More people come face to face with the need to find alternative living situations every day. Whether an adult residence, assisted living, or in-home health care, seniors are often most concerned with the prospect of paying for the care they need. This leaves many wondering if Social Security disability benefits can be applied to the payment of their necessary living arrangement.
It is important to point out that although at A Banyan Residence we primarily serve senior citizens, an individual may become disabled and require assistance with their day to day living. This information applies to those people as well.
Qualifying Condition – Social Security Disability
There are many conditions which may qualify you for social security benefits. Those listed below are some of the most common. For a full list if qualifying conditions, visit the Social Security official website. The list below is not exhaustive.
- Musculoskeletal problems, such as spinal injury
- Cardiovascular ailments such as heart failure or coronary disease
- Vision and hearing loss
- Respiratory illnesses
- Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
- Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia or autism
- Immuno-compromised conditions such AIDS or lupus
- Digestive tract conditions such as IBS, liver or kidney disease
Social Security Disability Benefits Defined
Social Security Disability Insurance: Also known as worker’s disability, SSDI pays monthly benefits if you become disabled before reaching retirement age and you are not able to work.
Supplemental Security Income: SSI is a needs-based program that provides a monthly check to persons who are blind, elderly, or disabled and is most often used for those who do not qualify for SSDI because they have not worked enough prior to the benefit. The minimum age to collect SSI is 65 unless the individual is blind or disabled; there are no restrictions on how the money is utilized.
Social Security Disability Benefits & Assisted Living
SSI offers additional monthly income to senior citizens who have limited assets and income; if any at all. The amount of the monthly benefit is determined by current monthly income.
The average monthly benefit amount for SSI is approximately $700.00, which is not enough to cover most adult living arrangements, including assisted living. However, the benefit can be added to other sources of income and utilzed to pay for assisted living or memory care. The benefit will continue as long as the recipient remains income eligible.
State Supplementary Payments may also be provided on top of SSI.
Because recipients receive their checks directly from the government, the money can be applied to any need they have. This means that whether ageing in place, assisted living, or at-home care is the right solution, the money may be utilized to assist with covering the costs. Other possible uses are skilled nursing home care and adult day care.
It is important to understand how these payments operate and how you can use them to your benefit based upon the totality of your situation. For instance, if you have Medicaid which partially pays for your residence in assisted living, your social security benefit may decrease. However, if you are in a private facility and Medicare does not apply, you may be eligible for supplemental benefits. If your loved one is looking at moving to an assisted living or adult residence of any kind, speak with a financial advisor or Social Security expert to make the best choice for your family.
At A Banyan Residence, we welcome your visit to discuss the best care for you or your loved one – and will be happy to explain and explore your payment options.
