Understood Care
If you live with a physical, mental, or cognitive disability, you deserve clear information and real options. This guide explains the major benefits in plain language so you can take action with confidence. It is written for patients, caregivers, and older adults and follows the same friendly format you expect on our site.
The big picture is encouraging. More than one in four adults report a disability and among people age sixty five and older it is close to half. That means you are not alone and there are proven supports to help you live safely and independently. The sections below show where to start and how to qualify.
In the video we share how common disability is across physical, mental, and cognitive conditions and the many supports that exist. For physical needs, you can often qualify for durable medical equipment and therapy services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. For mental health, you can connect to counseling in person or online and use medication support programs so you stay on track. For cognitive and neurodiversity needs, there are programs that help with job support, housing, and personal assistance. Much of this is available through Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, or Social Security linked programs. The goal is simple. You should know what you qualify for, which providers fit your needs, and exactly how an advocate can coordinate services for you.
If you would like hands on help, visit these pages to see how we work together:
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program that pays monthly cash benefits to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and can no longer perform substantial work because of a medically determinable condition that is expected to last at least twelve months or result in death. Family members may qualify on your record in some situations. You apply directly with Social Security, and medical evidence is required.
Supplemental Security Income is a needs based program that pays monthly benefits to adults and children with limited income and resources who are blind or disabled or to adults age sixty five and older. In many states an SSI approval also opens the door to Medicaid automatically or through a linked application. This connection matters because Medicaid can fund the daily supports that help you live at home.
If you have Medicare, Part B helps pay for medically necessary outpatient services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology when your clinician certifies the need. Part B also covers outpatient mental health visits with psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors when criteria are met. Part D drug plans must operate medication therapy management programs for people with complex prescriptions to help prevent interactions, support adherence, and resolve medication problems. Durable medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, and oxygen equipment is generally covered when medically necessary and prescribed for use in your home.
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you receive all Medicare covered services through the plan and some plans offer targeted extra supports for people with chronic illness. Examples may include rides to medical visits, meal supports, or other services intended to maintain or improve function. Availability and rules vary by plan.
For help using these benefits today, see our guides on mobility equipment and transportation.
Medicaid allows states to fund home and community services so people with disabilities can live at home rather than in institutions. These programs may cover personal care, homemaker help, respite for caregivers, home modifications, and assistive technology. They are often called waivers. Each state sets its own eligibility rules and many programs have waiting lists, so starting early matters.
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development supports programs that create affordable housing for people with disabilities. One important example is Section eight eleven supportive housing for persons with disabilities which expands rental options with ongoing supports. Your local housing authority or state agency can explain how to apply and what is open now.
If you need help exploring options or starting applications, our housing guide can help you plan next steps.
If you want to work or return to work, two resources stand out. State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies help with evaluation, training, job placement, and assistive technology. The Social Security Ticket to Work program offers voluntary supports for adults who receive disability benefits and want to try work with safeguards that protect health coverage and a gradual path to independence. The Job Accommodation Network funded by the Department of Labor gives free expert advice on workplace accommodations so you can stay employed.
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations in employment, state and local government services, public places, transportation, and telecommunications. Reasonable accommodation means a change that helps a qualified person perform essential job functions without imposing undue hardship on the employer. Examples include flexible schedules, assistive technology, or job coaching.
Organizing your information saves time and reduces delays
An advocate is your dedicated partner in care. We listen to your goals, create a simple plan with you, and handle the calls and paperwork so your clinicians can focus on treating you. Here are common ways we support people with disabilities
You can learn more about our services or check coverage any time
SSDI pays benefits based on your past work and Social Security contributions. SSI pays benefits to people with limited income and resources who are blind or disabled or age sixty five and older. Many people check eligibility for both.
Social Security uses a strict medical standard. Your condition must prevent substantial gainful work and must be expected to last at least twelve months or result in death. Children have a different evaluation that looks at how the condition limits daily functioning.
Yes. Part B covers medically necessary outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, and a wide range of outpatient mental health services when criteria are met. You usually pay the Part B deductible and a coinsurance amount unless you have supplemental coverage.
Durable medical equipment includes items like walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, and oxygen equipment. Your clinician must prescribe the item for use at home and the supplier must be enrolled in Medicare. Coverage and rental rules vary by item.
Home and community based services are Medicaid benefits that help people live at home. Examples include help with bathing and dressing, homemaker services, respite for caregivers, home modifications, and assistive technology. Each state runs its own programs and many have waiting lists.
Yes. Social Security offers work incentives and the Ticket to Work program. These supports let you test work while protecting benefits for a period of time and keeping health coverage through specific rules. A benefits counselor or Vocational Rehabilitation agency can help you plan a safe path.
If you can perform the essential functions of your job with a change that is reasonable and does not cause undue hardship to the employer, you can request an accommodation. Examples include modified schedules, assistive technology, or changes to how tasks are done. You do not need to share private diagnoses beyond what is needed to support the request.
Advocates can save you time and stress by handling forms, records requests, prior authorizations, transportation, and scheduling. If you would like support, start here
https://app.understoodcare.com/
This content is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.
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