Grants for Disabled People in Missouri
Missouri is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States with a rich history, culture and natural beauty. The state has a population of about 6.1 million people, of which about 15.5% have some form of disability. So there are many grants and assistance programs available for disabled people in Missouri.
State Assistance
Missouri Assistive Technology (MoAT)
This is a state agency that offers a range of programs and services to help people with disabilities access and use assistive technology, which are devices and software that can enhance their abilities and independence. For more information, visit https://moddcouncil.org/our-work/current-projects/digital-inclusion/.
Health Assistance for Disabled People
MO HealthNet
The MO HealthNet is Missouri’s Medicaid program provides health care coverage for low-income and needy people, including people with disabilities. The eligibility and benefits of the program vary depending on the income, assets and disability status of the applicant. The program is administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services and applications can be made online, by mail or in person. For further information, visit https://mymohealthportal.com/.
Missouri Rx Plan (MoRx)
This is a state-funded program that helps eligible Missouri residents pay for their prescription drugs. MoRx is administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services. The program works with Medicare Part D plans to provide additional coverage and reduce out-of-pocket costs for enrollees. The Missouri Rx Plan is open to Missouri residents who are 65 years or older or who are disabled and receive Social Security Disability benefits and who have a Medicare Part D plan. To learn more, visit https://mydss.mo.gov/mhd/morx-general-faqs.
Social Security
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
The SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years and who have a disability that prevents them from working for at least a year or is expected to result in death. The benefit amount depends on the worker’s average earnings and eligibility is determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA). To see more information, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/people-with-disabilities/ssdi-and-medicare/.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
This benefit is for people who have a disability, are 65 years or older or are blind and who have limited income and resources. Read more at: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi.
Financial Assistance
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities prepare for, find and keep a job that matches their skills and interests. The program provides services such as
- Counseling,
- Assessment,
- Training,
- Education,
- Job placement,
- Assistive technology,
- Support services.
Vocational Rehabilitation is open to Missouri residents who have a physical or mental impairment that hinders their ability to work and who need VR services to achieve their employment goals. For more information, visit https://www.umsl.edu/hcdas/das/financial/missourivr.html.
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a federal-state program that provides cash assistance and other benefits for low-income families with children, including families with disabled individuals. The program aims to help families achieve self-sufficiency and reduce their dependence on public assistance. TANF is open to Missouri residents who have a child under 18 years of age or who are pregnant and who meet the income and resource limits of the program. For further information, visit https://www.usa.gov/welfare-benefits.
Housing and Rent Assistance
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program helps disabled adults, veterans and seniors pay for safe and decent housing in the private market. The program provides vouchers that cover a portion of the rent, based on the income, family size and housing costs of the participants. The participants can choose any housing that meets the program’s quality and affordability standards and that accepts the vouchers. To learn more, visit https://www.hakc.org/hcv-section8-program.
Missouri Housing Trust Fund (MHTF)
The Missouri Housing Trust Fund is a state program that provides funding for affordable housing projects and services for low-income and special-needs populations, including people with disabilities. The program supports activities such as rental assistance, emergency shelter, transitional housing, home repair, accessibility modifications and homelessness prevention. For more information, visit https://mhdc.com/programs/community-programs/missouri-housing-trust-fund-mhtf/.
Utility Bill Assistance for Disabled People
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households pay for their heating and cooling costs, as well as weatherization and energy crisis assistance. To see more information, visit https://cmca.us/get-help/energy-assistance/.
Missouri Gas Energy (MGE) Customer Assistance Program (CAP)
This is a program that provides a monthly discount on the natural gas bills of eligible customers of MGE, which is a natural gas utility company that serves parts of Missouri. Read more at: https://liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/Utility/MO/mge.htm.
