How Can I Learn about Federal Disability Benefits or Compensation?

You can learn about federal disability benefits or compensation.

If you need information about federal disability or compensation benefits, you must be aware of the purpose and various types of federal benefits that are available to you.



The three general disability and compensation programs that all qualified applicants are entitled to include Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicare / Medicaid.



The other three federal programs are focused upon specialized segments of the population and include health and compensation programs for veterans, workers' compensation for federal employees and black lung compensation.

Instructions

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)

1. 

   SSDI represents a powerful disability benefit for people who qualify.

   Inquire about SSDI program that pays monthly cash benefits to workers 65 years of age or younger who cannot work due to a disability.

2. To find out about the benefits that are available to you and your family members, qualifications and how to apply, go to the SSDI government website or call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a service representative.

3. 

   The benefit eligibility screening tool saves time.

   Use the benefit eligibility screening tool available at the website to find out what what federal disability assistance programs you and your family members might qualify to receive.

4. 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

1. 

   SSI helps to compensate people with no other means of support.

   Look into the SSI program, which provides monthly support payments to very low income, blind or disabled persons.

2. Use the government website for SSI benefits and qualifications or call 1-800-772-1213 to determine whether you or any of your family members are entitled to monthly cash payments based on low income and resource testing.

3. 

   The state where you live may offer other benefits.

   Check with your local state welfare office to determine whether other SSI benefits are available to you.

Medicare

1. 

   Medicare provides health coverage and other services to the senior population.

   Medicare health insurance coverage is available to people 65 years of age or older and disabled people.

2. View the official Medicare health insurance coverage site or contact the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-MEDICARE to obtain complete information about eligibility, benefits and compensation.

3. 

   Enroll in Medicare 90 days prior to your 65th birthday.

   Insure that you enroll and apply for Medicare three months before reaching your 65th birthday or at the time that you or your family members become disabled under Social Security.

Medicaid

1. Inquire about government health care assistance if you or any other member of your family is under the age of 65 and is classified as disabled or in need of medical insurance due to low income and resource testing.

2. 

   The Medicaid website contains combined federal and state information.

   Go to the Medicaid website or call 1-866-762-2237 to obtain complete information about Medicaid benefits, eligibility, individual state requirements, forms and the application process.

3. Apply to the jointly administered Medicaid program if you qualify under the low income test for the state in which you reside.

Workers' Compensation

1. 

   Workers' compensation programs are administered by the U.S. Department of Labor.

   Ask about cash and medical payment benefits granted to federal employees and other types of employees who have been injured on the job and are eligible and covered under federal programs.

2. 

   Federal employees are covered by workers' compensation.

   Review the workers' compensation website if you or a family member is covered by federal benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Labor.

3. 

   Black lung disease and other dangerous occupations are covered by federal workers' compensation.

   Look at the Department of Labor website under other occupations covered such as longshoremen and harbor workers as well as the recipients of black lung benefits. All of this can be found on the website for federal workers' compensation or by calling 1-866-487-2365.

Veterans Benefits

1. 

   Veterans disability and compensation programs are available to former members of the military.

   Find out about cash and health assistance to military veterans if you served in the armed forces, especially during time of war.

2. 

   The veterans website outlines the qualifications and types of programs offered.

   Read the government veterans benefit website or call 1-800-827-1000 for veteran disability compensation programs, pension programs and health services administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

3. 

   Applications for benefits should be made as soon as possible.

   Apply for any benefits that you are entitled to via the above website or by calling or visiting your nearest veterans administration facility.

References

• Social Security Online: Benefits for People with Disabilities
• U.S. Department for Health and Human Services: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: VA Disability Compensation

Resources

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Federal Disability Programs