How DO I Get Government Grants for Individuals With Disabilities – It is found that 42.5 million people in the United States suffer from disabilities according to Pew Research Center. The U.S. government understands the problem deeply and therefore they run a number of government grants to support them financially. However, finding grants for disabled can be really time consuming and therefore we are providing you comprehensive information to save your valuable time.
What types of Grants are available for Individuals With Disabilities?
The individuals with disabilities suffer a lot and therefore there are various types of grants available for them that includes financial, educational, assistive technological, vocational rehabilitation and medical grants. Each grant has their own set of eligibility requirements and documentations. You can also find disability grants for individuals from the federal government, state government or your local government.
There are also grants for minorities and recovering addicts, so check out if you are eligible for such grants.
Key Takeaways:
- Multiple government grants exist to support individuals with disabilities financially.
- Grant types include housing, education, and employment assistance.
- Programs like Medicaid, SSI, and Federal Student Aid are available.
- Eligibility varies, so check individual programs.
Eligibility Requirements For Individuals With Disabilities
Different programs have different eligibility requirements. However, we have listed some of the common criteria to determine the eligibility requirements for government grants for individuals with disabilities.
- You must be a citizen of the U.S.
- You must be disabled, having one or more physical or mental impairment issues.
- You must have a limited income.
- You must be a resident of a certain state or region.
- There are a few grants that are directed to specific populations or age groups.
- Some grants might require you to participate in a school or other specific programs.
Also Read: How To Get Government Grants For Rehab Centers ?
Documents Required For Individuals With Disabilities
Once you are eligible for a government grant, you need to submit a list of documents. However, each grant has different requirements and therefore we have mentioned some of the common documents that you are required to submit.
- Your identity proof can be your government id card or driving license.
- Your residential proof like utility bills or lease agreement papers.
- Your income proof that can be your pay stubs or tax returns.
- Proof of your disability from a professional healthcare expert or your previous medical records.
- Program certificate if you have participated in one
List of Government Grants for Individuals With Disabilities
We have listed a number of government grants for individuals with disabilities. Scroll below to know about federal grants that are available for the disabled individuals.
Specially Adapted Housing Program
The veterans or service members who are disabled can get help with housing needs. The Specially Adapted Housing Program (SAH) offers financial help to purchase a home or to make specific changes. This program is administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This grant program also helps the individuals with disabilities to widen their doorways so that wheelchairs can be accessed. Apart from that you can also install ramps for smooth movement of the wheelchair.
To be eligible for the grant, you must be a veteran having disabilities like:
- Blindness in both eyes
- Severe Burns
- Loss of lower extremity after 9/11
- Loss of use of multiple limbs
The applicant must be planning to purchase own home or use grant money for repairing or specific modifications.
The grant money covers modifications like installing ramps, grab bars, roll-in showers, wider doorways that improve physical access of the individual. It also covers the cost of installing specialized equipment, kitchen modifications and bathroom modifications. Smart technology like automated systems or voice active controls are also covered under the program. The maximum grant amount that is offered is around $117,014.
The application procedure is quite easy, you need to fill up the application form (VA Form 26-4555) with all the detailed information and then submit it to the local VA office in your area. For further guidance you can call at 1-800-827-1000. To know more visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/sahat.asp
Autistic People of Color Fund
The Autistic People of Color fund also known as APOC for short. Under this fund, support is provided to those individuals with autistic color. It is identified that the autistic individuals face various types of challenges as they belong from minor communities. They face various challenges like racism, discrimination and complexity.
Therefore, they need funds for community building, education, advocacy and therapy. Apart from that the funds also provide a better platform offering empowerment and mutual support. The grant amount varies from $100 to $500. However, anyone who is an ethnic minority, Asian, black or non-white will be considered as an autistic person. To know more about the program visit https://autismandrace.com/autistic-people-of-color-fund/
Medicaid
Medicaid is another government program that offers healthcare services to the individuals with disabilities. The program is funded by the state and offers help to disabled, low income and senior citizens all over the United States. Under Medicaid the individuals with disabilities get covered for their physical and mental health.
