Living with a disability can be extremely taxing. Beyond the physical and mental strains, financial worries can be a huge factor — from medical treatments to limiting symptoms that prevent normal working hours, money can be a large source of stress.
If your disability prevents you from living a normal life, you may want to consider applying for disability benefits. However, there are other people in your life that may be able to give assistance. Here are five of the best places to look:
1) Friends and Family
The best pace to start looking for financial assistance is with friends and family. These are people closest to you that already understand your situation and may be able to help in your time of need.
Most people receive some form of help from friends and family already, from lending a room in the house to sharing meals to providing occasional, small necessities.
They can assist financially in this way as well. If you plan on applying for disability insurance, they can be even more invaluable in helping you stay afloat in the waiting period during which your application is processed.
2) Local Nonprofits
Nonprofits are an amazing, free source of assistance for children and adults with disabilities. They can provide rehabilitation, education, home visits, and occasionally financial assistance to support those in need of help.
Nationwide groups like the Easter Seals, The Arc, and Family Voices are organizations made specifically to help people function independently and live life with and beyond their disabilities.
Other organizations like United Cerebral Palsy are intended to support groups with a specific disability. Local nonprofits can be beneficial as well and should be fully detailed online or in your city’s directory.
3) SNAP, TANF, and Other Government Programs
Government programs can be an invaluable resource for someone struggling financially. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a program designed to help low-income individuals and families buy nutritious food from most grocery and convenience stores. Amazon accepts SNAP as well.
This can help remove food from your expenses and ensure that your diet is the best it can be.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)is another program designed to help families in need become more self-sufficient. From in-home assistance to job education and family preparation programs, TANF is a great resource for those looking to lead a more independent lifestyle despite financial and medical challenges.
4) Your Religious Community
The National Organization of Disability found that, while 85% of people with and without disabilities state their religious faith is very important in their life, only 47% of people with disabilities attend religious services once a month.
Churches, mosques, synagogues, and other places of worship bring together members of a community that may be willing and able to help you live with your disability.
From spiritual guidance to community connections to potential financial support, church is a great place to go for help.
5) A Disability Advocate or Attorney
If you have a disability that severely hinders your ability to live a normal life, speaking with a disability attorney can be life-changing.
Disability advocates and attorneys are familiar with the legal side of Social Security and disability benefits. They can assist you with filling out applications, getting paperwork from doctors, and working to get monthly financial assistance.
They also provide free assessments of your situation and do not receive pay unless you win your case, to further reduce financial hardship.
Contacting a Social Security Attorney
If you feel that you may qualify, applying for disability benefits only has the potential to help. To give yourself the best chance at receiving the assistance you deserve, speak with a disability attorney today.
