Disability Filing Information

With more than 1,000 federally-funded benefits and assistance programs available to people with disabilities, Veterans and others, it’s no surprise that finding the benefits for which you might be eligible can sometimes be difficult. Here’s some information to help point you in the right direction:

• If you are looking for information about disability benefits start your search on Disability.gov by visiting  http://www.disability.gov/home/i_want_to/disability_benefits . Disability.gov’s Benefits section has information about the eligibility requirements for receiving Social Security disability (SSDI and SSI) benefits, disability benefits for children and how to apply for Social Security.  The site also has information about Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) (formerly referred to as welfare) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly called Food Stamps).  You can also look for benefits in your state by visiting http://www.disability.gov/state/index?go.y=16&state=&go.x=31 and going to your state’s benefits section.

• Disability.gov also has information about benefits for Veterans, Service Members and their families.  Another good place to learn about benefits for Veterans and military families is the National Resource Directory.

• Remember that if you want to apply for benefits from Social Security, the Department of Veterans Affairs or another federal or state agency, you must contact that agency directly.  Disability.gov cannot not take applications for benefits.

Benefits.gov’s new Benefits Finder is another easy way to find out which government benefits you may be eligible to receive.  After answering a few questions, you’ll get information about disability benefits, housing assistance, health care or other benefits for which you might be eligible. The Benefits Finder will also let you know about the next steps to take to apply for assistance and who to contact.