Over 85 million Americans live with disabilities, such as mental illness, cognitive difficulties, or physical limitations. Those with disabilities are more likely to live below the federal poverty level and spend more on their health care. People with disabilities and their families face unique challenges. 

Numerous structural barriers prevent disabled people in the United States from achieving economic security and upward mobility. For persons with disabilities, daily routine jobs that other people take for granted are extremely difficult or even impossible. This makes them significantly more likely to live in poverty. There is some hope for you if you are facing the same situation. Various government and non-government organizations offer free grants to disabled people. The purpose of this article is to discuss some of the grant money available to disabled individuals. 

List Of Programs That Offer Free Grant Money For The Disabled

Although disability is not a burden for the economy, people with disability have to face financial crises most of their lives. Such as parents of disabled children often seek assurance to receive the appropriate treatment in addition to medications, therapies, and surgeries for their betterment. Disabled adults often find nobody to help with their mobility. Stable financial support can make their life easier to cope with regular livelihoods which every disabled family cannot afford. But the process of obtaining financial support is not always straightforward. Fortunately, it is possible to obtain assistance from a wide array of organizations. Below is a list of organizations that provide Free Grant money for the disabled.

1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

The Supplemental Security Income program assists low-income families in caring for disabled members. It is necessary to provide household financial information when applying for SSI so that the authority can calculate the amount of assistance you will receive. 

If the disabled person gets Medicaid benefits, then he or she will be eligible for SSI benefits. Additionally, that person may also be eligible to receive SSI benefits to assist with medical expenses.

2. Catastrophic Illness In Children Relief Fund

The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund provides financial assistance to families with children who suffer from catastrophic illnesses whose medical expenses exceed 10% of household earnings. Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund also covers some extra expenses, such as gas, parking, and tolls, in addition to medical expenses.

3. Administration for Children & Families (ACF)

There are several grant programs available through the ACF that are designed to meet the specific needs of individuals, families, children, and communities.

To find updated or existing information about funding opportunities for programs that provide social services, please visit “grants.gov”.

4. UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation

The UnitedHealth Group is funding a charity to provide grants to parents who have disabled children. The grant program improves the quality of life for both parents and their children by covering medical costs not covered by insurance. It is the regional board’s responsibility to review an application for funding to ensure the money is spent on approved activities. Once approved, the grant payment goes towards covering the medical costs of the child.

5. Parker’s Purpose Foundation Assistance

An annual grant program called Parker’s Purpose Foundation Assistance provides grants to families who have members with a disability facing immediate financial hardship due to unexpected medical expenses. Ohio residents get the preference; however, grants can also be extended outside the state. If you need assistance, please call (419) 334-7275.

6. First Hand Foundation

An organization called First Hand Foundation provides funding for children with disabilities. Through the provision of clinical necessities, medical equipment, and travel-related services, the organization strives to improve the quality of life for its beneficiaries.

To learn more, please call (816) 201-1569, or visit the website at “firsthandfoundation.org”. 

7. Autism Care Today SOS Program

With its SOS program, ACT Today is committed to providing immediate assistance to individuals and families impacted by autism. This funding is intended to assist families in accessing effective treatment options. You can find more information by visiting “act-today.org/apply-for-grant”.

8. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

For low-income households, TANF is a temporary source of financial assistance that helps them with the needs of their family members. Anybody with a disability can apply for the grant and should be eligible automatically. TANF also supports work, job preparation, and marriage situations for persons with disabilities.

9. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Low-income families can obtain food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Those meeting the household eligibility requirements are eligible to receive assistance, ensuring that there will be enough food to eat at the end of the month. Disabled persons get this benefit as a preference. 

10. Medicaid 

People with disabilities who are below a certain income limit are eligible for Medicaid health care coverage. There are different eligibility requirements and application procedures in each state. For more information on Medicaid, please visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). 

The care of a parent or guardian for an adult child with a disability may also qualify the child for Medicare, the health insurance program for those over 55. Young adults with disabilities caring for them by a parent or guardian qualify if they have kidney disease needing a transplant or maintenance dialysis, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 

11. Challenged America

Through Challenged America, family members with physical or developmental disabilities can receive free grant money. They also provide medical attention, assistive devices, or rehabilitation therapy as grants for the disabled. 

The goal is to help them achieve greater confidence and self-esteem and to improve the quality of their lives. For more information, contact Challenged America at (818) 907-6966 or go to “challengedamerica.com”. 

12. Disabled Children’s Fund (DCF)

As a humanitarian organization, DCF is dedicated to serving and assisting oppressed and disadvantaged children and their families.

Children and adults with disabilities can receive free humanitarian assistance from the Disabled Children’s Fund each year. There are several items that this organization provides, including wheelchairs, crutches, braces, walkers, and rehabilitation services. 

