Grants for Disabled People in Massachusetts

States

Massachusetts is home to more than 6.8 million people, of whom about 11% have a disability. Living with a disability can pose many challenges, such as finding accessible housing, health care, education, employment and transportation. Thankfully, there are many grants and assistance programs available for disabled people in Massachusetts, both from the public and private sectors. These programs can help disabled people improve their quality of life, achieve their goals and overcome barriers.

State Assistance

The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) is the state agency that serves as the advocate and resource for people with disabilities in Massachusetts. MOD provides information, referrals, technical assistance and legal representation on disability rights and benefits. MOD also administers the Home Modification Loan Program, which provides low-interest loans to homeowners and renters with disabilities to make accessibility modifications to their homes. For more information, visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-office-on-disability.

The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) helps people with disabilities live and work independently. MRC offers vocational rehabilitation, independent living and disability determination services. MRC helps people with disabilities find employment, training, education, assistive technology and other supports. For further information, visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-rehabilitation-commission.

Health Assistance

The Massachusetts Health Connector is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where people can compare and enroll in affordable health plans that meet their needs and budget. The Health Connector also offers subsidies and tax credits to help lower the cost of health insurance for eligible disabled adults, veterans and seniors. People with disabilities may qualify for special enrollment periods, premium assistance or other programs, such as MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program or ConnectorCare, the state’s subsidized health plan. To learn more, visit https://betterhealthconnector.com/get-an-estimate.

The Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) is a nonprofit organization that provides vision rehabilitation, assistive technology and support services to people who are blind or visually impaired in Massachusetts. MABVI can help disabled people with low vision clinics orientation and mobility training, in-home services, volunteer assistance and peer support groups. Find out more information at https://www.mabvi.org/.

Social Security

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the federal agency that administers the Social Security program, which provides retirement, disability and survivor benefits to eligible workers and their families. SSA also administers the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which provides cash assistance to people who are aged, blind or disabled and have limited income and resources. People with disabilities may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI, depending on their work history, income and assets. SSA also offers work incentives, like the Ticket to Work program, to help people with disabilities return to work or start a business without losing their benefits. For more information, visit https://www.ssa.gov/.

Financial Assistance for Disabled People

The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) provides economic assistance to low-income individuals and families. DTA administers the following programs:

The Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) program,
The Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) program,
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

To learn more, visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-transitional-assistance.

Housing and Rent Assistance for Disabled People

The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is the state agency that supports affordable housing and community development. DHCD administers the following programs:

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program,
The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP),
The Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP),
The HomeBASE Program.

To see more information, visit https://www.trilogyir.com/Cancellation/MassachusettsBehavioralHeatlhServices.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the federal agency that oversees housing and urban development. HUD manages the programs listed below:

The Public Housing Program,
The Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Program,
The HOME Investment Partnerships Program,
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.

For more information, visit https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-department-of-housing-and-urban-development.

Utility Bill Assistance for Disabled People

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance to low-income households to help pay for heating and cooling costs.

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers free home energy audits and weatherization services to low-income households to help reduce energy consumption and costs.

The Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HEARTWAP) provides emergency heating system repair and replacement services to disabled people in Massachusetts.

For further information, visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-energy-resources.

Charitable Assistance Programs

The Disability Policy Consortium (DPC) is a coalition of disability organizations and advocates that works to advance the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities in Massachusetts. DPC can help disabled adults with advocacy, education, research and technical assistance on disability policy issues. DPC also has a newsletter, a blog and a podcast that keep you updated on the latest news and events related to disability rights. To learn more, visit https://www.dpcma.org/.

Food Assistance for Disabled People in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) provides funding to food banks and pantries to purchase and distribute nutritious food to low-income households. This program can help you access healthy and fresh food and improve your nutrition and health.

The Massachusetts Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) offers coupons to disabled seniors and WIC participants to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets. This program can help you enjoy the benefits of local and seasonal produce and support the local farmers and economy.

