Grants for Disabled People in Hawaii

Living with a disability can present unique challenges and accessing the necessary resources and support is crucial. In this article, we will explore various assistance programs available in Hawaii that aim to empower and assist disabled individuals in different aspects of their lives. From state assistance and health programs to financial aid and housing assistance, there are numerous options designed to provide the necessary support for disabled individuals. We will also cover charitable assistance programs, food and nutrition assistance, transportation services, clothing assistance, business support and specialized programs for disabled veterans and seniors. By highlighting these programs, we hope to empower disabled individuals in Hawaii to access the resources and support they need to thrive. Let’s dive into the details of these invaluable assistance programs.

State Assistance

Hawaii Disability Rights Center (HDRC) is a nonprofit organization that provides legal advocacy and assistance to individuals with disabilities in Hawaii. They offer services such as legal representation, information and referral and self-advocacy training. For more information about their programs and how to access their services, you can visit their official website hawaiidisabilityrights.org/. 

Department of Human Services (DHS) assists individuals with disabilities in Hawaii to gain and maintain employment. They offer services such as vocational assessments, job training and job placement assistance. To learn more about their programs and eligibility criteria, visit https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/.

Health Assistance

Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, including disabled individuals to help them navigate their Medicare coverage options and benefits. They offer personalized guidance and support regarding Medicare health plans, prescription drug coverage and more. To access the services of SHIP in Hawaii, visit :https://www.shiphelp.org/. 

Social Security

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that offers financial assistance to disabled individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. It provides monthly disability benefits based on the individual’s work history. To learn more about SSDI and how to apply, visit https://www.hawaiisocialsecurity.com/social-security-disability/do-i-qualify/.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. It offers monthly cash benefits to help cover basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. For more information, visit  https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-is-supplemental-security-income-ssi.

Social Security Work Incentives offers various work incentive programs to support disabled individuals who want to work or return to work. These programs include Ticket to Work, Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) and various employment support services. To explore the work incentives available and learn more, you can visit https://choosework.ssa.gov/about/work-incentives.

Financial Assistance for Disabled People in Hawaii

Hawaii Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides financial assistance to low-income families, including disabled individuals, to help meet their basic needs. It offers cash assistance, job training and supportive services. For more information about the TANF program in Hawaii and how to apply, you can visit the official Department of Human Services website: https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/tanf/. 

Hawaii Financial Assistance Program (FAP) offers financial assistance to eligible individuals and families in Hawaii who are experiencing financial hardship. It provides cash benefits to help with essential expenses, such as 

• rent, 
• utilities
• and medical costs. 

To find out more about the FAP program and eligibility criteria, visit https://www.hawaiipacifichealth.org/patients-visitors/financial-assistance-program/. 

Housing and Rent Assistance

Hawaii HomeOwnership Center (HHOC) provides assistance and resources for individuals with disabilities who are interested in homeownership. They offer education and counseling services, down payment assistance programs and help with navigating the home-buying process. For more information about their programs and services, visit https://www.hicentral.com/pdf/hope-hhoc.pdf.

Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) offers affordable housing options for low-income individuals and families, including disabled individuals. They provide rental assistance programs, public housing units and Section 8 vouchers. To learn more about their programs and eligibility requirements, you can visit their official website: https://www.hphaishereforyou.org/. 

Utility Bill Assistance for Disabled Persons in Hawaii

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that helps eligible low-income individuals and families with their home energy bills. It provides financial assistance to cover 

• heating or cooling costs, 
• weatherization services 
• and energy-related crisis assistance. 

To learn more about LIHEAP and how to apply in Hawaii, visit https://liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/. 

Charitable Assistance Programs

Salvation Army Hawaii offers a range of charitable assistance programs to support individuals and families in need, including disabled individuals. Their services include 

• emergency financial assistance, 
• food assistance, 
• rental and utility bill assistance and more. 

To access their programs and learn more about eligibility criteria, you can visit the official Salvation Army Hawaii website:https://hawaii.salvationarmy.org/. 

