- Ask for help
- Document everything
How Purple Helps
Purple understands disability finances:
- Built for benefit recipients
- Track limited income
- Monitor resources
- Stay organized
- Reduce financial stress