The services that are covered under Medicaid include prescription drugs, surgeries, hospital stays and doctor visits. Apart from that, they also offer long term care to the individuals with disabilities by offering them home and community based services that includes transportation, respite care, homemaker services and personal care assistance. However, remember that eligibility criteria of the Medicaid program might differ from state to state. To know more visit https://www.medicaid.gov/
Medicare
Medicare is another health program in the United States that offers help to individuals with disabilities and individuals who are over 65. The program covers a wide range of medical requirements that includes surgeries, prescribed drugs, mental health services etc.
They also offer financial assistance for early and periodic screening, intervention services and support for specific disabilities. Medicare also offers government grants for purchasing mobility scooters for disabled individuals. However, they cover around 80 percent of the cost and the rest must be covered by the applicant. To know more visit https://www.medicare.gov/
Federal Student Aid Programs
There are a number of federal government student aid programs to offer support to the individuals with disabilities. This program is monitored and administered by the U.S. Department of Education. The best thing about these grants is that you do not have to pay them back. We have listed a number of student aig programs below:
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant does offer grants for individuals with disabilities. The grants are mainly offered to those individuals as a form of financial assistance so that they can cover their college expenses. The grant that is offered to an individual goes up to $6,495, however the amount varies every year. Pell grants are not any kind of loan that you need to pay back.
To be eligible you need to complete the FAFSA application, it will help you to determine your Expected Family Contribution. You also need to enroll yourself in an eligible program in an accredited institution. To know more visit https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is another program that offers the disabled individuals financial grants. These funds can be used to cover college fees, education expenses and other educational items. They offer awards that vary between $100 to $4000 each year. FSEOG’s aim is to provide financial support, prioritize students with disabilities and also provide them with financial aid.
To be eligible for the FSEOG:
- You must be a citizen of the U.S. or a non-citizen who is eligible.
- Must be enrolled in an undergraduate program from an accredited college or university.
- Must have a better academic score.
- Must belong to a low income group.
To apply for the FSEOG, you need to complete the FAFSA form and list the disabilities you have. You can also contact your school’s financial aid office and know how to apply for the grant. To know more https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/fseog
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH Grant)
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH Grant) is another federal program that offers financial assistance to the students. If you are a disabled individual you can seek financial assistance under this grant, if you are willing to teach in high need fields consisting of special education.
To be eligible for the TEACH Grant:
- You must be a citizen of the U.S. or an eligible non-citizen.
- Your GPA must be 2.5 or above.
- You just have enrolled yourself in the TEACH Grant-approved program.
- You need to teach in a high need field for a minimum of 4 years within the first eighty years on completion of the program.
To know more you can visit https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/teach.
Federal Direct Stafford Loans
The Federal Direct Stafford Loans offer financing options to the students with disabilities. They charge a very low interest rate and therefore the disabled student is able to pursue their higher education without worrying much. The best thing about this loan is that it does not need any credit check and they also offer flexible repayment options. To be eligible you need to fill up the FAFSA form or you can visit the https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/stafford-loan
Federal Direct Plus Loans
The Federal Direct Plus loans are mainly offered to the parents of disabled individuals to cover their college expenses. The Federal Direct Plus Loans offer a number of benefits to the disabled students by eliminating the difference of financial aid and cost of attendance. The loans can also be used for specialized housing and assistive technology. The interest rates are quite low and credit check is not required. To know more visit https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus
Federal Work Study
The Federal Work Study Program is also known as FWS in short, this program offers financial assistance to the low income disabled students so that they can gain work experience and cover educational expenses. It will help the disabled students reduce their financial burden and also provide the opportunity to earn income for their financial independence.
