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The U.S. government offers benefits and care coverage to those in need living with a disability.

It's crucial that you take the initiative to understand the benefits that are available to you.
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  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) SSDI is a federal program for Americans who worked for years but can no longer work due to an injury or disability. Most citizens pay into Social Security through taxes once they begin working, and the amount you receive for monthly disability benefits depends on the number of years you worked and your income.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) SSI is another federal program available to Americans who can’t work due to disability. However, this program is an option if you’ve never worked or haven’t worked in many years. It’s also needs-based, and you can only qualify if you meet specific income requirements. You can apply for SSI through the same application as SSDI, so applying for both at the same time is often a good idea.
  • Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older and individuals under 65 with specific disabilities can also qualify.  Learn More
  • Private disability insurance: Check with your employer or insurance agent. If you purchased a short-term or long-term disability insurance policy before you became injured or disabled, you may be eligible for monthly payments. Whether you bought this plan on your own or through your employer, you’ll likely apply for benefits through the insurance company. The amount of your payout depends on the terms of your policy. Even if you have a private long-term policy, the insurer may require you to apply for SSDI.
  • Veterans disability benefits For those who served in the military and sustained an injury that left them unable to work, you can apply for disability benefits through the Office of Veterans Affairs. It is possible to receive VA disability benefits and Social Security disability simultaneously.
  • Find disability Lawyers near you:
Find a lawyer for affordable legal aid 
American Bar Association
Essential Tremor (ET) can be recognized as a disability, but only if its severity substantially limits your ability to perform everyday life functions or work. 
  • Workplace Accommodations (Americans with Disabilities Act): Under the ADA, ET is recognized as a physical or mental impairment. If it substantially limits major life activities (such as writing, eating, or working), your employer must provide reasonable accommodations. Tools like ergonomic keyboards or weighted utensils can often be explored through the Job Accommodation Network. 
  • Financial Benefits (Social Security Administration): The SSA evaluates ET based on how much it prevents you from doing sustainable work. To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must prove that your tremors prevent you from performing any substantial gainful activity—including sedentary desk jobs—for at least 12 consecutive months. ​

Medicare

​Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, and individuals under 65 with specific disabilities can also qualify.  Learn More
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  • Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care.• Medicare Part B (medical insurance) helps cover services from doctors and other healthcare providers; outpatient care; home health care; durable medical equipment; and many preventive services.
  • Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) includes all benefits covered under Part A and Part B. It usually includes Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) within the plan. It is operated by Medicare-approved private insurance companies that follow Medicare’s rules. Plans often have an annual limit on your out-of-pocket costs for medical services and may include extra benefits and services not covered under original Medicare — sometimes for an additional fee.
  • Medicare Part D (Medicare prescription drug coverage) helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. It is managed by Medicare-approved drug plans that follow Medicare's regulations. It can help lower prescription drug costs and protect against higher expenses.
​• Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is insurance sold by private companies that helps cover some healthcare costs not paid by original Medicare.
For more information, visit the Medicare website.
Social Security is another benefit program offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides assistance to qualifying individuals, including:

• Social Security Disability Insurance Program:
Provides benefits to people with disabilities and certain family members if the individual has worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

• Supplemental Security Income: Offers benefits to adults and children with disabilities with limited income and resources.
  • Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) helps cover hospital inpatient care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care.
  • Medicare Part B (medical insurance) helps cover services from doctors and other health care providers; outpatient care; home health care; durable medical equipment; and many preventive services.
  • Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) includes all benefits and services covered under Part A and Part B. It usually includes Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) as part of the plan. It is run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare. Plans have a yearly limit on your out-of-pocket costs for medical services. It may include extra benefits and services not covered under the original Medicare program — sometimes for an additional fee.
  • Medicare Part D (Medicare prescription drug coverage) helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. It is run by Medicare-approved drug plans that follow rules set by Medicare. It may help lower prescription drug costs and protect against higher costs.
  • Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is insurance sold by private companies that can help pay for some of the health care costs that the original Medicare program does not cover.

Medicaid


Medicaid provides health care coverage for people with disabilities. It also pays for Medicare premiums and cost-sharing for individuals who are dually enrolled in both programs. Learn more >



​This page provides general info only. The Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor does not endorse medications, treatments, or companies but offers information. Consult your medical provider for care decisions.
Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor