How To Make Money With a Disability (Complete Guide)

Learning how to make money with a disability can be a challenging task for many individuals but always remember that it is not impossible but despite the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in the workplace, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is still significantly higher than those without disabilities.

If you want to read more about how to make money in different ways head over to my blog and you will have 100s of guides to read and learn to make money!

The purpose of my article is to provide a complete guide for individuals with disabilities on different ways on how to make money. It will cover a variety of options for earning income, including employment, self-employment, and government benefits. It will also address the unique challenges faced by individuals in the job market and provide strategies for overcoming these obstacles.

I really hope that you feel that this guide aims to empower individuals with disabilities to take control of their financial future and explore all options for making money.

Understanding Your Disability

First thing you need to do is understanding your disability and its impact on your ability to work is crucial for individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment and it is important to understand the specific limitations and accommodations that may be required in the workplace. This information can be used to communicate effectively with potential employers about how to accommodate your needs, and also to identify the type of work or career path that may be most suitable for you.

There are several resources available to individuals with disabilities to learn more about their condition. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides information on rights and protections for individuals with disabilities in the workplace and the ADA website also provides resources for individuals with specific disabilities, such as mobility impairments or visual impairments.

Additionally, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides information and resources on accommodations and assistive technology.

Applying For a Job

When communicating with potential employers about your disability, it is important to be honest and straightforward. because it can be helpful to have a clear understanding of the specific accommodations that may be needed in the workplace and to be able to explain how they will enable you to perform the essential functions of the job. It is also important to remember that employers cannot discriminate against individuals with disabilities, and they are required to provide reasonable accommodations under the ADA.

It’s important to note that, it’s not necessary to disclose your disability until you are offered the job and you can wait until you are offered the job to discuss the accommodations that you may need. This way, you will be evaluated based on your qualifications and skills first. But it is important to be prepared to have a solution-focused conversation when discussing accommodations instead of simply stating what you cannot do, be prepared to discuss how accommodations will enable you to perform the essential functions of the job.

When communicating with potential employers, it may also be helpful to bring documentation of your disability and any accommodations that have been used in the past and remember to include medical documentation, letters from previous employers, or information on assistive technology that you have used.

Government Benefits

Government benefits can provide financial assistance to individuals with disabilities who are unable to work and the two of the most well-known benefits are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

SSDI is a program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability and to be eligible for SSDI, individuals must have a work history and have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. Eligibility is based on the individual’s inability to perform any substantial gainful activity due to their disability.

SSI is a program that provides financial assistance to individuals who have a limited income and resources, and who are disabled, blind, or aged. Eligibility for SSI is based on financial need and does not require a work history or contributions to the Social Security system.

Both SSDI and SSI have income limits, and individuals may not be able to receive benefits if they are earning too much money. However, both programs have a provision known as “work incentives” or “trial work period” that allows recipients to test their ability to work while still receiving benefits and medical coverage.

Applying for government benefits can be a complex process, and it’s important to understand the requirements and the documentation that is required to apply. It’s highly recommended to reach out to the Social Security Administration (SSA) or a local Social Security office, and they can provide guidance on the application process and the documentation required.

How To Make Money With a Disability

Living with a disability can present unique challenges when it comes to learning how to make money with a disability but don’t let that discourage you but with the right mindset and a little creativity, there are endless possibilities for you to earn an income and achieve financial stability.

So let’s explore some inspiring and uplifting ways to make money with a disability together!

Virtual Assistant:

Working as a Virtual Assistant can be a great option for people with disabilities because it allows them to work from the comfort of their own home and on a schedule that works for them. In this role, you would be responsible for providing administrative support to clients remotely, which can include tasks such as scheduling appointments, responding to emails, and managing social media accounts. With the ability to work independently and the flexibility to choose your own clients and projects, this job can be a great way for disabled individuals to make money and gain experience in the administrative field.

Pros: Ability to choose clients and projects that align with your interests and skills.

Cons: Need to have a reliable internet connection and computer, and the potential for irregular income.

Data Entry Clerk:

Being a data entry clerk can be a great opportunity for people with disabilities, as it allows them to work from home and on a schedule that suits them. In this role, you’ll be responsible for inputting data into computer systems, which can include tasks such as transcribing information from paper documents, updating databases, and maintaining spreadsheets. With the ability to work independently and the potential for steady income, this job can be a great way for disabled individuals to make money while honing their computer skills.

Pros: Independat work and usually good pay.

Cons: A lot of repetative work.

Technical Writer:

In this role, you would be responsible for creating user manuals, instructional materials and other documentation for technical products or services and this type of job is perfect for people who have a strong writing ability and an aptitude for understanding and explaining complex technical information. The best thing is that, with the flexibility to work from home and the ability to work independently, this job can be a great way for disabled individuals to make money and gain experience in the technical writing field.

Pros include the ability to work independently and the potential for steady income.

Cons include the need to have a reliable internet connection and computer, and the potential for tight deadlines.

Medical Transcriptionist:

Working as a Medical Transcriptionist can be a great opportunity for people with disabilities who have good typing skills and a strong understanding of medical terminology. In this role, you would be responsible for transcribing medical reports, such as patient histories and examination results, into written documents. This are mostly done on remote which can be a great option for people with disabilities who have difficulty commuting to a physical workplace.

Pros include the ability to work independently and the potential for steady income.

Cons include the need to have a reliable internet connection and computer, and the potential for tight deadlines.

Legal Transcriptionist:

Being a Legal Transcriptionist can be a great opportunity for people with disabilities who have good typing skills and a strong understanding of legal terminology. In this role, you would be responsible for transcribing legal proceedings, such as court hearings and depositions, into written documents. This type of job allows you to work remotely, which can be a great option for people with disabilities who have difficulty commuting to a physical workplace.

