Financial Help for People Who Are on Full Medical Disability

A full medical disability applies to a person who is severely disabled in one of the areas of mobility, hearing, vision or mental health. Whether the disability occurred at birth or later in life, financial help is available through government agencies to assist the person with daily living and basic needs.

Housing

• Housing assistance is available for people with full medical disabilities. For instance, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides rental assistance and vouchers to thousands of families. The voucher system allows the prospective renter to choose the apartment and location from a list of housing units affiliated with the Public Housing Authorities (PHA). Applicants must apply and get onto a waiting list. The Independent Living Fund (IFL) offers payments for living independently. Payments can help with housing adaptations needed and possible live-in care.

Social Security

• If you have paid social security taxes, you are entitled to direct monthly benefits through the social security agency. Benefits are determined based on income and family size. The benefits are paid on a monthly basis and can either be deposited into your account through direct deposit or mailed. Family members such as spouse and children are also entitled to 50 to 80 percent of your disability rate. The disability must be a chronic condition and severe enough so that you are unable to continue working in your present job, or unable to adapt to a new job.

Other Benefits

• Health care is available. In the U.S., programs such as Medicaid and Husky offer full medical and dental coverage. In the United Kingdom, a Disability Living Allowance is provided and the amount paid is either low, medium or high contingent upon need. Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance for those on full disability. Energy Assistance is also available for heating and electrical bills. Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) encourages and empowers those with disabilities to participate fully in their schools and community and provides toys, technology, training and other resources to assist the disabled in living full and productive lives.