Financial assistance benefits for disabled people by state, including near you.
Disabled people, or those that are facing some form of future disability filing, can get financial help near them from a combination of government and non-profit programs. These assistance programs are a form safety net. The disability benefits listed below, including money to pay bills, will help address a variety of needs and find details on financial assistance programs for the disabled, including by state and nationally.
There are benefits to help with many needs - including housing, utilities, health care costs, rent, medical transportation and more. It is possible to get emergency funds in your area for disabled adults or children who are currently on social security or that are applying for disability benefit payments. Whether the issue is a mental or physical handicap, there are local and national resources that will assist, including cash from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), free money from the government or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Disability benefit programs that offer cash compensation
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Veteran disability compensation is a government grant that serves as financial assistance that is paid to people that have served our country. If the disability is the result of injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty or that were made significantly worse by military service, then individuals (or their families/spouses) will be able to benefit. The government disability programs can also help their families. Call 1-800-827-1000.
- Veterans can get expedited disability reviews done too. The federal government Social Security Administration, which will have a office in your area, will also accelerate the review, and approval, of disability applications from veterans as well as wounded warriors. This is available to those that are classified as 100 permanent and total (or P&T) and that meet other conditions. The expedited process will allow them to receive their benefits, including cash compensation, in less time. Continue with disabled claims for veterans.
Heating or cooling bill assistance is provided to the disabled by the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP grants) near you, in your state. While it is paid for by the federal government, applications are accepted at the state and local level. Many community action agencies administer LIHEAP grant money (or your state’s version). Priority for any grants to help with electric bills or light costs is given to applicants with a disability or that will be at risk without their heat. Find more details on how the disabled can get grants from the LIHEAP programs.
Direct financial assistance from SSI or SSDI are the primary Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits for people with a handicap. There is in effect free government money available to pay for all sort of bills, whether they are related to medical needs, housing, homecare or other expenses. SSA does have restrictions in place and any financial aid is only offered to those with a proven disability, or their caregivers, and that meet certain medical criteria. If you are approved, then a number of benefits will be provided from local SSA offices. Phone number is 1-800-772-1213. Caregivers can also get help from social security, and locate government assistance for family caregivers.
- Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is free government cash and other benefits for people with a handicap. It is offered to individuals, whether adults, teens, adults impacted by a stroke, or senior citizens that meet program terms. Individuals should really think of this program as insurance and it can be turned to when a serious medical condition, injury, or some other hardship prevents you from working or in somehow impacts your life. Call 1 (800) 772-1213 or find more details on SSDI. https://www.ssa.gov/disability.
- Another option is Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This is the second main federal government program for the disabled. While this may not be widely known, it is paid for by general tax revenues and not Social Security taxes. This program can assist the blind, aged, disabled and even their children that either have a very low or maybe even no income. SSI can help pay for housing, food, and clothing, among other needed items. It pay benefits based on what the applicant needs. Dial 800-772-1213 with more information on SSI disability benefits here https://www.ssa.gov/ssi.
State government short term or temporary disability benefits are not paid by the federal government or Social Security Administration. That being said, some employers (through FMLA) or states will offer support. The fact is that are many organizations as well as private companies that want to help people that are injured at work and that are facing a short term crisis that results from a disability.
- Examples include workers’ compensation programs, which will offer medical treatment, wage replacement benefits, medical care, vocational rehabilitation and other benefits to workers and even their immediate family members. This is generally offered for those that are injured on the job or have an occupational disease. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office or your State Workers’ Compensation Board is a good resource for information on this or any temporary cash payments. Find your state workers compensation office or dial 1-866-487-2365 for the US Department of Labor.
- FMLA is a form of short term disability. This is short term medical leave that employers are required to give to an employee with a temporary handicap. There are certain financial aid programs, including some that include disability grants, which offer assistance to anyone on leave. FMLA can help expectant mothers, adults who are injured at work and others. The funds serve as short term relief to those who can’t currently work and need help paying bills. Find more details on FMLA financial assistance programs.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (or your state’s version) is a federal government funded program for the low income and adults who can’t work/are disabled. Some states also combine TANF with social security disability payments. TANF will provide financial assistance for basic needs such as shelter, rent, food, and medications. Any financial aid is provided for a defined period of time, usually up to 60 months. Find out more on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families - TANF.
Low interest loans are available to individuals while they are waiting on a final decision from the Social Security Administration on their application. Or the money can be used in the period of time between receiving a monthly SSI disability check and when their bills are owed to a creditor. Emergency funds, or loans from the government, will be issued by private companies, non-profits or government organizations. Disability loans can help with paying any number of expenses, including medical costs, food, or housing needs. Read more on loans for the disabled.
Non-profit and local government cash grants are provided by various federal and state agencies as well as charities to people with a disability. Several of them are focused on helping disabled veterans, but there are also resources for children, disabled individuals living in poverty, newborns, stroke survivors and others.
