Social Security Benefits Attorney: 2026 Fees, Hiring & Approval Guide

Social Security Benefits Attorney: Complete 2026 Guide to Hiring, Fees, and Winning Your Disability Claim

A Social Security benefits attorney represents claimants seeking SSDI or SSI disability benefits. Attorneys work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront, and fees are capped at 25% of back pay or $9,200, whichever is less, in 2026. Represented claimants win at hearing level at approximately 62%, compared to 34% for those without representation. Hiring an attorney is especially important at the appeals hearing stage.

Quick Facts Table

What Is a Social Security Benefits Attorney?

A Social Security benefits attorney is a lawyer who specializes in representing individuals seeking disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. These attorneys handle claims for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and sometimes both simultaneously — a situation called concurrent eligibility.

Unlike general practice attorneys who might occasionally take a disability case, Social Security benefits attorneys focus their entire practice on SSA claims. They understand the agency’s five-step sequential evaluation process, the Blue Book of listed impairments, and the specific medical evidence requirements that determine whether a claim is approved or denied.

What a Social Security Attorney Actually Does

A Social Security benefits attorney performs several critical functions throughout the claims process:

Before filing: Attorneys review your medical records, assess whether you meet SSA’s disability criteria, and determine whether you should file for SSDI, SSI, or both. They can help you file a complete initial application, reducing the risk of denial for administrative errors.

During the application: Attorneys gather and organize medical evidence from your treating physicians, ensuring the documentation meets SSA’s evidentiary standards. They may request specific functional capacity assessments from your doctors that directly address what you can and cannot do in a work setting.

During appeals: This is where attorneys make the most measurable difference. They file appeals on time, prepare pre-hearing briefs that frame your case in the most favorable light, and represent you at the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing. At the hearing, your attorney questions witnesses, cross-examines vocational experts, and presents oral arguments on your behalf.

After a favorable decision: Attorneys help calculate back pay, ensure the fee agreement is properly processed by SSA, and can assist with issues related to overpayments or continuing disability reviews.

Attorney vs. Non-Attorney Representative

You are not required to hire an attorney. SSA allows both attorneys and qualified non-attorney representatives to represent claimants. Non-attorney representatives who meet SSA’s qualification requirements can be eligible for direct fee payment, and Government Accountability Office research has found that eligible non-attorney representatives demonstrate levels of knowledge and success rates at least equal to practicing attorneys.

However, there are important differences. Attorneys have legal training, are bound by state bar ethics rules, and can represent you in federal court if your case proceeds to that level. Non-attorney representatives generally cannot practice before federal district courts. Approximately 82% of represented disability claimants are represented by attorneys, while 18% use non-attorney representatives.

The Three Types of Representation

When choosing a representative, you generally encounter three options:

The specialist attorney — A lawyer whose practice is primarily or exclusively devoted to Social Security disability claims. This is generally the strongest option because these attorneys understand SSA regulations, hearing procedures, and the specific medical evidence that persuades ALJs.

The “dabbler” attorney — A general practice lawyer who takes disability cases occasionally. While competent in their own practice areas, they may lack the specialized knowledge of SSA’s sequential evaluation process and Blue Book requirements.

The non-attorney representative — A professional who is not a lawyer but specializes in disability claims. Many are former SSA employees or disability examiners. The best non-attorney representatives have approval rates comparable to attorneys, but they cannot represent you in federal court.

Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Understanding who qualifies for benefits is essential before hiring an attorney, because not every case has a viable path to approval.

The Basic Medical Definition

Both SSDI and SSI use the same medical definition of disability: the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The 12-month durational requirement alone eliminates many early-stage applicants.

SSDI Eligibility

SSDI is an insurance program. Eligibility depends on work history — specifically, accumulating sufficient Social Security work credits through covered employment. Most applicants need 40 credits, with at least 20 earned in the 10 years before disability onset. Younger workers face lower thresholds.

Who qualifies for SSDI:

• Workers with sufficient work credits who cannot work due to a severe medical condition

• Disabled widows and widowers (as early as age 50 in some cases)

• Disabled adult children (age 18 or older) whose disability began before age 22

• Certain family members of disabled workers (spouses, minor children)

Who does NOT qualify for SSDI:

• Workers without enough recent work credits

• Individuals earning above the SGA threshold (in 2024, $1,550/month for non-blind individuals; $2,590/month for blind individuals)

• Individuals with conditions expected to last fewer than 12 months

SSI Eligibility

SSI is needs-based. Work history is irrelevant. What matters is limited income and resources. The asset limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.

