People with disabilities can have unique financial challenges that require special support and resources. Without the right resources, accessing financial assistance, managing medical expenses, and even planning for the future can be overwhelming. Luckily, there are many programs and services available to help people with disabilities and their families become and remain financially stable.
Financial aid options include government benefit programs, housing assistance, and health-care resources. Not only do these programs provide relief to alleviate financial stress, but they also aim to help empower individuals by making it possible for more people with disabilities to live independently, preserving their dignity and enhancing their quality of life. In addition to government benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicaid, people can also take advantage of programs offered by nonprofit organizations that provide aid in the form of grants and scholarships. With proper support, financial independence becomes more attainable, enabling people with disabilities to fully participate in and contribute to their communities.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): If you have a disability that keeps you from being able to work, you may be able to get federal benefits from SSDI. Learn how this program works and how to apply here.
- Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): Through Medicaid, people with disabilities can receive long-term care in their home or community support to help them maintain independent lives.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network: This organization exists to promote implementation of ADA guidelines nationwide, improving accessibility and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities.
- State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies: The federal Rehabilitation Services Administration oversees and provides funding for state agencies that run vocational rehabilitation programs. Through these programs, people with disabilities can get help with job training, find career opportunities, and explore sources of financial support for work-related expenses.
- ABLE Accounts to Help People With Disabilities Save Money: Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts allow people with disabilities to save for future expenses without affecting their eligibility for federal benefit programs that they rely on. Learn more about what ABLE accounts are and how to set one up on this page.
- National Disability Institute Financial Empowerment Resources: The National Disability Institute (NDI) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting financial education, tax preparation, and workforce development services for people with disabilities.
- Special Needs Trusts: Setting up a special needs trust is a way to set aside and save money for the future without jeopardizing eligibility for Social Security or Medicaid benefits. These trust are especially useful for people who receive an inheritance or a personal injury settlement.
- National Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL): DIAL was originally created to help people with disabilities to get vaccinated against COVID-19, but today, it focuses on connecting people with community services and resources that can help them maintain independent lives. Help is available by phone, videophone, text message, email, or online chat.
- VA Disability Benefits Help: Disabled American Veterans works to ensure that disabled veterans can receive access to financial benefits, health care, employment opportunities, housing support, and education.
- Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity: Protections for People With Disabilities: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides information here about the legal rights of people with disabilities as they relate to access to housing. HUD can also provide financial assistance for housing, including rental subsidies, public housing, and special housing vouchers for people with disabilities.
- Centers for Independent Living (CILs): CILs are community nonprofit agencies that provide resources and financial assistance to people with disabilities to enable independent living. This page includes information about where to find the CIL nearest to you.
- Getting Help Paying for Psychiatric Medications: The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers information on this page about how to afford the cost of medications for mental health disorders. Sources of funding can include health insurance and prescription assistance programs.
- Understanding Social Security Benefits and Employment: Some people with disabilities are still employed while also receiving federal benefits, but it's important to pay close attention to the guidelines for these programs to avoid losing your benefits.
- Renting and Home Buying for People With Disabilities: Watch this webinar to learn about the resources available to help people with disabilities afford rent or get a mortgage to buy a home. This video also includes information to help people choose between renting or buying.
- National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program: This program awards hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to legally blind students all over the country to help them earn a college degree.
- Get Help With Veterans' Benefits: Paralyzed Veterans of America offers assistance to all veterans, disabled or not, to help them get the benefits they deserve. Federal benefits for veterans include health care, career assistance, funds for education, and help with home modifications or home loans.
- Understanding Disability Benefits: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society explores the options for people whose disability keeps them from working to receive benefits, either through their employer or from the government.
