Other Benefits You May Qualify For — SNAP, Medicaid, Housing Help
Beyond Social Security, there are several essential state and federal programs designed to support you with food, healthcare, rent, and utility bills. Most cost nothing to apply for and can be held concurrently.
Claim Safety Guarantee
These are federal programs separate from Social Security. Applying for them does not affect your SSDI or SSI application in any negative way. You can and should apply for multiple programs at once.
SNAP Food Benefits
Food Stamps • USDA
Monthly food assistance loaded onto an EBT card. Most SSDI and SSI recipients qualify.
Who Qualifies:
- Income below 130% of poverty line
- SSI recipients often auto-qualify
- Limited assets
Medicaid
Free Health Coverage • CMS
Free or low-cost health insurance. SSI recipients in most states qualify automatically.
Who Qualifies:
- SSI recipients (automatic in most states)
- Low income individuals
- People with disabilities
LIHEAP
Utility Bill Help • HHS
Federal program that helps pay heating and cooling bills. Available in all 50 states.
Who Qualifies:
- Low income households
- SSDI and SSI recipients often qualify
- Seniors and disabled individuals get priority
Section 8 Housing
Rental Assistance • HUD
Federal rental assistance program. Waitlists are long but worth applying early.
Who Qualifies:
- Low income individuals
- Disabled individuals get priority
- Must apply through local PHA
211 Emergency Help
Local Emergency Assistance • United Way
Free service connecting you to local help for food, rent, utilities, and medical costs. Available 24/7.
Who Qualifies:
- Anyone in need
- No income requirement
- Immediate help available
Medicare Savings Programs
Help Paying Medicare Costs • CMS
State programs that help pay Medicare Part B premiums. Many SSDI recipients qualify.
Who Qualifies:
- SSDI recipients with Medicare
- Income below specific thresholds
- Limited assets
ABLE Account
Disability Savings Account • Treasury
Tax-advantaged savings account for disabled individuals. Money saved does NOT count toward the SSI $2,000 asset limit.
Who Qualifies:
- SSI and SSDI recipients
- Disability onset before age 26
- Any disability qualifying for SS
Related Tools & Guides
Disclaimer: RetireGrid is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or any federal program. Benefit eligibility thresholds and estimates are general and can vary by state and household size. Always apply through official program websites. Last updated: January 2026.