Grants for Disabled People in Colorado
Living with a disability can present unique challenges, from physical limitations to financial burdens. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available in Colorado to assist individuals with disabilities. Whether disabled persons require financial assistance, health care support or help with housing or transportation, there are programs designed specifically to help them. An overview of Colorado’s disability assistance programs is provided in this article.
State Assistance
Supplement to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers financial assistance to disabled individuals who receive SSI and reside in Colorado. As part of the Colorado Supplement program, additional funds are added to SSI payments to assist with living expenses. Eligibility for this program is based on income, resources and residency. To learn more, please visit https://www.ssa.gov/ssi.
Colorado Works/TANF is a cash assistance program that provides temporary financial assistance to families with children and pregnant women who are in need. Participants must participate in work-related activities in order to be eligible for the program. For further information, you may visit https://cdhs.colorado.gov/colorado-works.
Health Assistance
Medicaid is a joint federal and state-funded program that offers free or low-cost healthcare to eligible low-income individuals, families, children, pregnant women and people with disabilities. The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing administers the program. Medicaid covers a range of services, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs and more. To learn more about Medicaid and how to apply, visit https://www.healthfirstcolorado.com/.
The Colorado Indigent Care Program provides medical care for people who are not eligible for Medicaid but still cannot afford health insurance. The program offers financial assistance for hospital stays, surgeries and other medical services. For further information, you may visit https://hcpf.colorado.gov/colorado-indigent-care-program.
The Assistive Technology Program of Colorado helps people with disabilities to access assistive technology devices that can help them live more independently. The program offers assessments, training and funding for devices such as wheelchairs, communication devices and hearing aids. To see more information, please follow the link https://www.ucdenver.edu/centers/center-for-inclusive-design-and-engineering/community-engagement/colorado-assistive-technology-act-program.
Social Security
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that offers financial assistance to people with disabilities who are unable to work due to their disability. Funded by Social Security taxes, the program helps disabled individuals and their families maintain a basic standard of living. To qualify for SSDI, disabled people must have worked for a certain number of years and have a medical condition that meets the program’s definition of disability. To apply for SSDI, visit https://www.ssa.gov/disability.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is another federal program that provides financial assistance to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI is not based on disabled persons’ work histories but is instead based on their income and assets. People must have a medical condition that falls within the program’s definition of a disability and have limited income and resources in order to be eligible for SSI. To see more information, please follow the link https://www.ssa.gov/ssi.
Financial Assistance
Colorado Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) offers financial assistance for home modifications, personal care and other services that help people with disabilities live independently. For further information, you may visit https://dvr.colorado.gov/home/councils-and-boards.
The Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps people with disabilities find and maintain employment by providing vocational rehabilitation, job training, job search assistance and other services. To be eligible for the DVR program, you must have a disability that affects your ability to work. To learn more about the DVR and its services, visit https://dvr.colorado.gov/.
Housing and Rent Assistance
Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC) offers financial assistance to individuals with disabilities and low-income families for their housing and rent expenses. They provide various programs, including down payment assistance, homebuyer education and rental assistance. Their rental assistance program provides financial aid for rent and utility bills to eligible low-income families, including those with disabilities. To see more information, please follow the link https://chaconline.org/#.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) provides rental assistance to low-income families, disabled people, veterans and seniors. The program offers vouchers that help with monthly rent payments and recipients can choose the housing unit of their choice as long as it meets program requirements. See the details at https://csha.us/section-8.
The Colorado Division of Housing (DOH) offers various programs that provide rental assistance to low-income families and individuals with disabilities. To learn more, visit https://doh.colorado.gov/.
Utility Bill Assistance
Energy Outreach Colorado is a nonprofit organization that provides energy bill assistance to low-income individuals, including those with disabilities. The organization offers a range of assistance programs, including emergency bill payment assistance, energy bill payment assistance and energy efficiency upgrades. To learn more about Energy Outreach Colorado’s programs and eligibility requirements, visit https://www.energyoutreach.org/.
The Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income individuals and families with their home heating costs. Eligible households include those with a disabled member or a member who is 60 years of age or older. LEAP provides assistance with both heating bills and energy efficiency upgrades. For more information on LEAP and how to apply, visit https://cdhs.colorado.gov/leap.
The Salvation Army is a nonprofit organization that provides a range of assistance programs to individuals and families in need, including utility bill assistance. The organization’s utility assistance programs vary by location, but many offer emergency bill payment assistance to individuals with disabilities who are struggling to pay their bills. To find a Salvation Army location near you and learn more about their utility assistance programs, visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ways-to-give/.