Who qualifies for SSI:

• Adults who are blind, disabled, or age 65+ with very limited income and assets

• Children under 18 with severe disabilities and family income below limits

• Legal immigrants who meet specific requirements

• U.S. citizens with disabilities who have never worked enough to qualify for SSDI

Who does NOT qualify for SSI:

• Individuals with countable assets above $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couples)

• Individuals with household income above SSA’s income limits

• Most individuals who are not U.S. citizens or qualified legal immigrants

• Individuals who are not residents of the United States or who are outside the country for more than 30 consecutive days

Five-Step Sequential Evaluation

SSA evaluates every disability claim through a five-step decision tree:

Step 1 — Substantial Gainful Activity: If you are working above the SGA threshold, you are not disabled, and the claim is denied. In 2024, that threshold is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 per month for blind individuals.

Step 2 — Severity: Your impairment must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities. Only truly trivial impairments fail this step.

Step 3 — Listed Impairment: If your condition matches or equals an impairment in SSA’s Blue Book, you are automatically approved without further evaluation.

Step 4 — Past Relevant Work: If your condition is severe but does not meet a listing, SSA assesses your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to determine whether you can still perform your past work.

Step 5 — Other Work: Considering your age, education, RFC, and work experience, SSA determines whether you can perform any other work available in the national economy. If not, you are disabled.

When Should You Hire a Social Security Benefits Attorney?

The short answer: Hire an attorney before your ALJ hearing, but earlier is often better.

The Case for Early Representation

You do not need a lawyer to file an initial application. Many claimants file successfully on their own. However, the initial approval rate for SSDI claims is approximately 36%, meaning about 64% are denied at the initial level. At the reconsideration stage, denial rates climb even higher — approximately 85% of appeals are rejected at this stage.

It is at the Administrative Law Judge hearing where representation makes the most dramatic difference. Claimants represented by an attorney have an approval rate of approximately 62%, compared to just 34% for those without representation. That is nearly double the approval rate.

Why the Hearing Stage Is Critical

The ALJ hearing is an adversarial proceeding. A vocational expert typically testifies about the types of jobs you could theoretically perform given your limitations. An experienced attorney can cross-examine that expert effectively, pointing out inconsistencies in their testimony, challenging assumptions about the availability of jobs that accommodate your specific limitations, and presenting evidence of how your conditions interfere with work-related tasks.

Attorneys also prepare pre-hearing briefs that frame the legal arguments in your favor before the hearing even begins. These briefs highlight the strongest evidence in your record and explain how your impairments meet or equal SSA’s listings.

Situations Where Early Hire Is Strongly Recommended

Consider hiring an attorney from the start if:

Your condition is not an automatic approval. If your condition does not match a Blue Book listing and requires a residual functional capacity analysis, an attorney can build the evidence needed to prove functional limitations.

You have mental health impairments. Claims involving depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder often require detailed functional assessments and treating source opinions that inexperienced claimants may not know how to obtain.

You have multiple medical conditions. A combination of impairments that individually might not be disabling can be disabling when considered together — but proving this requires careful documentation.

You have been denied twice. Reconsideration denial rates are extremely high. An attorney can help you decide whether to proceed to the ALJ hearing and how to strengthen your case.

You are unsure about your work history. An attorney can review your Social Security earnings record and determine whether you meet the work credit requirements for SSDI.

How Much Does a Social Security Benefits Attorney Cost?

Social Security benefits attorneys charge no upfront fees. This is the most important fact for claimants worried about cost. Representation works on a contingency fee basis — your attorney only gets paid if you win, and the fee comes out of your past-due benefits.

The 2026 Fee Cap

Federal law caps the attorney fee at 25% of your past-due benefits or $9,200, whichever is less. The cap was raised from $7,200 to $9,200 in November 2024. Starting in January 2026, SSA reviews the maximum annually in line with the cost-of-living adjustment.

The rule in practice:

• If 25% of your back pay is less than $9,200, your attorney receives 25% of back pay.

• If 25% of your back pay exceeds $9,200, your attorney receives $9,200.

• If there is no back pay awarded, there is generally no attorney fee.