Catholic Charities Hawaii provides various social services and assistance programs to vulnerable populations, including disabled individuals. Their services include 

• emergency financial assistance, 
• food pantries, 
• housing support 
• and case management. 

To explore their programs and learn more about how they can help, visit https://www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org/. 

The Hawaii Foodbank is a charitable organization dedicated to alleviating hunger in the community. They distribute food to partner agencies across the state, including food pantries and meal programs, to ensure individuals and families have access to nutritious meals. To learn more about their services and find a food distribution site near you, you can visit the official Hawaii Foodbank website: https://hawaiifoodbank.org/. 

Food and Nutrition Assistance 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as the Food Stamps Program, provides eligible individuals and families with electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards to purchase food items. It helps low-income individuals, including disabled individuals, access nutritious food for themselves and their households. For further information, visit https://www.usa.gov/food-stamps.

The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program is a federal assistance program that focuses on providing nutrition support to pregnant women, new mothers and young children. It offers nutritious food, nutrition education and healthcare referrals to eligible individuals. To find out more about the WIC Program in Hawaii and how to apply, you can visit the official WIC Hawaii website https://health.hawaii.gov/wic/. 

The Hawaii Foodbank is a charitable organization dedicated to alleviating hunger in the community. They distribute food to partner agencies across the state, including food pantries and meal programs, to ensure individuals and families have access to nutritious meals. To learn more about their services and find a food distribution site near you, visit https://hawaiifoodbank.org/. 

Clothing Assistance

Goodwill Hawaii is a nonprofit organization that offers clothing assistance to individuals with disabilities and other low-income individuals. They provide affordable clothing options through their thrift stores located throughout the state. For more information, visit goodwillhawaii.org.

The Salvation Army in Hawaii operates thrift stores where individuals can find affordable clothing. They also offer various assistance programs, including emergency clothing assistance, for individuals and families in need. To find a Salvation Army thrift store or inquire about their clothing assistance programs, visit hawaii.salvationarmy.org.

Clothing Assistance Programs by Local Nonprofits: There are several local nonprofits that provide clothing assistance to individuals with disabilities. One such organization is Helping Hands Hawaii, which operates various programs to assist low-income individuals, including a clothing assistance program. To find out more, you can contact local nonprofits or community service organizations in your area.

Business Support for Disabled People

Abilities Unlimited is an organization in Hawaii that provides business support and resources for disabled individuals who are interested in starting their own businesses or becoming self-employed. They offer guidance, training and mentorship to help disabled entrepreneurs navigate the process of business development and achieve their goals. To learn more, visit https://www.auhawaii.org/.

Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) in Hawaii offers resources and support for disabled individuals interested in starting or expanding a business. They provide information on funding opportunities, business planning, market research and more. To access the business support services offered by DBEDT, visit dbedt.hawaii.gov.

Assistance for Disabled Veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a wide range of assistance programs and services for disabled veterans in Hawaii. These programs include 

• healthcare, 
• disability compensation, 
• vocational rehabilitation, 
• housing assistance 
• and more. 

To access the resources and services available, visit https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-department-of-veterans-affairs.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for disabled veterans and provides support services. They offer assistance with VA benefits claims, transportation to medical appointments, employment resources and other programs to improve the lives of disabled veterans. To learn more about DAV’s programs and services in Hawaii, you can visit dav.org.

Assistance for Disabled Seniors    

Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) in Hawaii offers various programs and services to support disabled seniors in maintaining their health and well-being. These programs include 

• home and community-based services, 
• caregiver support, 
• long-term care options 
• and more. 

To access the resources available for disabled seniors in Hawaii, you can visit the official website of the Hawaii State Department of Health: health.hawaii.gov.

Hawaii’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) provide information, referrals, and assistance to disabled seniors and their families. They can help connect individuals with support services, benefits and resources specific to their needs. To find the nearest ADRC in Hawaii and learn more about their services, visit hawaiiadrc.org.