The cost of disability care can be difficult to manage, especially when someone needs help with personal care, daily activities, transportation, medical needs, or staying safely at home.
Financial help for disability care can come through Medicaid, home and community-based services, disability benefits, caregiver programs, insurance, and community organizations. The type of help available depends on the person's disability, income, age, care needs, and location.
There is no single program that pays all disability-care expenses, but several programs may help reduce the cost.
Who May Qualify for Disability Care Assistance?
Depending on the program, assistance may be available to people who:
- Have a physical, intellectual, developmental, or other qualifying disability
- Need help with daily activities or personal care
- Have limited income or resources
- Receive or qualify for Medicaid
- Receive SSI or SSDI
- Need long-term services and support
- Require care at home rather than in an institution
- Have a family member providing regular care
Medicaid covers eligible people with disabilities and can provide various healthcare and long-term services, although eligibility and benefits are administered by individual states within federal requirements.
Check What You May Qualify For
If disability-related care is becoming difficult to afford, you may have assistance options based on your circumstances.
- ✓ Free eligibility check
- ✓ Free guidance if needed
Programs vary based on eligibility, location, household circumstances, and disability-related needs.
Types of Financial Help for Disability Care
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services, commonly called HCBS, can allow eligible people to receive care and support in their own homes or communities rather than an institution.
Depending on the state and program, services can include personal care, home health assistance, case management, respite care, habilitation, supported employment, and other services.
Some programs are specifically designed for people with physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.
Paid Family Caregivers
In some states, Medicaid programs allow a family member or friend to become a paid caregiver for a person with a disability.
These programs are often called consumer-directed or self-directed personal assistance programs. Requirements and payment amounts vary by state.
Being a caregiver does not automatically mean someone qualifies for payment. The person receiving care generally must meet the applicable program requirements.
SSI Disability Benefits
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, provides monthly financial assistance to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources and meet Social Security's eligibility requirements.
SSI can help with basic expenses such as food, clothing, and housing.
SSI is different from a program that directly pays a caregiver or provides specific home-care services.
SSDI Benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, provides benefits to people who have a qualifying disability and sufficient work history.
Unlike SSI, SSDI is based primarily on a person's work history and Social Security contributions.
Receiving SSDI may also connect someone with other benefits or programs, depending on their circumstances.
Respite Care
Respite care provides temporary relief for people who regularly care for someone with a disability.
Some Medicaid HCBS programs can include respite services, although the availability and eligibility requirements vary by state and program.
Personal Care and Home Assistance
Some Medicaid programs can provide personal care or home-based assistance for eligible individuals who need help with everyday activities.
Services can potentially include assistance with bathing, dressing, preparing meals, household tasks, or other personal-care needs, depending on the program. Medicaid identifies personal care and home health services among its available benefit categories.
Transportation and Other Support
Certain Medicaid programs can also help eligible beneficiaries access medical transportation. Some HCBS programs may provide additional community-based transportation or other supports depending on state rules.
How Disability Care Assistance Typically Works
- Identify the care needed. Determine whether assistance is needed with personal care, medical care, transportation, daily activities, or supervision.
- Check Medicaid eligibility. Medicaid is an important source of long-term services and support for many people with disabilities.
- Ask about HCBS programs. Your state may have waivers or state-plan services specifically for people with disabilities.
- Check disability benefits. SSI or SSDI may provide income that helps with everyday expenses.
- Ask about caregiver programs. Some states allow eligible family members or friends to receive payment for providing care.
- Explore community resources. Disability organizations, local agencies, and nonprofits may provide additional assistance.
- Check whether services have waiting lists. Some HCBS waiver programs have enrollment limits, so availability can vary.