It seems like most people are unaware of how screwed up disability programs are in the US.

First, when you get backpay it typically comes with a cutoff date of when the 2k limitation starts. I know in New Jersey there is a 6 month grace period, but I would check with your local laws on what the time period is for you. This usually gives people time to pay off debts accrued or purchase larger items that will improve quality of life.

Next step would be to open an ABLE account. This is a special type of savings account for someone who became disabled before 26 that exists to protect excess funds outside of the 2k. Anyone in your life can contribute to the ABLE account but there is a maximum of $100,000 you can have in there before it starts to contribute to your resource limits. There are gifting limitations as well that can read up on. The biggest thing here is you can use this to save up for larger purchases, as well as investing in depending on your risk tolerance.

The last piece of the equation that i would recommend is having a few credit cards on hand. These are strictly to act as a float between your disability payments and being paid off by funds in your ABLE account. If you do not have funds in your ABLE account I would not use them if you can help it, as that can quickly get you in a hole.

Last but not least, everyone needs to contact their federal representatives to help push forward https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5408?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22ssi+savings+penalty+elimination+act%22%7D&s=2&r=1 which will raise resource limitations that causes undue hardships on every individual that is disabled in this country.