How the Fee Is Paid

You do not write a check to your attorney. SSA withholds the approved fee directly from your past-due benefits before sending the remainder to you. Your monthly ongoing benefits are not touched. SSA must approve every fee agreement before payment is processed, adding a layer of protection for claimants.

Example: How Fees Work

Suppose your back pay is $30,000. Twenty-five percent of $30,000 is $7,500. Since $7,500 is below the $9,200 cap, your attorney receives $7,500, and you keep $22,500.

If your back pay is $50,000, 25% would be $12,500. But the fee is capped at $9,200, so your attorney receives $9,200, and you keep $40,800. Because the cap binds on larger awards, the effective percentage falls as back pay grows — a claimant with $60,000 in back pay pays about 15%, not 25%.

Additional Costs You May Owe

Attorney fees do not include the cost of obtaining medical records or other documents needed for your claim. If your representative pays these costs upfront, they may bill you separately for reimbursement. These costs typically run from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. Ask upfront whether your firm advances these costs and whether you owe them if you lose.

SSA also charges a processing fee when fees are paid directly to representatives. For 2026, this service fee is $123.00, and it is deducted from the representative’s fee — not from your benefits.

Questions to Ask Before Signing

Before agreeing to representation, make sure you understand:

• What the attorney’s fee will be

• What additional costs you may be responsible for

• Whether you must pay for medical records or other expenses if you do not win

• Whether the attorney will handle your case at all appeal levels, including federal court

• What the attorney’s communication practices are

Is a Disability Attorney Worth It?

Most initial disability claims are denied, and the appeal stage — a hearing before an ALJ — is where representation matters most. Because you pay nothing unless you win and the fee is capped by federal law, the financial downside of hiring a representative is limited by design. That structure exists specifically so that claimants without money can still get representation.

The Social Security Disability Application Process

Understanding the process helps you make informed decisions about when and how to bring an attorney into your case.

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Before applying, collect:

• Your Social Security number

• Your birth certificate

• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics where you received treatment

• Medical records from all treating providers covering the period of alleged disability

• Names and dates of all medications you take, including who prescribed them

• Lab and test results

• Your work history for the past 15 years, including job titles and duties

• Your most recent W-2 form or tax return (if self-employed)

Step 2: File Your Application

You can apply online at SSA.gov/disability, by calling 800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment, or by visiting your local Social Security office. The online application is the fastest method for initial claims.

Step 3: SSA Reviews Your Claim

SSA sends your application to a state Disability Determination Services (DDS) office. A disability examiner and a medical consultant review your medical records and make an initial determination. This typically takes 3 to 6 months.

Step 4: If Denied, File Reconsideration

If your initial claim is denied — and approximately 65–67% of initial SSDI applications are — you have 60 days to file a Request for Reconsideration (Form SSA-561). A different examiner at DDS reviews your case. Reconsideration denial rates are even higher than initial denial rates, with approximately 85–87% of reconsideration appeals being denied.

Step 5: Request a Hearing

If reconsideration is denied, you have 60 days to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is where most successful claims are approved. Claimants with attorney representation are approved at approximately 62% at this stage, compared to 34% for unrepresented claimants.

Step 6: Appeals Council and Federal Court

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request review by the SSA Appeals Council. The Appeals Council grants review in fewer than 20% of requests; most result in remand rather than direct approval. If the Appeals Council denies review or issues an unfavorable decision, you can file a civil action in federal district court.

Important Deadlines

Missing a deadline can end your appeal. The most common deadlines:

• 60 days to file reconsideration after an initial denial

• 60 days to request an ALJ hearing after reconsideration denial

• 60 days to request Appeals Council review after an ALJ decision

• 60 days to file in federal court after Appeals Council action

An attorney ensures these deadlines are met. As one federal court case demonstrates, a claimant who missed the 60-day Appeals Council deadline by more than three years had his request dismissed as untimely, even though he was proceeding without a lawyer.

Reasons Applications Are Denied

Understanding why claims fail helps you avoid common pitfalls.

Insufficient Medical Evidence

This is the most common reason for denial. Your medical records must demonstrate that you have a medically determinable impairment that meets SSA’s severity and duration requirements. SSA distinguishes between “objective medical evidence” — signs and laboratory findings — and “other evidence” such as statements from treating physicians. Objective findings establish medically determinable impairments, while other evidence informs severity ratings.