- Proof of disability or a handicap, financial need, and household income will required when applying, but the programs will help pay various bills. Disability funds will assist with expenses such as for travel, educational needs, energy bills, housing costs (rent or a mortgage), transportation to the doctor, and more. Read financial assistance from grants for the disabled.
Seniors with a disability can get additional help from Area Agencies on Aging. Many Aging on Agency offices provide financial help or other benefits to the homebound, older adults with disabilities and even their caregivers. Whether food or money to pay for medical or local transportation, these local Agency on Aging centers (including one near you) will help, and find more details on Area Agencies on Aging near you help for seniors.
Free rides and transportation for the disabled, including Paratransit services and those offered by volunteer drivers from charities, will bring the physically or mentally disabled to needed appointments. There are also free transportation programs, or vouchers to pay for a ride, for those using a wheelchair or low income families on Medicaid. Many different resources are used for providing everything from trips to medical appointments to shopping or even recreational activities. There are many local rides and transportation services for the the disabled.
The disabled who are unable to pay their bills on their own (or manage their finances) can get help from free or low cost Representative Payees. A number of charities, non-profits, and other agencies offer this service. They help those who have physical, medical, or mental barriers to doing this on their own. Continue reading on Representative Payees.
State regulations on utility disconnections may be able to assist disabled customers with keeping their heat, lights, gas as well as electricity on. A number of laws and regulations have been put into place by many states in order to ensure that residents with some form of verified medical condition have additional protections. This can include children, seniors, adults, and those customers with a life threatening condition or a handicap. Find your state utility disconnection laws.
Applying for financial help or benefits near you to pay bills when disabled
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Applying, and being approved for a disability, is usually required in order to receive any type of financial assistance or government money (or even a loan). Some are financial resources administered by the federal government (including Social Security Administration - SSA) or states, and others are offered by non-profit organizations. More on how to apply for disability.
- We have tips and other resources listed to help with a disability filing. Studies show that almost 1 in 5 adults will face some form of short or long term disability by the time they turn 67, with the majority declined as the process is long and complicated. If someone needs advice on how to claim disability, find how to get help filing for disability.
The application review process is done by a local Disability Determination Services (DDS) office and these are located in every state. Staff from those centers make the financial decision on whether someone qualifies for financial assistance or not. In some cases the federal government will deny your application for SSDI or Supplemental Security Income. Find more information on Disability Determination Services.
There is a process in place to appeal this decision if need be. If your disability application is denied for some type of medical reason, then people will need to complete the Appeal Request and Appeal Disability Report which is online. Be prepared to document the specifics on your medical condition, any treatment you are undergoing, doctor visits or the results of tests. Learn more on the disability appeal process.
- If your disability application has been rejected for other, non-medical reasons, then applicants need to call their local Social Security Office. Or individuals may dial 1-800-772-1213 for more information. Or if their current cash benefits have been stopped or reduced, they can get help with reduction in SSA payments.
Receive assistance in filing for disability from federal government regulated advocates or disability attorneys. Since an estimated ~60% of all applications filed are denied by the social security administration, using an experienced person to help in this process can be very beneficial. In addition, filing an application or resubmitting a denied one can be complicated and take time. Find a disability lawyer near you.
- A number of private, for hire companies provide representatives, which will be either disability advocates or highly trained lawyers, to help throughout the process. These companies only need to be paid if they are successful in helping you receive SSDI disability, emergency money from the government or some form of social security compensation. So there is no cost to consumers unless they are successful. Get more details on social security disability advocates.
It can often take many months to be approved for financial assistance from any disability program. While they wait, many applicants often struggling to keep up with their bills and living expenses since the process takes so long to complete. There are some resources available though when the individual is in a crisis situation. Many non-profits and government agencies provide financial help while waiting on disability, and the support will last until their first SSI payment is issued is issued by the Social Security Administration.
Housing and home repair assistance programs for the disabled
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Government or non-profit grants may be able to pay for needed home modifications. This can include any changes that are required in order to adapt living spaces to meet the needs of individuals or families with physical limitations. The improvements will need to allow them to continue to live safely and independently in their current residence.
- Local community action agencies will often disburse this grant money, and they will process applications from low income households with a disabled member. While examples of what can be paid for will vary, the modifications may be inexpensive and simple projects. Or the home improvements for a disabled adults or homeowner can be more extensive, including widening doorways or installing wheelchair ramps. Find support from community action agencies.
- Volunteers help with home modifications and repairs for the disabled too. Rebuilding Together (Call 1-800-473-4229) is one example of a national organization that is made up of volunteers. The non-profit will provide free home repairs and modifications to homeowners in need of help. There are also other local volunteers that may be near you and help disabled people with repairs, and find more information on volunteer groups that do home modifications.
Designated Housing Rent Assistance Vouchers can be used to help pay your rent or housing expenses. The program will assist non-elderly families with a disabled person who would be eligible for section 8 or public housing if occupancy were not restricted to elderly families to lease affordable and safe housing. Another resource is known as Certain Developments Vouchers and this is offered to individuals with a disability. Continue with disabled rent assistance programs.