13. ABLE 

ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) savings accounts are tax-advantaged accounts for people with disabilities and their families. Contributions can be made by the account owner, family, friends, or a special needs trust. The income received is not taxable, and the money can be used for education, food, housing, transportation, job training, assistive technology, and health care. “ablenrc.org/what-is-able/what-are-able-acounts”.

State-based Free Grant Money Program for the Disabled

It is possible to receive a grant in the form of a state-based program for the disabled. All you have to do is check your state’s website to see if there is a grant that is available in your state.

  • Individuals in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas, and Colorado will receive grants to improve the quality of life of their neurologically impaired relatives. 
  • Many grants are available in Alabama and Georgia to address the urgent and unmet needs of individuals living in eligible counties. To qualify, applicants must be disabled, 65 years of age or older, of extremely low income, or mentally or physically challenged.
  • If your child has serious medical or dental issues and lives permanently in North Carolina, you may qualify to receive grant funding. Under 18 and permanently living in the state is required. You can apply for grants to help defray the cost of self-advocacy-related activities, like workshops, conferences, and training.
  • Individuals who suffer from amputations in Missouri may be eligible to receive grants of up to $150 towards costs associated with amputation. You can use this money for things like medical supplies, camp fees, and prosthetics. 

Way To Get Free Grant Money for Disabled Child

Disability-related medical expenses can result in years of financial hardship. Parents of disabled children may be eligible to receive grants to help pay for expenses and other facilities necessary to improve their children’s welfare. There are hospitals and private foundations that offer grants to help pay for certain services. In some cases, they may cover the costs of transportation, equipment, treatment, or other health-related expenses. The following are some suggestions:

  • A grant of 50% of the cost of certain items is available from the Assistive Technology Fund of the Association of Blind Citizens. “blindcitizens.org/assistive_tech.htm”.
  • The First Hand Foundation provides grants for medical treatment, transportation, lodging, vehicle modifications, assistive technology equipment, and other non-insurance-related expenses. “firsthandfoundation.org”. 
  • Different Needz Foundation offers grants to people with developmental disabilities to help pay for equipment, therapy, and other necessities. “differentneedzfoundation.org”.
  • Families may raise money for their children through Fund it Forward and they may also apply for grants for adaptive equipment and supplies not covered by their health insurance plans. “funditfwd.org/index.html “.
  • FODAC provides free and low-cost equipment and support for home healthcare as well as modifications to vehicles and homes. “fodac.org”.
  • The Aubrey Rose Foundation provides grants to families of children with life-threatening conditions to assist them in covering medical expenses. “aubreyrose.org” .
  • Giving Angels Foundation gives grants to children with disabilities or special health care needs who meet certain income requirements. Grants might be for therapies, equipment, essential family bills, camps, and more. “givingangelsfoundation.org/apply-for-help”.
  • The Friends of Man program provides financial assistance for equipment such as prostheses, wheelchairs, wheelchair ramps, and medical equipment for children and adults who cannot afford it. Families cannot apply themselves; a health professional must ask for an application on their behalf. “friendsofman.org”.
  • People without insurance can get help paying for life-saving medical treatments and surgeries from the Ray Tye Medical Aid Foundation. “rtmaf.org/medical-aid-request”.
  • Those in need of grants and scholarships can get them from the Maggie Welby Foundation. “maggiewelby.org/scholarships-grants” .
  • There are many grants available from the Lexi Kazian Foundation, including those for assistive technology, therapy, or parent education and training. “helpingfromheaven.org/tips-on-applying-for-a-grant”. 
  • Children 16 and under can get help with medical costs through the United Health Care Children’s Foundation Grant. “uhccf.org”.
  • Children with disabilities and special health care needs get medical equipment and sensory equipment from the My Gym Foundation. “mygymfoundation.org”.
  • Children with disabilities or special health care needs can get care at Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas even if they can’t afford it. “scottishriteforchildren.org”.
  • The Wheelchairs 4 Kids organization gives kids and young adults wheelchairs, home modifications, and assistive devices. “wheelchairs4kids.org/about/whatwedo”. 
  • Houston’s Shriners Hospital for Children treats kids with disabilities and special needs even if parents can’t afford it. They sometimes help with transportation, too. “shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Locations/houston”. 

A Guide on How Disabled Veterans Can Obtain Free Grant Money

As reported by the Wounded Warriors 2021 Survey, which conducts an annual survey of veterans and in-service military personnel who have experienced physical or mental injuries, approximately 90% have healthcare coverage through the VA. It is estimated that about 3 percent of the remaining individuals do not have insurance, whereas most have private insurance.

There is a 13% unemployment rate among disabled veterans, with 1 in 10 disabled veteran families living below the poverty level, according to the survey. More than 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, according to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, with 26% of veterans having a disability. The number of homeless veterans is more than twice the number of people who have been homeless before. Almost all homeless veterans suffer from medical and mental issues, and they can’t get health care or afford it. For living expenses and medical costs, veterans may be eligible for grants and stipends from the following organizations. 