Not Enough Work Credits

SSDI requires sufficient work credits. If you have not paid enough Social Security taxes through covered employment, you do not qualify for SSDI. You can check your work credits by creating a my Social Security account at SSA.gov.

Earnings Above the SGA Threshold

If you are earning above $1,550 per month (non-blind, 2024) or $2,590 per month (blind, 2024), SSA presumes you are engaging in substantial gainful activity and will deny your claim at Step 1.

Condition Expected to Last Fewer Than 12 Months

SSA requires that your impairment last or be expected to last at least 12 months. Short-term conditions, even if severe, do not qualify.

Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment

If you are not following your doctor’s treatment recommendations without good cause, SSA may deny your claim. If you cannot afford treatment or have side effects that make treatment intolerable, document those reasons thoroughly.

Incomplete Application

Missing information about your medical providers, work history, or personal details can result in denial. A complete application includes all treating providers, all medications, all work history for the past 15 years, and accurate personal information.

Drug Addiction or Alcoholism (DAA)

If drug or alcohol use is a contributing factor material to your disability, SSA may deny your claim even if you otherwise meet the medical criteria.

The Appeals Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process has four levels.

Level 1: Reconsideration

This is the first appeal. You file Form SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) within 60 days of receiving your denial notice. A different disability examiner reviews your file. You can submit additional medical evidence at this stage. Reconsideration denial rates are high — approximately 85–87%.

Level 2: ALJ Hearing

If reconsideration is denied, you file Form HA-501 (Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge) within 60 days. This is where most claimants succeed. An ALJ conducts an in-person or video hearing where you testify about your limitations, and a vocational expert may testify about jobs you could theoretically perform.

Your attorney will prepare you for this hearing, review the complete case file to identify weaknesses, submit a pre-hearing brief, and cross-examine the vocational expert. The approval rate for represented claimants at this stage is approximately 62%.

Level 3: Appeals Council

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request review by the SSA Appeals Council within 60 days of the ALJ’s decision. You file Form HA-520 (Request for Review of Hearing Decision/Order). The Appeals Council grants review in fewer than 20% of requests. Most cases that are reviewed result in a remand to the ALJ for further proceedings rather than a direct approval.

The Appeals Council may deny review, which makes the ALJ’s decision the final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security. At that point, you have the right to file a civil action in federal district court.

Level 4: Federal Court

If the Appeals Council denies review, you can file a civil action in U.S. District Court within 60 days. Federal court review is limited to the administrative record — you generally cannot introduce new evidence. The court reviews whether the ALJ’s decision was supported by substantial evidence and whether the correct legal standards were applied.

Attorneys can represent you in federal court. Fees for federal court representation may be awarded under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) if the government’s position was not substantially justified. EAJA fees are paid by the government, not from your back pay.

How Attorneys Win Cases: Strategies That Make a Difference

Social Security benefits attorneys use specific strategies to improve outcomes. Understanding these strategies helps you evaluate whether an attorney is effectively representing you.

Medical Evidence Development

The most important thing an attorney does is build a strong medical record. This means:

• Requesting records from all treating providers, including specialists

• Working with your doctors to obtain functional capacity assessments that specifically address what you can and cannot do in a work setting

• Identifying gaps in the medical record and recommending appropriate treatment or evaluations

• Obtaining opinions from treating physicians about your limitations

A single treating source opinion that addresses your functional limitations can be more persuasive than hundreds of pages of raw medical records.

Pre-Hearing Briefs

Experienced attorneys submit pre-hearing briefs to the ALJ that frame the case. These briefs explain how your impairments meet or equal SSA’s listings, summarize the medical evidence that supports your claim, and present legal arguments for why you should be found disabled.

Vocational Expert Cross-Examination

At most hearings, SSA calls a vocational expert (VE) to testify about the types of jobs a person with your limitations could perform. An experienced attorney cross-examines the VE, challenging their assumptions and pointing out inconsistencies. Attorneys ask hypothetical questions that incorporate all of your limitations — not just the ones the VE considered — to demonstrate that no jobs exist that you can perform.

Preparing You for Testimony

Your testimony is critical. You need to describe your symptoms accurately and credibly, explain how your conditions affect your daily activities, and articulate why you cannot work a full-time job. An attorney prepares you by reviewing likely questions, coaching you on how to describe your limitations, and helping you understand how your daily activities relate to work-related tasks.

