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If a work-related disability prevents you from earning a living, you may qualify for financial assistance through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. While SSDI can help, many recipients find that their monthly benefits don’t cover all their expenses. The good news is that additional programs and resources can supplement SSDI and reduce financial strain. Understanding these options is the first step. Working with a disability benefits attorney who can evaluate your full situation is often the most effective way to access the support you qualify for.
Understanding the Limits of SSDI
SSDI pays monthly benefits based on an individual’s past earnings and contributions to the Social Security system. As a result, SSDI benefits may not meet their current financial needs. In 2025, SSDI recipients received an average monthly payment of $1,586. This amount may not cover average monthly living expenses in many regions across the U.S. Many people turn to additional federal, state, or local programs to fill these gaps. A disability benefits attorney can help you determine which programs are realistic for you and how each one interacts with the others, so you receive as much support as possible.
Supplemental Security Income
The Social Security Administration operates a second disability benefits program, known as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Unlike SSDI, which provides disability benefits to workers, SSI offers needs-based benefits for low-income individuals with disabilities.
Some SSDI recipients also qualify for SSI if their SSDI payment falls below SSI’s income limit and if they have countable assets below the maximum threshold. Approval for SSI may also open access to other government benefit programs. Because SSI rules differ from SSDI rules and include strict limits, the application process can be confusing. Grech Law Firm can review your financial information and help you determine whether an SSI application makes sense in your case.
Healthcare Assistance Programs
SSDI recipients may qualify for government healthcare programs. For example, recipients will qualify for Medicare after receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months. Low-income recipients who qualify for SSI may also become eligible for Medicaid, which might provide a greater scope of healthcare coverage than Medicare.
Michigan also provides waiver programs for certain Medicaid benefits for individuals with severe disabilities who require a nursing facility level of care. Some municipalities may also offer financial assistance or access to local clinics for individuals with disabilities. An attorney experienced in disability benefits can help you understand the timing of Medicare and Medicaid eligibility, how these programs work together, and what steps to take to avoid gaps in coverage.
Other Support Programs
SSDI recipients can also leverage other support programs to afford ordinary living expenses and medical costs, such as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Low-income individuals may qualify for financial assistance with qualifying grocery expenses.
- Housing assistance: Low-income SSDI recipients may qualify for Section 8 vouchers, which can help cover rent expenses or become eligible to apply for admission to public housing projects. The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program can also help with the cost of energy bills or the repair and replacement of heating and cooling equipment.
- Transportation assistance: Local transit agencies may offer reduced fare programs or paratransit services for people with disabilities.
- MiABLE accounts: Michigan’s version of the ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account allows qualifying SSDI recipients to save money for qualifying disability expenses without jeopardizing their eligibility for means-tested benefits, such as SSI or Medicaid
These programs have separate rules, deadlines, and documentation requirements. Grech Law Firm can help you understand which ones fit your circumstances and how to apply strategically so one benefit does not reduce another.
Eligibility and Applications
SSDI recipients seeking additional disability benefits should carefully review each program’s eligibility rules, as income and asset limits can vary. In some cases, benefits from one program may affect eligibility for others, making it essential to track all income and payments closely. Keeping detailed records can help recipients stay on top of their eligibility and avoid unexpected issues. Many people find it helpful to work with a disability benefits attorney who can organize these details, prepare applications, and help communicate with agencies when questions arise.
Contact a Disability Benefits Attorney Today
While SSDI offers essential financial support for those unable to work due to a disability, it may not cover all your living expenses or needs. At Grech Law Firm, our disability benefits lawyers can help you identify additional programs, complete required applications, and protect your eligibility across all benefits. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help maximize the support available to you.