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All life events

A new diagnosis or disability

Health care, income and help at work after a big health change.

What to do first

  1. Make sure you have health coverage. Apply for Medicaid if money is tight.
  2. If you cannot work, apply for Social Security disability benefits soon. A decision can take months.
  3. Ask your job about leave and changes that help you keep working.
  4. Ask your state's vocational rehabilitation office about help getting back to work.

Which state are you in?

We show your state's programs. We remember your state in this browser only.

Talk it through

Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Dates that matter

These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.

  • 5 full months

    Social Security disability (SSDI)

    SSDI payments start after you have been disabled for five full months, so apply as soon as you can. People with ALS do not have to wait.

    Source: SSA.gov

  • 24 months

    Medicare with SSDI

    People who get SSDI get Medicare on their own after 24 months of disability benefits. People with ALS get it as soon as their benefits start.

    Source: SSA.gov

Federal help

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • DOL.gov

    Unpaid leave that protects your job

    The Family and Medical Leave Act lets many workers take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a year and keep their job. Reasons include a new baby, your own serious health condition, and caring for a spouse, child or parent who is seriously ill.

    Official page

  • Social Security Administration

    Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

    Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.

    Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security. Have your medical records and work history ready.

    Apply on SSA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-772-1213

  • Social Security Administration

    Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

    Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.

    Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security to make an appointment. Bring proof of age, income and any medical records.

    Apply on SSA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-772-1213

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

    Medicare

    Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.

    Most people sign up through Social Security, online at SSA.gov or by phone. Medicare.gov compares plans.

    Apply on SSA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-633-4227

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

    HealthCare.gov

    The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.

    Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.

    Apply on HealthCare.gov Call 1-800-318-2596

Checked on October 9, 2026

Help near you

Checked on October 9, 2026