How to Survive on Government Disability

Gardening can be both a good hobby and a source of food.

Making ends meet is difficult at the best of times, and it is even more so if you have to survive on government disability benefits. If you have recently become disabled, aside from all the other lifestyle changes you have to make, it's likely you will have to survive on considerably less money than you had before. This can make life very difficult, but if you learn a few basic money-saving tips you can have a much better quality of life.

Instructions

1. Draw up a budget. Take into account how much you have coming in from the benefits you receive, and factor in all of your necessary expenses. Determine how much less you will need to spend to make ends meet. This gives you a good guideline for the rest of the process.

2. Cut out luxuries. When you have very little money to live on, cutting out little extras can make a big difference. For example, you may eat take-out food one night a week. If you stop doing this, you could probably afford a few home-cooked meals for the price of that one take-out. Making simple lifestyle changes like this can dramatically reduce the amount of money you need to live on.

3. Talk to your creditors. If you have any outstanding loans or other monthly obligations, you may be able to renegotiate the terms and reduce your payments. Many creditors will sympathize with your situation. This is a worthwhile step to take because you have nothing to lose from trying.

4. Grow some fruit and vegetables. If you have a garden or can invest in a few pots and some compost, you can easily become a little more self-sufficient by growing some of your own food. You are likely to spend most of your time at home as a result of your disability, so tending to a few plants will be a good hobby that can soon provide a cheap source of vitamin-rich food.

5. Use your savings, but only if you absolutely must. Savings are a great source of emergency money, and are a valuable safety cushion if you are receiving disability benefits.

6. Work online. If you really can't survive on the money you get from your disability benefits, see if you can earn extra income using your computer. You can start an online business, or use your skills to make some money through freelance work. Even if you don't do much telecommuting, the money you earn online can help to top up your bank account.

References

• My Spending Plan: Surviving the Financial Impact of a Disability or Illness
• Disability Secrets: Social Security Disability Case Surviving While Waiting

Resources

• Disability: Benefits