Government benefits help people that are disabled or that are facing some form of future or potential disability. These financial assistance programs are a safety net. The benefit for people with a disability provided by the government or non-profits listed below will help address a variety of needs, including housing, utility bills, health care costs, rent, medical transportation and more. Find where to get money or emergency funds for disabled adults or children who are currently on social security or that are applying for disability benefit payments.

While of course no one plans on becoming disabled, the fact is that it can happen unexpectedly. Private studies show that almost 1 in 5 adults will face some form of short or long term disability by the time they turn 67. Whether the issue is a mental or physical handicap, there are resources that will assist, including Social Security SSI, free money from the government or SSDI hardship cash payments. Or if someone needs advice on how to claim disability, find how to get help filing for disability.

The government and charities help adults, whether low-income or not, who are disabled. There are also benefits for kids or infants. Find information on the main programs, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, low income energy bills assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and others are listed below. There is also information on how charities as well as other groups can provide solutions.

Disability benefit programs that offer cash compensation

Veteran disability compensation is a government grant or 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 will be able to benefit. The government disability programs can also help their families. Call 1-800-827-1000.

The federal government Social Security Administration will also accelerate the review, and approval, of disability applications from veterans and 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 and any 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). 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. 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 is generally available to those that qualify from the Social Security. There are two main benefit programs offered (see below). 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. They do have restrictions in place and any financial aid is only offered to those with a proven disability and that meet certain medical criteria. If you are approved, then a number of benefits will be provided. Phone number is 1-800-772-1213. Or locate government assistance for family caregivers.

Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, pays cash assistance and other benefits people with a handicap. It is offered to individuals, whether adults, teens, 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.
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.

FMLA - This is short term medical leave that employers are required to give. There are certain financial aid programs, including some that include disability grants, which offer assistance to anyone on leave including expectant mothers, adults who are injured at work and others. The funds are for people injured at work, new moms or dads on FMLA (Family Medical Leave), woman who are pregnant, and others who need help paying bills. Find more details on FMLA financial assistance programs.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a federal government funded program for the low income and adults who can’t work/are disabled. It can also assist the disabled. 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 for paying any number of expenses, including medical costs, food, or housing needs. Read more on loans for the disabled.

Short term or temporary disability benefits are not paid by the federal government or Social Security Administration. That being said, some employers 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. Dial 1-866-487-2365 for the US Department of Labor.

Government cash grants are provided by various federal and state agencies. Several of them are focused on helping disabled veterans, but there are also resources for children, individuals living in poverty, newborns, and others. Proof of disability or a handicap, 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, utilities, and more. Read financial assistance from grants for the disabled.

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 to pay bills when disabled

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 or states, and others are offered by non-profit organizations. In any case, it is often recommended that an individual formally apply for benefits before pursuing these options. More on how to apply for disability.

The application review process is done by a local Disability Determination Services (DDS) office and these are located in every state across the nation. 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. The individual is always notified no matter what the decision is. 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 can be found 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 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 about 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 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 assistance programs for the disabled

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 such as installing cabinet doorknobs with pull handles. Or the home improvements can be more extensive, including widening doorways or installing wheelchair ramps. Find support from community action agencies, which are located in every county.

Volunteers help with home modifications and repairs for the disabled too. Rebuilding Together 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, and most of the work is done at no cost to the client. Volunteers from Rebuilding Together will help with modifications for veterans, people with disabilities, low-income homeowners, senior citizens, military families, and working poor families with young children. Call 1-800-473-4229, or find more information on volunteer groups that do home modifications.

Designated Housing 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. The government will pay a portion of your rent, based on the applicants income levels. Continue with disabled rent assistance programs.

Mortgage and home loan programs - Referrals can be provided by Disability Resource Centers as well as Housing and Urban Development foreclosure counseling agencies. All of the information on mortgage assistance programs for the disabled will be provided to them for free. 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

A disability does not need to prevent someone from working and earning even more money to pay their bills. An income 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The AbilityOne Program may be able to assist disabled people, including the blind or other handicapped adults, with finding employment at the same time they get government money for paying the bills. The non-profit coordinates with a number of different organizations across the country. They work together in order to employ people. Many of the positions offered are involved with providing services to the federal government. Call (800) 999-5963.

Free health care programs for adults or kids with a disability

Many social service offices, government benefits and volunteer clinics provide free therapy to people with a mental illness or disability. There is also the 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.

Individuals who can't afford to pay their medical bills may qualify for government aid, including grant money. Some of the programs available include the Hill-Burton act, which administers free or reduced-cost health care for the low income and uninsured. Anyone is eligible for this assistance, whether they are disabled or not, if their income is at or below the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Poverty Guidelines. More on Hill-Burton Act.

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.

Prescription drug cost savings can be obtained from several different programs. They include the following.

Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs, also known as Patient Assistance Programs, often provide free vouchers as a form of assistance. The resources are offered directly by most major pharmaceutical companies. Drug companies provide savings on their medications. Some patient assistance programs may even offer items for free.
Extra Help is an option for people in Medicare, both the elderly and disabled. Clients that need assistance in paying for their prescription drugs, that have limited income and assets, may be able to qualify.
Nonprofit organizations, both national and local groups, may offer assistance to the disabled. Examples include the National Organization for Rare Disorders or the National Patient Advocate Foundation. Some of them are also run in partnership with federal, state, and private organizations.
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.

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 computers and medical equipment

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). As a couple examples, students that are eligible for the federal government National School Lunch Program may obtain a computer and a low cost internet through Comcast's Internet Essentials program. Disabled adults can get internet so they have some form of access to communication as well as medical needs. Learn more on free internet services.

People with a disability can get free medical equipment. Charities, Medicare, government programs (including insurance offering) 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. Disability benefits

Assistive technology offices are located in most states. If you need access to a computer 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.

They may have free lending libraries, hands-on device demonstrations, free or inexpensive previously-owned medical equipment, and other devices or computers for people with disabilities. Some agencies can also arrange volunteers to do installation, such as for mobility ramps. Find programs for assistive technology or durable equipment.

Home Care Programs are for low income adults. 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.

Additional disabled services and resources

Seniors with a disability and that are also low income may be able to receive low cost or free transportation. Many Aging on Agency offices provide this service in an effort to help the homebound, older adults with disabilities and even their caregivers. The transportation needs to help them access needed services and support, such as a ride to a job interview or doctor appointment. The Eldercare Locator is a tool for both seniors and the disabled to use to find this free transportation. More on 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 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.

Financial aid and disability benefits by state

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 some cases the state will administer the programs directly, and in other cases they may be available from certified non-profit organizations.

The specifics of what is offered will vary by state. However assistance will usually include vocational training, home delivered meals, free or low cost medical care, in home services and more. Organizations may also help people apply for Social Security Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Income (SSI). Some states will also prioritize any financial assistance or grants to the disabled, provided they meet other guidelines such as income limits.

Need Additional Support?

Please send us an email @ info@needhelppayingbills.com Be sure to include your email address as well as state, and it won’t be shared. It is needed to send information on government or non-profit disability benefit programs or financial help. Or register in the community forum (the link is below) and we will respond to your message there.

Related Content From Needhelppayingbills.com

By Jon McNamara

Additional Local Programs

Financial Help Near You

Rent Payment Assistance Near You

Free Food Near You

Utility Assistance Near You

Free Stuff Near You