There are a wide range of state and federal government programs and benefits for people with disabilities in the United States, some with complex, and sometimes conflicting, eligibility rules. Youth with disabilities may qualify for some forms of government assistance programs based on disability, income status, or both. They may already be in some of these programs and unaware that their eligibility will be determined under different criteria as they enter into adulthood. At the other end of the spectrum, they may want to enter employment and be unaware that some of these programs contain work incentives that can actually help with their educational and employment goals.
This brief provides an overview of benefits and work incentives for youth with disabilities, as well as discussion of the importance of benefits planning, financial management, and asset accumulation.
