(TheDailyCurrents.com) – Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are paid to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. The benefits are a portion of the wages earned before the disability. On average, an individual receives $1,358, while a family receives $2,383 per month. SSDI may not be sustainable for most recipients, and one may need additional income or benefits. These are some of the benefits you may be eligible for while on SSDI.

Supplementary Security Income

The Supplementary Security Income (SSI) is meant for individuals over 65, who are blind, or have a disability but have not worked enough to gather enough points to qualify for SSID. The recipients should also have a low income, lack assets, or have disabled dependents. The recipients must have a maximum income from SSDI must be below $700 for an individual or $1,100 for couples to receive concurrent benefits.

Medicare

Beneficiaries who receive SSDI for two years are eligible for Medicare. This federal health insurance includes hospital insurance and medical insurance. Medicare is primarily for those over 65, but it extends to young people living with disabilities or people living with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). These benefits come in handy since a disabled person is unable to pay healthcare premiums. In most cases, SSI beneficiaries are automatically eligible for Medicaid.

Workers’ Compensation Disability Benefits

You are eligible for SSDI and workers’ compensation when you sustain disability-causing injuries in the workplace. However, both benefits should not exceed 80 percent of your earnings before the disability. Workers’ comp benefits may be paid in a lump sum or installments. When paid in a lump sum, the average monthly amount is estimated to determine how much the government will offset to cap below 80 percent.

Private Insurer’s Disability Benefits

If you had a private disability insurance policy, you are still eligible for the full monthly benefits. The benefits are calculated according to the terms of your policy. The benefits do not influence the amount of money you receive in SSDI payments.

COBRA

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) compels your employer to pay your insurance for up to 18 months after you leave your job. Disabled individuals are allowed up to 11 months’ extension, bringing the total to 29 months. The employer may stop paying your insurance after 29 months.

Public Disabilities Benefits

You may be eligible for extra monthly income if you live in states with public disability benefits. This includes all benefits spelled out under Civil Service Retirement System. However, the total average earnings should be at most 80 percent of your previous earnings.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Affording food may be challenging when one is on SSID. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that helps low-income families access nutritious diets. SSID beneficiaries are automatically eligible for SNAP, which can be used at co-op food programs, some convenience and grocery stores, and farmers’ markets.

VA Disability Compensation

The VA Disability Compensation offers to individuals who were disabled while serving in the military. This can be due to a disability incurred or aggravated by conditions during service. The recipients are still entitled to full SSDI payments. If the recipient is on SSI, the unearned VA income is deducted, including a general exclusion of $20 on the total payments.

Bottom Line

Living from SSDI may be challenging in the current wave of inflation especially when you are living with a disability. You may be eligible for additional benefits such as Supplementary Security Income (SSI), COBRA, Medicare, and SNAP. Other benefits include workers’ compensation, private insurers, public disability benefits, and VA disability compensation.

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