Federal Resources

Social Security Administration - Disability Insurance Program
Social Security programs programs have the, "basic objectives of providing for the material needs of individuals and families, protecting aged and disabled persons against the expenses of illnesses that could otherwise exhaust their savings, keeping families together, and giving children the opportunity to grow up in health and security." -- The Social Security Handbook

SSA - Cash Disability Benefits 
Monthly cash benefits for qualifying disabled workers; needy, blind or disabled individuals; disabled widow(er), or disabled surviving divorced spouse; disabled son or daughter. Also offers vocational rehabilitation assistance.

SSA - Office of Employment Support Programs
A new service of the SSA dedicated to promoting the employment of Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities.

Social Security Information - call Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 - 7 am - 7pm Monday through Friday. TDD call Toll Free 1-800-325-0778 - 7 am - 7pm Monday through Friday.

Medicare Program
Medicare is a Health Insurance Program for people 65 years of age and older, some disabled people under 65 years of age, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant).

Medicare Eligibility 
Generally, you are eligible for Medicare if you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment and you are 65 years old and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. You might also qualify for coverage if you are a younger person with a disability or with chronic kidney disease.

Medicare Information - Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA)
HCFA provides health insurance for over 74 million Americans through Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program. HCFA administers both the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Health Insurance for Children - How to Apply  
Under the federal Insure Kids Now program, each state has a program to help qualifying working families get low-cost or even free health insurance for their children.  Find out more and how to apply from your About Guide.

Veterans Administration - Health Benefits & Services
The VA provides a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care to its customers. Our goal is to share information about these benefits and services to make it as easy as possible for you to receive the care you need.

Local Resources
Call your city or county offices first (or check their Web sites). Look for departments like Human Services, Health Services, or Social Services. Also check with local hospitals and public clinics.