Disabled people can visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-agricultural-resources for more information.

Transportation Assistance for Disabled People

The Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) operate public transportation services such as buses, vans and shuttles in various regions and communities throughout Massachusetts. Some RTAs offer reduced fares, paratransit and travel training for people with disabilities. This program can help disabled individuals travel conveniently and affordably to their destinations and activities. You can find your local RTA at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-transportation.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is the public transportation authority for the Greater Boston area, providing subway, commuter rail, bus, ferry and light rail services. The MBTA offers reduced fares, paratransit and accessibility features for people with disabilities. This program can help them access the largest and most diverse transportation network in Massachusetts and enjoy the cultural and economic opportunities in the region. To learn more, visit https://www.mbta.com/.

Legal Assistance

The Disability Rights Project offers legal advocacy and enforcement for people with disabilities who face discrimination, abuse or neglect in areas such as housing, education, employment, public accommodations and health care. This program can help you protect your civil rights and access justice and equality.

The Consumer Protection Division provides information, mediation and litigation for consumers who have problems with businesses, products or services in Massachusetts. This program can assist disabled individuals in resolving their consumer complaints and recovering their losses. To see more information about these programs, visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-the-attorney-genera.

Clothing Assistance for Disabled People

The Salvation Army is dedicated to providing services and programs to people in need throughout Massachusetts. The Salvation Army has thrift stores that sell donated clothing, furniture and household items at low prices. They also have voucher programs that provide free clothing to disabled adults, women and seniors. For more information, visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/.

Dress for Success is a nonprofit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing professional attire, support and development tools. The organization has a boutique that provides free suits and accessories to women who are seeking employment or attending interviews. Dress for Success also has a career center that offers mentoring, networking and training opportunities to women. To learn more, visit https://dressforsuccess.org/.

Business Support for Disabled People

The Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) is the state agency that provides assistance and support to businesses of all sizes and stages in Massachusetts. MOBD can help disabled persons with information, referrals, financing, incentives and other services to help their businesses succeed. MOBD also has the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO), which certifies and promotes businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans and people with disabilities in Massachusetts. SDO also helps these businesses access public and private contracting and procurement opportunities. Disabled individuals in Massachusetts can visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-office-of-business-development for more information.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) supports small businesses and entrepreneurs in the United States. SBA can help them with loans, grants, counseling, training and other programs and services to help their businesses start, grow and thrive. SBA also has the Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD), which provides outreach, education and resources to veterans, service-disabled veterans and military spouses who want to start or expand their businesses. To see more information, visit https://www.sba.gov/.

Assistance for Disabled Veterans

The Annuity Program provides a yearly payment to eligible veterans who are 100% disabled due to service-connected injuries or diseases.

The Welcome Home Bonus Program provides a one-time payment to eligible veterans who served on active duty in certain conflicts or operations.

The Veterans’ Services Program provides financial and medical assistance to eligible veterans and their dependents who are in need.

For further information about these programs, visit https://www.danversma.gov/.

The Disability Compensation Program provides monthly payments to veterans who have disabilities that are the result of or worsened by their military service.

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program provides counseling, training, education and employment services to veterans with service-connected disabilities who have an employment handicap.

The Health Care System provides medical care, prescription drugs, prosthetics and other services to eligible veterans at VA facilities and community providers.

You can visit https://www.va.gov/health-care/ for more information about these programs.

Assistance for Disabled Seniors

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) is the state agency that provides advocacy, information and assistance to seniors and their families in Massachusetts. EOEA oversees various programs and services, such as:

The Home Care Program provides in-home services, such as personal care, homemaking and nursing, to eligible seniors who need assistance with daily living activities.

The Senior Care Options (SCO) Program provides comprehensive health and social services to eligible seniors who are enrolled in both Medicare and MassHealth.

For further information, visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-elder-affairs.