Mortgage and home loan programs are an option for homeowners. Referrals can be provided by Disability Resource Centers as well as Housing and Urban Development foreclosure counseling agencies. Solutions such as principal reduction, grants for buying a home, legal aid to stop a foreclosure, and other programs will be reviewed. Find how to get mortgage help with a disability.
Section 811 vouchers will help arrange and pay for safe and affordable housing or apartments. Provided that the home selected meets the terms of the program, the family (adults and their kids) that will be residing in the unit will need to pay up to 30% of their income towards the rent. The source of income can even be from government benefits such as SSDI or other resources. The goal is to ensure the disabled member has some financial obligation towards their housing costs. Find housing assistance for disabled.
Work and employment programs for disabled adults
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Work Incentive is when an individual can still receive disability payments even while they are still working either part or full time. There are special rules in place that may allow all people with disabilities and that who are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security to work and still gain that income from a job. They will also still be able to receive health care from Medicaid or Medicare. As part of work incentive, there are many employment and income opportunities for the disabled.
- Work Incentive can include work from home jobs too. There are a number of positions that may be a good fit. An income from working from home can be combined with financial aid, SSI, and government benefits as well. The disabled can even try to earn money from work at home jobs.
A number of employment services are offered from the Ticket to Work Program. Resources will allow clients to reach their long term employment and career goals. Some of what may be provided includes job referrals, vocational rehabilitation, employment training, legal aid and other services. Get more details on the Ticket to Work job program for the disabled.
Disabled people with a mental illness have job opportunities too. This is a program that is provided to those that are disabled (mental or physical) and that range in age from 18 to 65. Applicants also need to be receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI / Supplemental Security Income cash benefits in order to apply. Ask your local social service office to apply, or learn about assistance at work with mental health condition.
Free health care programs for adults or kids with a disability
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Many social service offices, government benefits and volunteer clinics provide free therapy to people with a mental illness or disability. There is also the SAMHSA Mental Health Treatment Locator service, in-patient care, psychologists, behavioral health counselors and other resources. Many public and private health care insurance and assistance programs can assist people with a mental disability or handicap. Find free therapy for the low income near you.
Medicare is available to any person with a mental or physical disability. The federal government offers different forms of financial assistance, free health insurance policies along with savings on medical and hospital bills. They will pay for some of the costs of care, provide prescription programs to the disabled, offer equipment, pay for caregivers, and other health care costs. Learn more Medicare insurance.
- Disabled people may need specific medications too. Nonprofit organizations, both national and local groups, may offer assistance to the disabled and there are government benefits as well. Many drug companies offer discounts and also State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAP) can help residents receiving Medicare or Medicaid pay for their medications. Other resources are available as well. Find free prescriptions.
People impacted by a stroke can get benefits as well. Some local organizations and government programs (including from SSA benefits) focus on their recovery as well as basic needs. Get information on help for stroke victims.
Medicare Center Hotline is available to the disabled or their caregivers. Low income households or those on a fixed income (such as social security disability payments) can explore what type of programs are available to them for their medical and dental needs. All resources are explored, ranging from Medicare to charities, state pharmaceutical programs, government grants, and many more. More on Medicare Center Rights Disabled Hotline.
Free health care programs for adults or kids with a disability
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Free or low cost internet and computers may be provided by some cable companies. The government also helps people with a physical disability get a cell phone or free wi-fi service (cable or wireless). Disabled adults can get internet so they have some form of access to communication to caregivers, family as well as way to access medical needs. Learn more on free internet services.
People with a disability can get free medical equipment. Charities, Medicare, government programs (including local state insurance offerings) and other agencies provide a wide variety of items based on their need. Whether it is for mobility issues, a mental or physical disability, serious illness or health care needs, assistance is offered. Find free medical equipment for the disabled.
Assistive technology offices are located in most states, including near you. If you need access to a computer or disability friendly phone for a critical task, such as searching for a job or other activities that are essential to the disabled living independently, this government agency may be able to help. There are also non-profits that can offer the disabled or their caregivers access to durable medical equipment. Find programs for assistive technology or durable equipment.
Home Care Programs are for low income disabled adults or seniors. This is available in most states, and in some parts of the country it will be part of the Medicaid Waiver service. The resource will allow the disabled individual to get help with certain tasks around the home, such as cooking, laundry, cleaning, shopping, and similar activities. It can either be offered for free or come with minimal fees. Learn how Home Care can help patients with a mental or physical disability.
List of financial help near you for disabled people and disability benefits by state
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Most state government (or charities in them) also provide assistance to the disabled. These programs are focused on individuals that live just in that state. Disability benefits, free emergency grant money and more may be offered to the individual, their family members, care takers, and others who are impacted in a local state. In some cases the state will administer the programs directly, and in other cases they may be available from certified non-profit organizations.
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Disabled and need additional support near you?
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