Grants for Disabled People in Florida

4,587,950 people are living with disabilities in Florida. This represents 26% of the entire population. There is plenty of opportunities in this state, including lots of enjoyable activities to keep residents busy. It’s no wonder many people are moving to Florida. Disability is something that affects a person’s ability to be productive. The good news? Florida State is a full assistance program and organization that offer grants to low-income disabled people to help them meet their needs.

Agency for Persons with Disabilities – The State of Florida

This agency is responsible for supporting disabled Floridians by working with local organizations and private corporations. APD is governed by Chapter 20, Chapter 393, and Chapter 916. Learn more about the agency at https://oppaga.fl.gov/ProgramSummary/ProgramDetail?programNumber=5060.

Housing Assistance for Disabled People in Florida

Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities

This program provides housing support to low-income individuals with disabilities, allowing them to live as independently as possible in their homes and communities. The program subsidizes the monthly rental payments of eligible Floridians. Learn more about the program at https://www.rihousing.com/section-811/.

Financial Assistance for Disabled People

The Social Security Administration’s Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance offer financial assistance to disabled people, who can’t work or earn income without support. Adults can qualify for both programs and receive financial support every month to assist themselves and their families.

Those qualifying for SSDI can receive both medical support and monthly cash payment which they receive based on their income, number of years in the workforce, age, and date of retirement. Visit https://www.disabilityexpertsfl.com/blog/key-things-to-keep-in-mind-when-applying-for-ssdi for more details.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a federally funded program offering financial support to low-income disabled people in Florida. Qualified disabled people can use the funds to cater for food, transportation, clothing, and housing. Visit https://www.myflfamilies.com/sites/default/files/2022-10/TANF%20101%20final_1.pdf for more information.

Optional State Supplemental (OSS) Program

Administered by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), THE Optional State Supplemental (OSS) program offers funding support to disabled Floridians currently residing in mental health facilities, care homes, and assisted living facilities. To qualify for the program support, disabled people must need assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). 

Food Assistance for Disabled People

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers food benefits and education on the appropriate diet. The food benefits are put in electronic cards that disabled people can use as ATM cards to acquire food items. More details are available at https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/public-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap.

Healthcare Assistance for Disabled People in Florida

Disability and Health Program

Diseases like Diabetes, obesity, and other chronic infections can have adverse impacts on the lives of people living with disabilities. About 40% of disabled Floridians are living with chronic diseases, with almost 20% having diabetes. The Disability and Health Program is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people with disabilities by carrying out evidence-based public health interventions. The goal of the program is to help these people reduce the strain and enhance access to healthcare services for disabled people. More information is available at https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/people-with-disabilities/disability-and-health-program/.

Florida Medicaid

The purpose of Florida Medicaid is to offer healthcare coverage to disabled people with low incomes. The goal of this federally-funded program is to enhance the health status of qualified Floridians. Apart from proof of disability, applicants must be Florida residents and provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence. Visit https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/public-assistance for more information.

Florida Medicare Program

Florida Medicare Program provides low-cost healthcare coverage to certain people with disabilities who don’t meet the age of 65. Applicants for such support services must be receiving Social Security Disability benefits to qualify or suffer from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) OR End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). What Medicare benefits do disabled Floridians receive? These people receive the same benefits as Floridians who qualify based on age. Medicare coverage can include nursing home care, home health, hospital visits, and community-based services.

Even individuals suffering from diseases like dementia and certain mental illnesses can qualify for Medicare coverage.

For more information, please visit https://www.medicare.gov/.

Transportation Assistance for Disabled People

Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged

Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged is committed to ensuring that disabled people have access to efficient, affordable, and quality transportation services. Their Transportation Disadvantaged Program offer rides in all 67 counties in the state. Visit https://ctd.fdot.gov/aboutus.htm#:~:text=The%20Transportation%20Disadvantaged%20Program%20is,have%20no%20access%20to%20transportation for more information.

Legal Assistance for Disabled People in Florida

Florida Legal Services is dedicated to enhancing economic, social, and racial justice for low-income disabled people in Florida. They advocate for their rights and interests through education, legislative and administrative advocacy, and strategic partnerships. The organization operates under the U.S. Department of Justice laws. It doesn’t discriminate based on color, race, religion, sex, age, or disability. More details are available at https://www.floridalegal.org/.

Dental Assistance for Disabled People in Florida

Oral health is just as important for the overall well-being of disabled people, and establishing dental hygiene practices can reduce the chances of suffering tooth decay. The Division of Community Health Promotion, Public Health Dental Program is dedicated to offering dental assistance to help improve the oral health of Disabled Floridians. The program offers education services and preventative dental programs. It also works with County Health Departments (CHD) and other organizations to offer direct dental care services. Visit https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/community-health/dental-health/index.html for more details.

Educational Support to Disabled Floridians

The Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services offers programs and services for disabled Floridians. Visit https://www.fldoe.org/academics/exceptional-student-edu/index.stml for more details.

The Adult Continuing Education Program is offered by the Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The program provides educational support to people with disabilities, such as blindness by taking them through various courses. Topics can include life adjustment, Braille, and independent living, among others. Only Floridians who are at least 14 can apply for this program’s assistance. https://hadleyhelps.org/sites/default/files/2021-11/HadleyAcademicCatalog_2021_2022.pdf.

Grants for Disabled Seniors

The Department of Elder Affairs offers assistance services to disabled Floridians through the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).  These agencies offer access to supportive services for disabled people looking for long-term care resources. They also provide information about the available federal and state programs. More details are available at https://elderaffairs.org/.

Florida Council on Aging

Established in 1955, Florida Council on Aging (FCOA) is a statewide organization dedicated to representing the rights and interests of the aging population, including disabled elderly people. Read more about the organization at https://www.coawfla.org/.

Grants for Disabled Veterans

Florida boasts over 1.4 million veterans, making it the United States’ most veteran-friendly state. Veterans disabled can receive support services to help them and their families. More information is available at https://www.floridavets.org/.

Assistance from Nonprofits and Charities

Disability Rights Florida

The purpose of Disability Rights Florida is to protect the civil rights of people living with disabilities in Florida. This nonprofit organization was founded in 1977 as the designated protection and advocacy system for disabled people in Florida. They offer free and confidential legal services without discrimination based on gender, race, religion, or nationality. Visit https://disabilityrightsflorida.org/ for more details.

Advocare Trust, Inc.

Advocare Trust, Inc. is dedicated to providing support services to people living with disabilities in Florida. They advocate for the rights and interests of disabled adults as well as ensure their comfort, care, education, and nurturing. The organization’s service area includes Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough. For more information, please visit http://www.advocaretrust.org/.

Guardian Trust Foundation, Inc.

This is a nonprofit corporation offering assistance services to organizations working to support disabled people in Florida. The organization strives to achieve its mission by supporting and promoting charitable services. Visit https://guardiantrusts.org/charities/ for more details.