If you receive SSI or SSDI, you may be eligible for a range of other federal, state, and local programs that can help stretch your income further. Many disability recipients don't realize just how many additional benefits are available—or how to access them.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Medicaid and Medicare eligibility for disability recipients
- SNAP (food stamps) and how disability benefits affect eligibility
- Housing assistance programs
- Utility assistance through LIHEAP
- Phone and internet discounts through Lifeline and the ACP successor programs
- How to find benefits you may be missing
Medicaid and Medicare
If you receive SSI, you're automatically eligible for Medicaid in most states. In some states, SSI approval means instant Medicaid enrollment with no separate application required. A handful of states use slightly different criteria, but SSI recipients almost always qualify. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health services, and much more—often with no premiums or copays.
If you receive SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period from the date you were first entitled to SSDI benefits (not 24 months from when you applied or were approved—from the actual entitlement date). Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) is premium-free for most people, while Part B (outpatient coverage) has a monthly premium of $202.90 in 2026, which is typically deducted from your SSDI check.
Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (often called "dual eligible"). If you receive both SSI and SSDI, or if your income is low enough, you may qualify for programs that help cover Medicare premiums and copays.
SNAP (Food Stamps)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income individuals and families buy groceries. If you receive SSI, you may qualify for SNAP based on your income and household size. In many states, SSI recipients can use a simplified application process.
For SSI recipients living alone, SNAP benefits vary by state but can provide meaningful help with food costs. Your SSI payment is counted as income for SNAP purposes, but SNAP has its own deductions and calculations that often result in a benefit. SSDI payments also count as income for SNAP, but many SSDI recipients with lower benefit amounts still qualify.
One important note: in every state except California, receiving SSI does not automatically qualify you for SNAP—you still need to apply separately. California includes a small amount of additional SSI payment in lieu of SNAP for most SSI recipients.
Housing Assistance
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program provides rental assistance to low-income individuals, including many disability recipients. Vouchers cover the difference between what you can afford to pay (generally 30% of your adjusted income) and the fair market rent. Unfortunately, wait lists for Section 8 can be very long—often years—so applying early is important.
Public housing is another option, with units managed by local housing authorities specifically for low-income residents. Some housing authorities give preference to applicants with disabilities.
If you're at risk of homelessness, HUD-VASH (for veterans) and Continuum of Care programs may offer more immediate assistance. Contact your local 211 hotline to find housing resources in your area.
Utility and Phone Assistance
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills. Most SSI and SSDI recipients qualify based on income. Applications are typically handled through local community action agencies, and funding is available seasonally.
The Lifeline program provides a monthly discount on phone or internet service for qualifying low-income households. SSI recipients typically qualify automatically. The discount is currently $9.25 per month, and some carriers offer free plans to Lifeline-eligible customers.
Finding Benefits You Might Be Missing
Many disability recipients leave benefits on the table simply because they don't know they exist. The website BenefitsCheckUp.org (run by the National Council on Aging) lets you enter your information and see a list of programs you may qualify for in your area. Your state's disability services office and local Area Agency on Aging can also help identify available programs.
Your SSI or SSDI is just the starting point. Purple helps disability recipients manage their benefits with purpose-built banking tools that keep you organized and compliant—so you can focus on building the fullest life possible.