Handling Consultative Examinations

SSA may send you to a consultative examination (CE) with a doctor who is not your treating physician. These examinations are often brief and may not accurately reflect your limitations. An attorney can help you understand what to expect and how to communicate your symptoms effectively during the CE.

Managing the Hearing File

Attorneys review the complete case file before the hearing — sometimes hundreds of pages of medical records — to identify strengths and weaknesses. They ensure the ALJ has all relevant evidence and can object to evidence that is misleading or incomplete.

Common Mistakes Claimants Make Without an Attorney

Even well-intentioned claimants make errors that hurt their cases. Here are the most common.

Filing an Incomplete Application

Missing medical providers, incomplete work history, or inaccurate personal information can trigger a denial. SSA cannot approve a claim if the record is incomplete.

Missing Appeal Deadlines

The 60-day deadlines are strict. Missing a deadline without good cause means losing your right to appeal. As demonstrated in federal court cases, claimants who miss deadlines — even by years — have their appeals dismissed.

Describing Limitations Inaccurately

Claimants sometimes overstate or understate their limitations. Overstating can damage credibility. Understating can lead SSA to conclude you can still work. The goal is accurate, specific, and consistent descriptions of what you can and cannot do.

Failing to Report All Medical Conditions

If you have multiple impairments — for example, chronic pain, depression, and diabetes — all must be documented and considered. A combination of impairments can be disabling even when no single condition meets a listing.

Not Following Treatment

SSA expects you to follow your doctor’s recommendations. If you cannot afford treatment or experience intolerable side effects, document those reasons. Simply not following treatment without explanation can result in denial.

Continuing to Work Above SGA

If you are earning above the SGA threshold, your claim will be denied at Step 1 regardless of your medical condition. If you are working part-time below SGA, document your hours and earnings carefully.

Assuming You Cannot Afford an Attorney

Many claimants delay hiring an attorney because they assume they cannot afford one. In a Social Security disability case, this is often not true. There is no upfront fee, no hourly billing, and no attorney’s fee unless you win. The fee structure is designed to make representation accessible to people who are out of work and under financial pressure.

Recent Changes for 2026

The 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment

Social Security benefits and SSI payments increased by 2.8% in 2026. The COLA began with benefits received in January 2026. Increased SSI payments began with the December 31, 2025 payment. The average monthly Social Security disability benefit increased from approximately $1,586 to around $1,630.

The COLA also affects the attorney fee cap. Starting in 2026, SSA was scheduled to review and potentially adjust the $9,200 cap annually in line with the COLA. However, SSA has since cancelled the annual review that was supposed to lift the cap, meaning the $9,200 cap remains in place for 2026.

SGA Threshold Adjustments

The SGA threshold is adjusted annually. In 2024, the threshold was $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 per month for blind individuals. These amounts change each year with the COLA.

Continued Focus on Hearing Backlogs

SSA continues to face significant hearing backlogs. Wait times for ALJ hearings can range from 12 to 24 months depending on the hearing office. Attorneys can help navigate these delays and ensure your case is prepared when the hearing date arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a Social Security benefits attorney to apply for disability?

No. You can file an initial application on your own. However, if your claim is denied — which happens in approximately 65% of initial SSDI applications — having an attorney significantly improves your chances at the appeals hearing stage, where represented claimants are approved at approximately 62% compared to 34% for unrepresented claimants.

2. How much does a Social Security attorney cost?

Nothing upfront. Attorneys work on contingency. The fee is 25% of your back pay or $9,200, whichever is less. If you do not win, you generally owe no attorney fee. The fee is withheld by SSA from your back pay — you never write a check.

3. What if I lose my case? Do I owe my attorney anything?

In most cases, no. If you lose your case and there is no back pay awarded, there is generally no attorney fee. However, you may owe case expenses for medical records if your attorney advanced those costs. Ask about this before signing a fee agreement.

4. At what stage should I hire a disability attorney?

You can hire an attorney at any stage. The most critical stage is the ALJ hearing. Many claimants hire an attorney after their reconsideration denial when they receive notice that their case is headed to a hearing. However, hiring earlier can help ensure your medical evidence is properly developed from the start.

5. Can a non-attorney represent me?

Yes. SSA allows both attorneys and qualified non-attorney representatives. Some non-attorney representatives have approval rates equal to attorneys. However, non-attorney representatives generally cannot represent you in federal court if your case proceeds that far.

