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Social Security Disability & Medicaid

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers financial benefits to people who qualify as disabled. Medical coverage is available through the state's Medicaid program to assist with medical care and related costs.

  1. Definition of Disabled

    • For the purpose of eligibility for Social Security benefits, the SSA defines disabled as the inability to perform work due to a physical or medical impairment expected to last at least one year or end in death.

    Work Duration Test

    • Disabled people must also qualify for the work duration test to receive benefits. This test requires that the applicant must have worked for a certain number of years based on age and includes earnings from recent years.

    Medicaid Benefits

    • Medical care is available to beneficiaries through the state's Medicaid program. Benefits include mental health care, hospital and doctor visits, diagnostic testing and prescriptions.

    Applying for Medicaid

    • Procedures for qualifying to receive Medicaid are determined by the state of residence. Many states automatically qualify a disabled individual upon approval of Social Security. Other states require a separate application for Medicaid.

    Returning to Work

    • Disabled individuals who previously qualified for Social Security Disability may continue to receive Medicaid coverage after returning to work. Eligibility includes an income and resource test, as well as the inability to replace Medicaid with private health insurance.

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