Assistance from Charities and Nonprofits
The Independence Center is a nonprofit organization that offers a variety of programs and services for people with disabilities in Colorado, including housing assistance, employment services and transportation assistance. They also offer financial assistance for medical equipment, home modifications and other disability-related expenses. For further information, you may visit https://www.theindependencecenter.org/.
Easterseals Colorado is a nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of services and programs for people with disabilities, including job training and placement, respite care and assistive technology. The organization also provides financial support for disability-related expenditures such as medical equipment, housing adaptations, and transportation. To see more information, please follow the link https://www.easterseals.com/co/programs-and-services/.
The Arc of Colorado is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They offer a variety of programs and services, including housing assistance, employment support and advocacy services. They also help with disability-related expenditures such as medical bills and home adjustments. To see more information, please follow the link https://thearcofco.org/.
Food Assistance
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, gives cash aid to qualified individuals and families to purchase food. Disabled individuals who meet the income eligibility criteria can apply for SNAP benefits. The amount of benefits a person receives is determined by their income, expenses and household size. To apply for SNAP benefits, visit https://cdhs.colorado.gov/snap.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides nutritional assistance to low-income pregnant women, new mothers and young children up to the age of five who are at nutritional risk. Disabled individuals who meet the income eligibility criteria may qualify for WIC benefits. Benefits include nutritious food, nutrition education and healthcare referrals. To see more information, please follow the link https://www.coloradowic.gov/homepage.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) helps low-income people and families in need of food. Disabled individuals who meet the income eligibility criteria can receive food through TEFAP. The program distributes food through various community agencies, such as food banks and pantries. To find a TEFAP distribution site near you, visit https://cdhs.colorado.gov/TEFAP.
Food Bank of the Rockies is a non-profit organization that works to provide food to families and individuals in need across Colorado. They partner with a variety of organizations, including local food pantries, schools and senior centers, to distribute food and meals to those who are struggling with hunger. Through their programs and services, Food Bank of the Rockies serves thousands of people every year, including many disabled individuals and families. They offer a variety of food assistance programs, including emergency food boxes, mobile pantries and meals for children during the summer months. Additionally, the organization provides resources and support to help people improve their overall health and well-being. For further information, you may visit https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank/food-bank-of-the-rockies.
Transportation Assistance
Access‑a‑Ride is a transportation service provided by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) for individuals with disabilities who cannot use the regular bus and light rail services. Access-a-Ride is a door-to-door service that provides transportation to medical appointments, work and other destinations. Individuals must submit an application and fulfill specific qualifying requirements to be eligible for Access-a-Ride. To see more information, please follow the link https://aging.networkofcare.org/denverregion-co/services/agency?pid=rtdaccessaride_965_1_0.
Denver Regional Mobility and Access Council (DRMAC) is a nonprofit organization that offers transportation information and resources for individuals with disabilities, seniors and those with low incomes in the Denver metro area. The organization offers a free ride assistance program called Mobility Choice, which provides personalized assistance with transportation options, such as Access-a-Ride, RTD bus and rail services and transportation vouchers. To learn more about DRMAC and its services, visit https://aging.networkofcare.org/denverregion-co/services/agency.
Business Support for Disabled People
Colorado Lending Source provides loans and financial assistance to small businesses in Colorado, including those owned by disabled individuals. The program offers various loan products, such as microloans and SBA 504 loans, to help small businesses grow and expand. For more information, visit https://www.bsidecapital.org/colorado-lending-source.
Assistance for Disabled Veterans
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a national organization that provides a range of services and support to veterans and their families, including assistance with VA benefits, disability claims, education and training, employment and housing. They have multiple posts and chapters across Colorado and provide a wide range of programs and services to address the requirements of the state’s disabled veterans. See the details at https://www.vfw.org/.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is an organization that presents a variety of services to disabled veterans, including assistance with VA claims, transportation to medical appointments, employment resources and support for disabled veterans and their families. They have chapters throughout Colorado and offer a range of programs and services to meet the needs of disabled veterans in the state. For further information, you may visit https://www.dav.org/.
Assistance for Disabled Seniors
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (or SHIP) provides free counseling and assistance to seniors and individuals with disabilities who need help with health insurance. This program helps seniors understand their Medicare benefits, as well as options for Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. To learn more, visit https://doi.colorado.gov/insurance-products/health-insurance/senior-health-care-medicare.
