What Other Benefits Can I Get with SSDI?

If you've been approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you're already receiving monthly income because the government agrees you're unable to work due to a disability. But SSDI isn’t the only benefit available to you.

There are several other programs and resources that SSDI recipients may qualify for — ranging from healthcare to food assistance, housing support, and even benefits for family members.

In this post, we’ll break down all the additional benefits you may be eligible for with SSDI — and how to access them.

1. Medicare Coverage

After receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months, you're automatically enrolled in Medicare, even if you're under age 65.

Medicare includes:

Part A (Hospital Insurance) – Free for most
Part B (Medical Insurance) – Monthly premium
Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) – Optional

You don’t need to apply separately — SSA will contact you when you're eligible.

Visit fns.usda.gov/snap to apply or check your state’s program.

2. Housing Assistance

While SSDI itself doesn't offer housing help, being on SSDI can qualify you for:

Section 8 vouchers
Public housing
Emergency rental assistance

Contact your local housing authority and let them know you're on SSDI — it often moves you up the priority list.

3. Utility Assistance (LIHEAP)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps with:

Utility bills
Heating and cooling
Energy crises

Being on SSDI makes you more likely to qualify, especially if you're low-income or elderly.

Visit liheapch.acf.hhs.gov to learn more.

4. Benefits for Family Members

If you’re receiving SSDI, certain family members may be able to receive monthly dependent benefits, including:

Spouse (age 62+ or caring for your child under 16)
Children under 18 (or 19 in certain circumstances)
Disabled adult children

These benefits can add up to 50% of your SSDI benefit — and don’t reduce your own payment.

5. Tax Relief

If SSDI is your only income (or your income is low), you may not owe federal taxes.

You may also be eligible for:

Property tax exemptions (state-specific)

Check with a tax preparer who understands disability income.

6. Transportation & Discount Programs

Many SSDI recipients qualify for:

Public transportation discounts
Reduced or free paratransit services
Amtrak discounts
State ID fee waivers or reduced vehicle registration

Check your local or state government websites for benefits in your area.

7. Vocational Rehabilitation Services

If you're considering returning to work, you may be eligible for free vocational rehab programs to help you retrain or get back into the workforce — without risking your SSDI right away.

Many states also offer:

Job placement assistance
Counseling and education
Trial Work Periods (through SSA)

8. State-Specific Programs

States often offer additional benefits to SSDI recipients, such as:

Prescription assistance
Transportation services
Phone or internet subsidies
Medicaid “buy-in” programs

Tip: Search “[your state] disability benefits” to uncover local resources.

Bonus: SSI Benefits (If You Have Low Assets)

You may also qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) in addition to SSDI if your income and assets are very low. This can increase your monthly income and often includes automatic Medicaid enrollment.

We Can Help You Maximize Your Disability Benefits

At Crossroads Disability, we help clients not only get approved for SSDI — but also understand what other benefits they can receive once they win.

Need help applying or appealing a denial?

Let’s talk. We help clients across the U.S. fight for what they deserve.