Grants for Disabled People in Nebraska
Living with a disability can be challenging, especially when it comes to meeting basic needs such as food, housing and health care. Fortunately, there are many grants and assistance programs available for disabled people in Nebraska that can help them improve their quality of life and achieve their goals.
State Assistance
Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) Program
The Disabled Persons and Family Support Program provides up to $400 per month or $4,800 per year for authorized services such as personal care assistance, adaptive equipment, home modifications, disability-related counseling or training, medical services, housekeeping services, medication management and transportation. To be eligible, you must have a severe, chronic disability diagnosed by a licensed medical professional and meet the income and resource limits. You can apply online, by phone or by mail. For more information, visit https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/nebraska/dpfs-program.
Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD) Program
This program provides a monthly cash payment and medical coverage to individuals who have been determined blind or disabled by the State Review Team and who have been denied Supplemental Security Income (SSI) by the Social Security Administration because their disability is expected to last less than 12 months and they are ineligible to receive Medicaid services in their own right. The AABD program helps individuals remain in the most appropriate living arrangement for their needs, such as their own home, an apartment, an assisted living facility, a mental health facility, a center for the developmentally disabled, a room and board situation or a nursing home. The program can also provide essential items like guardian/conservator fees, home repairs, furniture, appliances, etc. To be eligible, you must meet the income and resource limits and the disability criteria. To learn more, visit https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/nebraska/aged-blind-disabled.
Health Assistance
Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal-state program that provides health insurance to low-income individuals and families, including those who are disabled, elderly, pregnant or children. The program covers a wide range of services, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, mental health care, home health care, nursing home care and more. For further information, visit https://www.medicaid.gov/.
Medicare
Medicare is a federal program that offers health insurance to individuals who are 65 or older, disabled or have certain chronic conditions. The program has four parts: Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage plans) and Part D (prescription drug coverage). Read more at https://www.medicare.gov/.
Social Security
SSDI
SSDI pays benefits to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain amount of time and who have a disability that prevents them from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. SSDI benefits are based on the individual’s earnings history and can vary depending on the age, work experience and disability severity of the individual. SSDI beneficiaries also qualify for Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits. To apply for SSDI, disabled individuals can visit https://www.healthcare.gov/people-with-disabilities/ssdi-and-medicare/.
SSI
SSI provides financial assistance to people who have low income and resources and are disabled. SSI benefits are based on the federal benefit rate and can be supplemented by the state in some cases. SSI beneficiaries also qualify for Medicaid and other assistance programs. To see more information, visit https://www.ssa.gov/ssi.
Financial Assistance for Disabled People in Nebraska
Nebraska Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Nebraska Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households with their heating and cooling costs by providing a one-time payment to their energy provider or a direct payment to the household. The amount of assistance depends on the household size, income, energy costs and type of dwelling. For more information, visit https://www.nppd.com/in-your-neighborhood/.
Nebraska Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
This program provides cash assistance and work support to low-income families with children under 19 years old. The Nebraska TANF program aims to help families achieve self-sufficiency and economic stability by providing them with education, training, employment and other services. The amount of assistance depends on the family size, income and resources. For further information, visit https://wioaplans.ed.gov/.
Housing and Rent Assistance
Nebraska Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher program helps low-income households pay for a portion of their rent in the private market. The program issues vouchers to eligible households that can be used to rent any housing unit that meets the program’s quality and affordability standards. The amount of assistance depends on the household income, size and rent. To learn more, visit https://scottsbluffhousing.com/housing-choice-vouchersection.
Nebraska Homeless Assistance Program (NHAP)
This program provides emergency and transitional housing and services to disabled individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. They offer assistance for disabled people such as shelter, rental assistance, utility assistance, case management, counseling, legal aid and more. The program is administered by local agencies that receive funding from the state. Read more at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Homeless-Assistance.aspx.
Utility Bill Assistance for Disabled People in Nebraska
Nebraska Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
They help low-income households improve their energy efficiency and reduce their energy consumption by providing free home energy audits and weatherization services. The program can also provides health and safety measures. For more information, visit https://communityactionmidne.com/weatherization/.
Charitable Assistance Programs for Disabled People
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army serves people in need regardless of their religion, race, gender or background. It operates several programs and services for disabled people in Nebraska, such as emergency assistance, transitional housing, disaster relief, youth programs, senior programs and more. To see more information, visit https://www.salvationarmy.org/.
United Way of the Midlands
United Way is a nonprofit organization that works with local agencies and partners to address the most pressing needs of the community. They support various programs and services for disabled people in Nebraska. To see more information, visit https://www.uway.org/.
Food and Nutrition Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP provides monthly benefits to low-income households to buy food at authorized retailers. The amount of benefits depends on the household size, income and expenses. To be eligible, disabled adults in Nebraska must meet the income and resource limits and the citizenship or immigration status requirements. For further information, visit https://neappleseed.org/snap.
Nebraska Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
CSFP provides monthly food packages to low-income seniors aged 60 or older and women, infants and children who are certified as nutritionally at risk. Read more at https://www.lincolnfoodbank.org/services/commodities-supplemental-food-program-csfp/.
Clothing Assistance
Nebraska Goodwill Industries
This is a nonprofit organization that provides employment and training services to individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment. The organization also operates thrift stores across Nebraska where clients can purchase clothing, furniture, household goods and more at affordable prices. They also accept donations of clothing, furniture, household goods and more from the public. You can contact Nebraska Goodwill Industries by phone or email. Read more at https://www.goodwill.org/.
Business Support for Disabled People
Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
VR is a state agency that offers employment and training services to individuals with disabilities who want to work. VR helps clients with various aspects of their career development. To be eligible, you must have a disability that affects your ability to work and need VR services to achieve your employment goals. For more information, visit https://www.newcc.gov/resources/vr-forms-and-publications.
Nebraska Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
SBDC is a network of centers that provide free or low-cost business consulting and training to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Nebraska. They offer specialized services to clients who are disabled, veterans, women, minorities or rural residents. To learn more, visit https://www.unomaha.edu/nebraska-business-development-center/business-start-and-growth/index.php.
Assistance for Disabled Veterans in Nebraska
Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA)
NDVA is a state agency that offers advocacy and assistance to veterans and their dependents in Nebraska. The agency helps clients with various aspects of their veterans’ benefits. NDVA also operates four veterans’ homes and a state veterans’ cemetery in Nebraska. To see more information, visit https://askjan.org/organizations/Nebraska-Department-of-Veterans-Affairs.cfm.
Nebraska Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
DAV provides free professional representation and assistance to disabled veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies. DAV also provides transportation, employment, advocacy and outreach services to veterans and their families. More information is available at https://www.dav.org/.
Assistance for Disabled Seniors in Nebraska
Nebraska Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
They offer information, referral and assistance to older Nebraskans (age 60 or older), people with disabilities of all ages, family members, caregivers and advocates. The program helps clients find and access the best resources and services for their needs. They also provide options counseling, benefits counseling and transition services. For more information, visit https://nenaaa.com/programs/aging-and-disability-resource-center/.
Nebraska Social Services for Aged and Disabled Adults (SSAD)
Nebraska Social Services for Aged and Disabled Adults (SSAD) provides services to individuals who are aged, blind or disabled and need assistance in remaining as independent as possible. Read more at https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/nebraska/social-services-aged.