6. How long does the disability process take?

Initial decisions typically take 3 to 6 months. If denied, reconsideration takes another 3 to 6 months. ALJ hearings often take 12 to 24 months from the time of request. Total time from application to final decision can range from 1 to 3 years.

7. What is back pay?

Back pay is the lump sum of benefits you were owed from your disability onset date (or application date, whichever applies) to the date your claim was approved. SSDI has a five-month waiting period after the onset date before benefits begin. SSI back pay is calculated differently and may be paid in installments.

8. Will my attorney take my monthly benefits?

No. Your monthly ongoing benefits go directly to you. The attorney fee is withheld only from your back pay (past-due benefits), not from your ongoing monthly payments.

9. What happens at an ALJ hearing?

You appear before an Administrative Law Judge, either in person or by video. You testify about your limitations. A vocational expert may testify about jobs you could theoretically perform. Your attorney presents evidence, cross-examines witnesses, and argues your case.

10. What if my attorney drops my case?

Some attorneys may drop a case after an unfavorable ALJ decision. Before hiring an attorney, ask what happens if you lose at the hearing level and whether they will represent you before the Appeals Council and in federal court.

11. How do attorneys charge for federal court appeals?

Federal court representation may be paid under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) if the government’s position was not substantially justified. EAJA fees are paid by the government, not from your back pay. Some attorneys also charge a contingency fee under Section 406(b) of the Social Security Act, capped at 25% of past-due benefits.

12. Can I switch attorneys if I am unhappy with my representation?

Yes. You can revoke your appointment of a representative at any time by notifying SSA in writing. However, if you switch attorneys after work has been done, fee disputes may arise. The new attorney may need to negotiate with the previous representative about dividing the fee.

Key Takeaways

• Social Security benefits attorneys represent claimants seeking SSDI and SSI disability benefits before the Social Security Administration.

• No upfront fees — attorneys work on contingency and are paid only if you win.

• The 2026 fee cap is $9,200 or 25% of back pay, whichever is less.

• Represented claimants win at ALJ hearings at approximately 62%, compared to 34% for unrepresented claimants.

• The ALJ hearing is the most critical stage for legal representation.

• The appeals process has four levels: reconsideration, ALJ hearing, Appeals Council, and federal court.

• Common denial reasons include insufficient medical evidence, lack of work credits, earnings above SGA, and incomplete applications.

• The 2026 COLA is 2.8%, increasing average disability benefits to approximately $1,630 per month.

• You can hire an attorney at any stage, but earlier representation often produces stronger medical evidence.

• Attorneys can help with initial applications, appeals, hearings, and federal court representation.

Related Government Benefits

If you are applying for or receiving Social Security disability benefits, you may also qualify for other programs:

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — Provides food assistance through EBT cards. SSI recipients often automatically qualify in many states.

Medicaid — Provides free or low-cost health insurance. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in most states.

Medicare — Provides health insurance for SSDI recipients after a 24-month waiting period.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers — Rental assistance for low-income individuals and families, administered by HUD.

LIHEAP — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps with heating and cooling costs.

TANF — Temporary Assistance for Needy Families provides cash assistance to low-income families with children.

Child Tax Credit — Tax credit for families with qualifying children, available even if you have no earned income.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — Tax credit for low-to-moderate income workers.

Veterans Disability Compensation — Separate disability benefits for veterans, administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Workers’ Compensation — State-administered benefits for work-related injuries and illnesses.

Medicare Savings Programs — Help pay Medicare premiums and cost-sharing for low-income beneficiaries.

PACE — Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly provide comprehensive care for older adults.

Official Government Resources

• Social Security Administration: SSA.gov

• Apply for Disability Benefits: SSA.gov/disability

• SSA Representation and Fees: SSA.gov/representation

• SSA Blue Book (Listings of Impairments): SSA.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook

• SSA Hearing Office Locator: SSA.gov/appeals/hearing_office_locator

• Benefits.gov: Benefits.gov

• USA.gov: USA.gov

• Medicare.gov: Medicare.gov

• Medicaid.gov: Medicaid.gov

• HUD.gov: HUD.gov

• FNS.USDA.gov: FNS.USDA.gov

• HealthCare.gov: HealthCare.gov

• Department of Labor: DOL.gov