Plan for Lifelong Support
Download and save your own copy of the planning spreadsheet before entering personal information. Contact charityawareness@commonheart.org if you are unable to access it.
Benefits & Applications
SSI and SSDI are two different programs
Can You Get Disability Benefits If You’ve Never Had a Job?
An Explanation of the Rules of SSI
How To Apply For Disability Without a Lawyer
Things to Know Before Applying for SSI
Be Prepared Long Before Filing for Disability Benefits
32 Support Documents that Can Help Your Disability Case
How To Describe Your Activities When You Apply for Disability
How to Stay In Touch with Your Disability Examiner
How to Survive Financially While Waiting for Disability Approval
How to Greatly Increase Your Chances of Disability Approval
Section 8 Secrets for People with Disabilities
When Your Home Can Be Excluded as an Asset for SSI Disability
Financial Planning
Work
Social Security Administration Rules for Working While Disabled
How You Can (and can’t) Make Money While on SSI
Social Security Disability Entrepreneurship and Starting a Business on Disability Income
Job Accommodation Network– JAN’s trusted consultants offer one-on-one guidance on workplace accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities. Assistance is available both over the phone and online.
The Campaign for Disability Employment Resources for Job Seekers & Employees
Housing
How to Determine Rent if You Live with the Homeowner (SSI Regulations)
Help with Housing Costs Can Affect SSI: Help with rent, mortgage or certain utilities may reduce your SSI payment, depending on your living arrangement. Food provided directly by another person no longer reduces SSI under these rules. Cash gifts have separate rules. See Social Security’s current living-arrangement guidance.
First Time Home Buyer FAQ
https://www.redfin.com/down-payment/first-time-home-buyer
Ultimate Guide to Home Remodeling for People with Disabilities
https://www.yourbestdigs.com/guide/disability
Grants for Home Modification: 16 Resources for Homeowners with Disabilities
https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/grants-for-home-modification/
Everything You Need to Know About Disability Home Loan Grants
https://listwithclever.com/real-estate-blog/disability-home-loan-grants/
Renters’ Rights and Housing Assistance for People with Disabilities
Renters-rights-and-housing-assistance-for-people-with-disabilities
Daily Living & In-Home Support
How to Pay Rent While Waiting for an SSI Approval or Redetermination
Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers and company representatives for visual assistance via live video calls.
SNAP/EBT/Food Stamps Elderly or Disabled Rules
How State In-Home Care Works & How to Apply
What Counts as a Medical Expense for Different Programs
How to Get an Assessment for Medical Equipment
Insta-cart Grocery Delivery Service
SNAP/EBT and Medicaid cardholders get a discount on Amazon Prime.
School & College
Free Math and Computing Resources for Special Needs Students in K-12
Tips for Students With Fibromyalgia & ME/CFS
Documenting Disabilities for Standardized Tests
Accommodations for CLEP Exams– CLEP exams are an excellent way to get college credits without actually taking the college class. If you do well enough on the exam, it shows that you understand the subject well enough that you don’t need to take the class.
Many College Degrees Can be Completed Entirely Online
College and College Prep with a Learning Disability
Accessible Travel
Inclusive Vacation Ideas