Unfortunately for many people who are going through the Social Security disability process two important programs are needed to assist them through the long waiting periods of disability, these programs are Medicaid and food assistance. Medicaid, which is administered by each state, provides medical coverage for low-income people and food assistance is provided the eligible individuals to help supplement nourishment. Social Security has specific rules related to these programs.
Medicaid
Pursuant to the Social Security Act, states can contract to have Social Security make Medicaid eligibility decisions for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. In these States, the SSI application serves as an application for Medicaid.
What Roles Do The States Play In Administering Medicaid?
The States are responsible for sending Medicaid notices and issuing Medicaid cards or coupons. For SSI recipients in states contracting with Social Security, Medicaid eligibility notices will be based on information given to them by the state data exchange (SDX) system.
What If SSA Does Not Make Medicaid Decisions In A Certain State?
If Social Security does not make Medicaid eligibility decisions in a certain State, local Social Security offices advise applicants who have questions about Medicaid to visit their local Medicaid office.
Food Stamps
Food stamps are coupons, issued by the states under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended. They are used to assist SSI recipients in the purchase of food and other necessary household items.
How Does A SSI Applicant/Recipient Apply For Food Stamps?
Social Security offices notify you as a SSI applicant/ recipient of the benefits under the food stamp program and make a food stamp application available to you. Social Security offices can also take your food stamp application if:
- Your household is potentially eligible for SSI;
- You are not receiving food stamps; and
- You do not have a pending food stamp application.
Food stamp applications may be taken with initial SSI claims or upon re-determination. You have the choice of applying at a local Social Security office or at a State food stamp office.
How Is Food Stamp Eligibility Determined?
Food stamp eligibility is based on your household circumstances, not on your individual circumstances. Eligibility for food stamps is determined by the food stamp agency.
For food stamp purposes, a SSI household is a household in which all members are either receiving SSI or have a pending SSI application. Social Security offices forward the food stamp applications and any supporting documents to the local food stamp offices within one day of taking the application.