Charitable Assistance Programs
The Modest Needs Foundation
The Modest Needs Foundation provides grants for short-term emergency expenses, such as medical bills, car repairs, rent or utilities, for low-income workers who are at risk of slipping into poverty. The organization has a program specifically for individuals with disabilities, known as the Independent Living Grant. The grant can cover costs for items or services that improve the quality of life and independence of individuals with disabilities. These include wheelchairs, hearing aids, ramps, home modifications and other similar items. For more information, visit https://www.modestneeds.org/.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has specific programs for people with disabilities. For example, The Adult Rehabilitation Centers, which offer residential and work therapy programs for people with substance abuse or mental health issues and the Service Extension Units, which provide emergency financial assistance for people in rural areas who face hardships such as utility shut-offs, eviction or medical emergencies. For further information, visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/.
Food and Nutrition Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
This federal program provides monthly benefits for low-income individuals and families to buy food at authorized retailers, such as grocery stores, farmers markets or restaurants. Read more at: https://feedingmissouri.org/snap/.
Meals on Wheels
This is a national network of community-based programs that deliver nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks to seniors and people with disabilities who are homebound and unable to cook for themselves. To see more information, visit https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/learn-more/the-issue.
Transportation Assistance
Missouri Elderly and Handicapped Transportation Assistance Program (MEHTAP)
The MEHTAP program offers funding for public transportation services for elderly and disabled people in rural areas of Missouri. The program includes demand-response, fixed-route and deviated-route transportation services, as well as intercity bus transportation. For further information, visit https://mopublictransit.org/2024/02/22/fy2025-state-assistance-mehtap-applications-open/.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Transportation Network
The Disabled American Veterans provides free transportation for veterans who need to travel to VA medical facilities for treatment or appointments. The program is open to veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system and who have a service-connected disability or who are low-income or who are elderly. For more information, visit https://www.dav.org/get-help-now/medical-transportation/.
Legal Assistance
Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services (MOPAS)
Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services provides legal representation, advocacy and education for people with disabilities who have been violated or denied their rights. To learn more, visit https://www.moadvocacy.org/.
Clothing Assistance
Dress for Success
This is an international nonprofit organization that provides professional attire, career development and support services for women who are seeking or entering the workforce. Dress for Success offers the Women with Disabilities Initiative, a program providing tailored clothing, accessories and mentoring to women with disabilities seeking employment or education. For more information, visit https://dressforsuccess.org/.
Goodwill Industries
Goodwill offers job training, employment placement and community services for people who face barriers to employment, such as people with disabilities, veterans, ex-offenders or low-income individuals. The organization also operates retail stores that sell donated clothing, furniture, books and other items at low prices, as well as online auctions and outlets. For further information, visit https://www.goodwill.org/.
Business Support for Disabled People
Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The Missouri Small Business Development Center offers the Disability Inclusion Project, which provides tailored support and resources for individuals with disabilities who own or seek to establish a business. To see more information, visit https://sbdc.missouri.edu/.
Assistance for Disabled Veterans
Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC)
The Missouri Veterans Commission offers various services and benefits for veterans and their families in Missouri. The agency is administered by the Missouri Department of Public Safety. To learn more, visit https://mvc.dps.mo.gov/.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Transportation Network
The Disabled American Veterans provides free transportation for veterans who need to travel to VA medical facilities for treatment or appointments. The program is open to veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system and who have a service-connected disability or who are low-income or who are elderly. For more information, visit https://www.dav.org/get-help-now/medical-transportation/.
Assistance for Disabled Seniors
Missouri Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
The SMP educates and empowers seniors and their caregivers to prevent, detect and report Medicare fraud, waste and abuse. The program offers services including counseling, training, outreach and advocacy. Read more at: https://missourismp.org/.
Missouri Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
This is a network of local agencies that provide various programs and services for seniors and their caregivers in Missouri. The agencies provide services like nutrition, at-home care, transportation, legal assistance, health education and senior centers. For further information, visit https://www.caremissouri.org/list10_mo_Aging_Services_senior_centers.htm.