  • VA.gov: It provides veterans with information about prescription resources that can help them pay for prescriptions and manage their refills. “va.gov/health-care/refill-track-prescriptions”.
  • Lifeline: An official government program that provides financial assistance to veterans for their telephone service. To get details visit here “fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers”. 
  • Operation Family Fund: It is a private nonprofit organization that provides short-term and long-term emergency financial assistance to disabled veterans who sustained injuries during Operation. You may use the funds for medical and living expenses, among other things. “operationfamilyfund.org”.
  • Vantage Mobility International Operation Independence: The program allows disabled veterans to apply for funding to help them purchase wheelchair-accessible vehicles. “vantagemobility.com/veteran-benefits/veteran-programs”.
  • National Association of American Veterans: It provides financial assistance services to veterans and their families. “naavets.org”.
  • USACares Emergency America’s Heroes: Post-9/11 veterans can get assistance from this organizationfor basic needs, such as food and utilities. The average grant is $650. “usacares.org “.
  • Wounded Warrior Project: The organization provides a variety of free programs and resources for disabled veterans, active-duty military personnel, their families, and caregivers. “woundedwarriorproject.org”.
  • Luke’s Wings: Purchases plane tickets and plans trips for family members of disabled veterans so they can visit them during hospitalization. “lukeswings.org”
  • Recycled Rides: This program provides free refurbished vehicles to qualified veterans. “nationalautobodycouncil.org/programs/recycled-rides”.

Online Fundraising Option To Get Free Grant Money For Disabled

There are now many websites providing families with the opportunity to raise money online on their own. This is commonly referred to as “crowdfunding.” People use these funds to help cover medical costs, equipment, adaptive technology, and even to fulfill dreams such as going on a special vacation.

There are several websites you can use to raise money for your child. Most of these sites have a fee associated with them. It is important to compare them before you select one.

  • The CrowdRise- “crowdrise.com”
  • GoFundMe- “gofundme.com”
  • Indiegogo- “indiegogo.com”
  • YouCaring- “youcaring.com”

Housing Grant money Program for Disabled 

It can be a great opportunity for disabled individuals to overcome their challenges by obtaining a housing grant. There are some housing grants available for the disabled. 

Home Care for the Elderly and Disabled

With this grant, low-income older people or disabled individuals can receive housing assistance. As a nonprofit 501C3 charity, the organization helps the elderly, the disabled, and others living on a low income. A federally determined disabled individual or someone 55 or older is eligible to apply for this grant. With this grant, you can pay for cable, internet, health insurance, mortgage, utility bills, car payments, and more. Visit “elderlyordisabledliving.com” for more information.

Joseph Groh Foundation

Those living with life-altering injuries related to construction receive assistance from the Joseph Groh Foundation. It helps pay for medical equipment or home modifications such as ramps, ramp reconstruction, and doorway widening for wheelchair access.

Joseph Groh Foundation offers more information on this grant at “josephgrohfoundation.org”.

USDA

Rural residents with disabilities are eligible for USDA disability grants. If you do not already own a home, some USDA Rural Home Grants can also help you purchase an accessible home. You may find further information at “usda.gov/topics/farming/grants-and-loans”.

Guide n Applying for Grants for the Disabled

For disability grants, each grant program has its requirements. You cannot apply for all grants at once; rather, you should visit the website associated with the grant you wish to apply for and follow the instructions there. To find out what options are available locally, contact your local or state government offices or visit their websites.

You may be eligible for these programs if you have a disability that makes it difficult to meet your financial obligations. Don’t give up if you are not approved for certain benefits – look into all the opportunities for federal, state, and local grants for persons with disabilities. Financial assistance may enable you and your family to live a more comfortable life and improve the quality of life you enjoy.

Free Grant Money Program for Disabled Women

Disabled women across the country face dozens of challenges in their daily lives. They might have trouble earning the money to pay all their bills and make ends meet because of these challenges. It is good news for disabled women that there are financial assistance programs available. Applicants to several of these programs may find that they can live more comfortably and with less stress as a result of their participation in these programs.

It is common for people to worry about paying their bills each month. This is especially true for disabled women who may have difficulty working to earn more income to meet their financial needs. Women with disabilities have access to financial assistance programs that can provide them with assistance. There is no requirement to repay grants from these programs, and they are intended to assist those who are in need. Most programs require that those applying are either legal citizens or legal immigrants. Alternatively, several programs are available through nonprofit organizations without strict eligibility requirements. These programs are only available to those who claim to need assistance.

Final Words

Grants are available for therapeutic services, medications, equipment, recreational activities, accessibility, and a wide variety of other items and services. Depending on the severity of the congenital disability or disorder, various options may be available to meet the cost of lifetime care. It is sometimes wise to look outside the box and consider more general options. We hope that this information will assist you in making the right decisions during these challenging times.