Pros include the ability to work independently and the potential for steady income.

Cons include the need to have a reliable internet connection and computer, and the potential for tight deadlines.

Audio Transcriptionist:

Audio transcriptionists transcribe audio recordings, such as interviews, meetings, and speeches, into written documents and this job is great for disabled individuals who have good typing skills and an ear for detail, as well as the ability to understand different accents and dialects.

Pros include the ability to work independently and the potential for steady income.

Cons include the need to have a reliable internet connection and computer, and the potential for tight deadlines.

Online Etsy shop owner:

Starting an Online Etsy shop can be a great opportunity for people with disabilities who have crafting skills and a passion for creating handmade items. Etsy is an e-commerce platform that specializes in handmade and vintage items, and it allows individuals to open an online shop and sell their handcrafted goods. This job allows you to work independently, choose your own products and prices, and the potential for steady income.

Pros include the ability to work in your own pace, the ability to choose your own products and prices, and the potential for steady income.

Cons include the need to have a reliable internet connection and computer, and the potential for irregular income potential for steady income. Cons include the need to have a reliable internet connection and computer, and the potential for competition with other sellers.

YouTube Creator:

Creating content on YouTube can be a fantastic opportunity for people with disabilities who have a passion for creating videos, such as vlogs, tutorials, or reviews. As a YouTube Creator, you would be responsible for uploading and monetizing your own videos on the video-sharing platform. This job allows you to work independently, and gives you the opportunity to share your talent and creativity with a wider audience.

Pros include the ability to work independently and the potential for steady income through advertising revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.

Cons include the need for a reliable internet connection and equipment to produce high-quality videos, and the potential for irregular income.

Podcast Host:

Podcast hosts share their thoughts, ideas, and stories through podcasting and this job is great for individuals who have strong communication skills and a unique perspective, maybe you have a story you want to tell and you don’t have to show your face like you have to do on a Youtube video.

Pros: Talk about something you are really passioned about.

Cons: Equipment to record high-quality audio, and the potential for irregular income.

Blogger:

Bloggers share written content on a specific topic or multiple topics through blogging. This job is great for disabled individuals who have good writing skills and a passion for a particular subject.

Pros: Write about things you love and make money with sponsored posts and affiliate marketing.

Cons: Demands a lot of research and knowing alot about SEO.

It’s worth noting that some of these jobs may require specific skills or qualifications, and that the above list is not exhaustive. But these jobs are great options for people with disabilities who are looking to make money remotely and on their own schedule.

Side Hustles For Disabled

Ok you read through my article and felt like this is to much information and text, well here is a short compact list with different tips for ways to make extra money wit ha disability and I hope you like them!

Virtual Assistant: Providing administrative support to clients remotely.
Online Selling: Selling handmade goods, digital products or reselling items on platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and Ebay.
Content Creation: Creating videos, podcasts, and blogs to monetize on platforms like YouTube, Patreon and Medium.
Transcription: Transcribing audio or video recordings into written documents
Online tutoring or teaching: Providing online classes or tutoring services on subjects you are proficient in.
Graphic design: Creating designs and visuals for clients remotely.
Proofreading or editing: Reviewing and editing written documents for clients.
Pet sitting or dog walking: Offering pet sitting or dog walking services for people in your local area.
Online research: Conducting online research for clients in a specific field or industry.
Online surveys or market research: Participating in online surveys or market research to earn extra money.
Photography or videography: Offering photography or videography services for events, products, or businesses.
Online bookkeeping or accounting: Offering bookkeeping or accounting services for small businesses or individuals.
Website design or development: Creating or improving websites for clients.
Online customer service: Providing customer service support through phone, chat, or email.
Social media management: Managing social media accounts for businesses or individuals.
Voice-over work: Voice-over work for commercials, audiobooks, or other audio content.
Transcription: Transcribing audio or video recordings into written documents
Translations: Translating written materials from one language to another.
Online writing: Writing articles, blog posts, or content for websites or publications.
Online personal shopping or styling: Offering personal shopping or styling services for clients remotely.

Pros and Cons Working For Yourself

There will always be pros and cons working for yourself and that is why it is important to know about them before you make a decision on what you want to do because the choice you make will impact your work environment later.

Pros:

Flexibility in terms of location and schedule: The ability to work from home or other locations that are more accessible to you and on a schedule that works for you can be a major advantage.
Control over your work environment: When you work for yourself, you have more control over your work environment, which can be beneficial if you have mobility or other physical limitations.
Independence: Working for yourself can provide a sense of independence and self-sufficiency.
Increased self-esteem and self-worth: Being able to contribute to the workforce and earn money can boost self-esteem and self-worth.
Potential for higher earning: The earning potential can be higher when working for yourself compared to working for someone else, as you have the ability to set your own prices and negotiate your own rates.

Cons:

Financial instability: The income from self-employment can be more unpredictable and inconsistent compared to a regular paycheck from an employer.
Lack of benefits: Self-employed individuals usually don’t have access to benefits like health insurance, vacation time, or retirement plans.
Increased responsibility: When you work for yourself, you are responsible for all aspects of your business, including marketing, sales and financial management, which can be overwhelming.

What is a Good Career For a Disabled Person?

how to make more money while on disability

Opportunities for careers that do not require physical dexterity, stamina, or mobility, can be found in fields such as management, education, business, technology, and healthcare. Additionally, these career fields offer opportunities for individuals with visual or hearing impairments.

Conclusion

There is a lot to take in when learning how to make money with a disability but the best ways is to do things you find fun and it is things that are rewarding for you. So if it doesn’t work out the way you want it you still did something you enjoyed, you gave it your all and you learned something new. It is never easy to make money and it takes time so give it your all and don’t give up!

Related:

How To Make Money With a Disability (Complete Guide)