Financial Planning for the Future: Disability Grants and Investment Strategies

Discover a variety of disability grants available to help individuals with disabilities access necessary resources, equipment, and services. For more information, use a quick search below.

Disability grants are financial aids from government agencies, non-profits, or private institutions that help cover medical expenses, housing, education, and assistive devices for individuals with disabilities. These grants aim to support independent and fulfilling lives by reducing financial barriers. With around 42.5 million people in the U.S. living with disabilities, the need for these grants is significant. This guide provides a list of public and private grants available in the U.S. to help you find the support you need.

Public Grants for Individuals with Disabilities

Public grants for individuals with disabilities are financial aid programs funded by government agencies at the federal, state, or local level. These grants provide financial assistance for various needs, including living expenses, medical care, education, and housing. Public grants are designed to help disabled individuals maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. Eligibility criteria and the amount of assistance vary depending on the specific grant program. Typically, recipients do not have to repay these grants.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI provides financial assistance to individuals with long-term or terminal disabilities, covering living expenses and medications. It also supports families with disabled children.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI offers financial help to low-income disabled individuals unable to work. Eligibility is based on the severity of the disability.

Section 811 Supportive Housing

This program, managed by HUD, helps disabled individuals with rent and housing costs, and funds the development of accessible housing.

Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act

The ABLE Act allows people with disabilities to save money in tax-free accounts for qualified expenses without affecting their eligibility for other benefits.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

IDEA ensures that disabled students receive a free public education tailored to their needs, with additional support for states and schools.

Federal Student Aid Programs

These programs provide financial aid to disabled students pursuing higher education. Many grants don’t require repayment.

Medicare

Medicare covers up to 80% of the cost of mobility equipment like scooters, with a prescription required to show medical necessity.

Medicaid

Medicaid offers medical assistance to low-income disabled individuals and seniors. Eligibility criteria vary by state.

Autistic People of Color Fund

This fund provides microgrants to autistic individuals of color, offering between $100 and $500 to assist with various needs.

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Program

SAH provides grants to disabled veterans and service members to buy, build, or modify homes for accessibility.

For more public grant information, visit GrantWatch.

Private Grants for Individuals with Disabilities

Private grants for individuals with disabilities are financial awards provided by non-governmental organizations or charities. These grants help cover needs like medical equipment, home modifications, education, and living expenses. Unlike public grants funded by the government, private grants come from private entities and are usually based on specific eligibility criteria. Recipients typically don’t need to repay these grants, making them a valuable resource for improving quality of life.

Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC)

FODAC provides refurbished medical equipment like wheelchairs to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

Byron Riesch Paralysis Foundation

This foundation provides grants for adaptive equipment and scholarships for individuals with neurological disorders.

I Got Legs Foundation

This foundation offers grants for prosthetics and home modifications to U.S. residents with permanent physical disabilities.

Elderly or Disabled Living

This grant helps low-income elderly and disabled individuals with living expenses, such as bills and health insurance.

Chanda Center for Health

The Chanda Center offers alternative therapies like massage and chiropractic care to improve the health of individuals with physical disabilities.

Wheels of Happiness

This organization provides medical equipment and psychological support to help people with disabilities gain independence.

High Fives Non-Profit Foundation

High Fives offers grants to individuals who have experienced life-altering injuries, particularly from sports or accidents.

Joseph Groh Foundation

This foundation provides grants for medical equipment and home modifications to construction workers who have sustained serious injuries.

State-Specific Programs & Grants for Disabled Individuals

California Department of Healthcare Services

Offers various programs to support the disabled, including in-home services and assisted living waivers.

Texas In-Home and Family Support Program

Provides up to $3,600 annually for disability-related services and equipment to individuals aged four and older.

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

Supports disabled residents with programs like developmental disabilities and independent living services.

Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), Connecticut

Helps disabled individuals find and maintain employment, with additional support for special transportation needs.

Assistive Technology Program of Colorado

Provides funding for assistive devices like communication tools and wheelchairs to disabled individuals in Colorado.

Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority

Offers mini-grants up to $2,500 through agencies to help beneficiaries with specific needs.

Final Words

An array of financial support options are available to U.S. citizens with disabilities, facilitating access to education, employment, and essential services. Conduct thorough research to identify the most appropriate grants for your specific needs.