Financial Help for Low-Income Disabled People
Help is available for low-income disabled people. If you're willing to spend some time online researching grants and filing applications, you will probably find funds for at least some of your needs. Since many grants are made available to organizations rather than individuals, start your search by contacting local social-service agencies to find out what they can provide.
Applying for Government Benefits
If you're permanently disabled and you haven't yet applied for benefits from the Social Security Administration, that's a good starting place. Two programs, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) offer benefits for people with disabilities that are expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security website (ssa.gov) contains information about both programs and you can apply online. You can also call the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 or use the TTY number for the hearing-impaired, which is 1-800-325-0778. Both numbers are answered between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.
Your state might also provide cash assistance payments through the Department of Welfare or Social Services Department. You can apply for food stamp benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on the same application. Find your state online by entering state.yourstateabbreviation.gov or check the blue pages in your phone book.
Programs that help pay your expenses can effectively increase your disposable income. Weatherization and heating assistance grants are available through the Department of Energy and are usually administered by state welfare or social services agencies, as well. Inquire about these programs when you file for other benefits, or visit eere.energy.gov/weatherization.
Grants for the Disabled
Grants are funds that are provided to organizations or individuals for specific purposes and do not have to be repaid. The U.S. Department of Education provides a Supported Employment Grant for individuals with severe disabilities. The grant is intended to provide services for a limited time period with the goal of finding and maintaining supported employment. State liaisons have been assigned for this grant (see Resources section).
The IRS provides tax information and assistance to disabled taxpayers. You don't have to file an application, but you must follow the guidelines provided by the IRS (see Resources section).
Disabled students who are enrolled in a program leading to an associate or a bachelor's degree can apply for a grant from the Department of Education's TRIO Student Support Services. Although grant applications for fiscal year 2010 are closed, you can apply for future years. You must complete an application online at e-grants.ed.gov/egHome.asp.
A veteran who has lost one foot or hand or has severely impaired vision, when these conditions occurred during active service or were made worse by that service, might qualify for a grant of $11,000 to buy a car or other vehicle. If the veteran suffers from ankylosis of at least one knee or hip, he might qualify for a grant for other adaptive equipment in lieu of the vehicle grant. This includes National Guard and Reserve who have been activated and discharged, and former National Oceanic and Atmospheric employees. More information is available at vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/serviceconnected/Autoeg_0708.doc.
Veterans can also receive help through the Department of Veterans' Affairs, which provides medical care, equipment, compensation, loans, insurance and other benefits (see Resources section).
For a more complete listing of government grants listed by category, visit the Government Benefits portal.
Tags: Resources section, Social Security, through Department, Department Education, Disabled People
