Service dogs are some of the most valuable companions anyone can have. If you have a service dog or are looking to purchase one, you may be wondering if you can use your disability benefits towards the purchase. Fortunately, you can spend your disability benefits on all of your dog’s needs!

Does Insurance Help?

When you’re approved for Social Security disability benefits, you’ll be enrolled onto either Medicare of Medicaid depending on which disability program you’re enrolled in. Unfortunately, neither program will insure the expense of a service dog.

You can set up a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which is a tax-free account that can be used on any out-of-pocket medical expenses. This could save you a bundle if your service dog is expensive!

Acceptable Purchases

Once you have your dog, you can spend your monthly disability benefits on your pet’s needs. The following are all acceptable purchases, but keep in mind that this list is by no means exhaustive:

Veterinary bills
Food and toy expenses
Training
Dog walkers or sitters
Overnight boarding
Medication, like flea & tick prescriptions
Dietary supplements (including DGP!)
Grooming

Most disability recipients earn around $1,100 per month. So long as your dog’s expense is necessary to a good quality of life, you’ll have no trouble using your disability benefits on them.

While a physical disability or mood disorder can make life challenging, a service dog is a great way to help cope with your disability and resume a normal life!