To apply for the FWS Program as a disabled student, you need to fill up the FAFSA form and make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. However, you can also contact your school’s financial aid office. To know more about the program https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/work-study.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), offers a federation grant offered to the disabled students. The main objective of the program is to provide public education to the disabled individuals. They also collaborate with various education service agencies to help out the disabled students all over the United States. They also run a program named free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to the disabled children aged between 3 to 21. To know more visit https://sites.ed.gov/idea/
The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE)
The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act is another program that offers help to individuals suffering from disabilities. The program was started in the year 2015 and their main aim is to accumulate funds for disability expenses. They cover expenses that include medical expenses, employment, transportation, education and housing. However the eligibility criteria for ABLE program varies from state to state.
The individuals who have qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), automatically qualify for the ABLE program. To know more about the program visit https://www.ablenrc.org/
Section 811 Supportive Housing Grant Program
The Section 811 Supportive Housing Grant Program is administered by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development. They offer supportive housing to the individuals with disabilities. Apart from that, they also offer supportive services for the disabled individuals so that they can live independently.
The program is available to only low income disabled and those who are facing homelessness. To know more about the eligibility and application procedure visit https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/grants/section811ptl
Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI) is another federal program that offers assistance to disabled individuals who are living with mental, physical or emotional disability. The insurance covers prescribed medications, living expenses and much more. The disabled who have down syndrome, cerebral palsy, visual impairment and autism qualify for the SSDI program.
To be eligible for the SSDI:
- You must have a disability that lasted for a year or has resulted in death.
- You have worked for at least 5 years out of 10 and have paid Social Security taxes on time.
- Your disability must prevent you from any employment opportunities.
To apply for SSDI, you can simply visit https://www.ssa.gov/applyforbenefits/. You can also try to visit the local SSA office in your area, remember to carry all the required documents.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Another federal government program for the low income disabled individuals is the Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Under this program, financial assistance is provided to the disabled individuals who have low income.
To be eligible for the SSI program:
- Your disability must be preventing you from doing a job and your monthly income is not more than $1,913.
- You have a low income.
- Your age is 65 or more or you are blind.
To apply for SSI, you can simply visit the local SSA office in your area. To know more visit https://www.ssa.gov/
How To Apply For Government Grants For Individuals With Disabilities ?
To apply for Government Grants for Individuals With Disabilities you need to follow the application procedure listed below:
Step 1: In the first step, you need to research and find the suitable federal grants available to you. There are federal grants, state grants, local grants and much more. So. choose a grant that serves your purpose.
Step 2: In the next step you need to check your eligibility requirements, each grant has a different set of eligibility criteria. So, you need to make sure that you are eligible for the grant and then only apply for it.
Step 3: If you are eligible for the grant, you need to start preparing your documents that include income proof, address proof, proof of disability and much more. Also, remember about the deadlines and submission dates that are vital.
Step 4: If you have any doubts regarding the application, you can seek assistance and contact the advocacy staff of that particular organization. Before submitting your application, double check it.
Step 5: In the last step you need to have patience and wait for the feedback of the organization. Reviewing the application might take 3 to 4 weeks.
Final Thoughts
Government Grants for Individuals with Disabilities can be really valuable as it will help them in transforming their lives and also live independently. There are various types of federal grants that provide educational assistance, housing assistance, employment assistance and much more. If you are a disabled individual, it is highly recommended to you to check the eligibility requirements and then apply for the program.
To know more about other federal grants, visit https://grantsbuddy.com/
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
We are going to answer some of the frequently asked questions on Government Grants For Individuals With Disabilities.
Are there government grants for disabled individuals?
Yes, there are a number of federal grants for disabled individuals. Some of the grant includes Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, Federal Student Aid Programs and much more.
Am I eligible for government grants for disabled individuals ?
Each federal grant has a different set of eligibility criteria, so you need to visit the official website of that particular grant and check whether you are eligible for the grant.
Do I need to pay back the grant money?
Grant money are not loans, you do not have to pay them back. The federal government offers you financial assistance for free. However, if you are applying for a loan program then you need to pay it back.
