Grants for Disabled People in Montana
Montana is a state in the northwestern region of the United States, with a diverse geography, culture and history. It is also known as the “Big Sky Country”, a nickname that reflects its wide-open spaces and scenic views. Montana has a population of about 1.1 million people, of which about 13.5% have some form of disability. Fortunately, there are many grants and assistance programs available for disabled people in Montana.
State Assistance
Montana Disability and Health Program (MTDH)
This is a state program that promotes the health and well-being of people with disabilities in Montana, by providing information, education and resources. MTDH covers topics such as disability data, health promotion, emergency preparedness, accessibility and inclusion. For further information, visit https://mtdh.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/.
Montana Assistive Technology Program (MATP)
MATP provides access to and acquisition of assistive technology devices and services for disabled people in Montana, to enhance their abilities and independence. The program is open to Montana residents who have a disability and who need assistive technology devices or services. To learn more, visit https://montech.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/montana-assistive-technology-program-matp/.
Health Assistance for Disabled People in Montana
Montana Medicaid
Montana Medicaid offers health care coverage for low-income and needy people, including people with disabilities. The program provides special programs for people with certain disabilities, including the Community First Choice Program, the Personal Assistance Services Program and the Home and Community Based Services Waivers. The eligibility and benefits of the program vary depending on the income, assets and disability status of the applicant. For more information, visit https://dphhs.mt.gov/MontanaHealthcarePrograms/MemberServices.
Financial Assistance for Disabled People
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF provides cash assistance and other benefits for families with disabled members. The program aims to help families achieve self-sufficiency and reduce their dependence on public assistance. TANF covers services like childcare, transportation, education, work activities and family support. The program is open to Montana residents who have a child under 18 or who are pregnant and who meet the income and resource limits of the program. For further information, visit https://www.mtlsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/TANF-012017.pdf.
Housing and Rent Assistance for Disabled People
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
This is a federal program that helps low-income families, elderly people and people with disabilities pay for safe and decent housing in the private market. The Housing Choice Voucher Program provides vouchers that cover part 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 standards and that accepts the vouchers. To learn more, visit https://www.usa.gov/housing-voucher-section-8.
Montana Housing Trust Fund (HTF)
This 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 is administered by the Montana Department of Commerce and the application can be done online or by contacting a local HTF provider. To see more information, visit https://www.govgrantshelp.com/grants/15649-housing-trust-fund-program-htf-mt/.
Utility Bill Assistance for Disabled People
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps low-income households pay for their heating and cooling costs, as well as weatherization and energy crisis assistance. To learn more, visit https://dphhs.mt.gov/HCSD/energyassistance/index.
Energy Share of Montana
This is a private nonprofit organization that provides emergency assistance for people who are facing a utility shut-off or who need help with their energy bills or deposits. The organization also provides energy conservation education and weatherization services. Read more at https://www.energysharemt.com/.
Charitable Assistance Programs for Disabled People
Modest Needs Foundation
Modest Needs has a special program for disabled individuals, called the Independent Living Grant, which can cover the cost of items or services that can improve the quality of life and independence of people with disabilities, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, ramps or home modifications. The organization accepts online applications from individuals who meet the eligibility criteria of the program and verifies the information and the expense with the third-party provider. For more information, visit https://www.modestneeds.org/.
The Salvation Army
The Christian organization provides various forms of assistance to the disabled, including food, clothing, shelter, counseling and disaster relief. The Salvation Army also has specific programs for people with disabilities, such as the Adult Rehabilitation Centers and the Service Extension Units. The organization operates through local offices and centers and applications can be made by contacting the nearest location. For further information, visit https://www.salvationarmy.org/.
Food and Nutrition Assistance for Disabled People
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
This is a federal program that provides monthly benefits to disabled adults, seniors and veterans to purchase food at authorized retailers, as well as grocery stores, farmers markets and restaurants. To learn more, visit https://dphhs.mt.gov/HCSD/SNAP .
Meals on Wheels
This is a national network of community-based programs that deliver nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks to disabled individuals and seniors who are homebound and unable to cook for themselves. Read more at https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/learn-more/the-issue.
Transportation Assistance for Disabled People
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Transportation Network
This is a national program that 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. For more information, visit https://www.va.gov/montana-health-care/dav-vans-transportation-for-veterans/.
Legal Assistance for Disabled People in Montana
Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA)
Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) provides free civil legal assistance for low-income and vulnerable people in Montana. The organization handles cases such as family law, consumer law, housing law, public benefits, health law and immigration law. To see more information, visit https://www.mtlsa.org/.
Clothing Assistance for Disabled People
Dress for Success
This is an international nonprofit organization that provides a special program for women with disabilities, called the Women with Disabilities Initiative, which offers customized clothing, accessories and mentoring for women with disabilities who are pursuing employment or education. For more information, visit https://dressforsuccess.org/.
Goodwill Industries
Goodwill offers job training, employment placement and community services for disabled people, 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. Read more at https://www.goodwill.org/.
Business Support for Disabled People
Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
This is a state-federal program that provides consulting, training and research for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Montana. Topics in business planning, marketing, financing, management and innovation are covered in the program. The SBDC also has a special program for people with disabilities, called the Disability Inclusion Project, which offers customized services and resources for people with disabilities who own or want to start a business. To learn more, visit https://www.umt.edu/small-business-development-center/.
Assistance for Disabled Veterans in Montana
Montana Veterans Affairs Division (MVAD)
MVAD is a state agency that provides various services and benefits for disabled veterans and their families in Montana. The agency covers services such as veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, veterans service officers, veterans education and veterans employment. To see more information, visit https://dma.mt.gov/.
Assistance for Disabled Seniors in Montana
Montana Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
The Montana SMP program educates and empowers disabled seniors and their caregivers to prevent, detect and report Medicare fraud, waste and abuse. The program is open to Montana residents who are 60 or older or who are Medicare beneficiaries and who want to protect their healthcare benefits and rights. For further information, visit https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/aging/montanasmp.
Montana Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
Montana’s Area Agencies on Aging is a network of local agencies that provide various programs and services for disabled seniors and their caregivers in Montana. Services include food, homecare, transportation, legal assistance, health promotion and senior centers. For more information, visit https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/aging/areaagenciesonaging.
