Grants for Disabled People in New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the northeastern United States, with a population of about 9.3 million people, of which about 11% have some form of disability. New Jersey is known for its diverse culture, rich history, and scenic attractions, New Jersey is also a major industrial, commercial, and transportation hub, with the largest seaport and the second-largest chemical-producing state in the nation. However, New Jersey also faces many challenges, such as a high cost of living, environmental issues, and social inequalities. People with disabilities in New Jersey may encounter various barriers and difficulties in accessing education, employment, health care, housing, and other services. Fortunately, there are many grants available for disabled people in New Jersey. We will provide an overview of some of the most helpful grants for disabled people in New Jersey.
State Assistance
Old Age Assistance (OAA)
OAA is a state supplemental program for individuals age 65 or older who have limited income and resources. The program provides cash assistance to help with basic living expenses, such as food, shelter, clothing, and utilities. OAA recipients are also automatically eligible for Medicaid. For more information, visit https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/public-welfare/aid-for-the-aged/.
Health Assistance for Disabled People in New Jersey
New Jersey Medicaid
This is a health insurance program for low-income individuals and families, pregnant women, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. For further information, visit https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/clients/medicaid/.
Medicare
The federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older, people with certain disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease. To learn more, visit https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/clients/medicaid/.
Social Security
Social Security Retirement Benefits
This is a federal program that provides monthly income to workers who have paid Social Security taxes and have reached their full retirement age, which varies depending on their year of birth. The amount of the benefit depends on the worker’s earnings history and the age at which they start receiving benefits. To see more information, visit https://www.ssa.gov/retirement.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
The SSDI program provides monthly income to workers who have paid Social Security taxes and have a disability that prevents them from working for at least a year or is expected to result in death. Read more at https://www.healthcare.gov/people-with-disabilities/ssdi-and-medicare/.
Financial Assistance for Disabled People
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) offers cash assistance and work support to low-income families with children. TANF helps families meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, and utilities, and also helps them achieve self-sufficiency through employment and education. More information is available at https://www.usa.gov/welfare-benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
This is a federal program that offers monthly income to people who are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. For more information, visit https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11000.pdf.
Housing and Rent Assistance for Disabled People
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities pay for safe and affordable housing in the private market. The program provides vouchers that cover a portion of the rent, based on the household’s income and the fair market rent in the area. The household pays the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. For further information, visit https://www.nj.gov/dca/vouchers.html.
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 heating and cooling costs in the winter and summer months. The program provides a one-time payment to the household’s energy provider, based on the household’s income, size, and fuel type. LIHEAP also provides weatherization services and emergency assistance for households facing a heating or cooling crisis. To learn more, visit https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/hea.shtml.
Electric Assistance Program (EAP)
EAP assists low-income customers in paying their electric bills. They offer eligible customers with a discount on their monthly electric bills, ranging from 5% to 86%, depending on the household’s income and size. EAP is funded by a system benefits charge paid by all electric utility customers in New Hampshire. To see more information, visit https://www.nj.gov/bpu/assistance/programs/
Food and Nutrition Assistance for Disabled People
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
This federal program helps low-income individuals and families buy food at authorized retailers, such as grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and co-ops. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides a monthly benefit on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. The amount of the benefit depends on the household’s income, expenses, and size. Read more at https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a federal program that provides free nutritious foods to low-income seniors age 60 and older. CSFP offers a monthly food package that includes items such as canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, cheese, juice, milk, and peanut butter. CSFP also provides nutrition education and referrals to other services. More information is available at https://www.feedingamerica.org/take-action/advocate/federal-hunger-relief-programs/csfp.
Transportation Assistance for Disabled People in New Jersey
Easterseals NH Transportation Services
This organization provides transportation solutions for people with disabilities, seniors, and low-income individuals in New Hampshire. They provide door-to-door service, lift-equipped vans and buses, trained drivers, and cost-efficient pricing. The organization also offers transportation for various programs and services. For more information, visit https://www.easterseals.com/programs-and-services/transportation.html.
Business Support for Disabled People
New Jersey Disabled Veteran Owned Business (DVOB) Registration
This is a state program that allows disabled veterans who own a business to register as a DVOB and get preference in state contracting opportunities. To register as a DVOB, you must complete and submit an online application and provide proof of your disability and veteran status. You can find more information at https://news.veteranownedbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/NewJersey-Disabled-Veteran-Owned-Business-Application.pdf.
New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP)
This is a nonprofit organization that provides training, consulting, and resources to help small and medium-sized manufacturers grow and improve their productivity, profitability, and competitiveness. NJMEP has a special initiative for veterans and their spouses, called the Veterans Manufacturing Initiative (VMI), which helps them find employment in the manufacturing sector. You can learn more about NJMEP and VMI on the https://accelerator.fow.nj.gov/participants/njmep.
Assistance for Disabled Veterans in New Jersey
New Jersey Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
This is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights and interests of disabled veterans and their families. DAV operates the DAV Transportation Network, which provides free rides to medical appointments for veterans. To learn more about DAV services, you can visit https://www.davnj.org/dav-nj.html.
Assistance for Disabled Seniors in New Jersey
ServiceLink Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
This is a state program that connects seniors and people with disabilities to information and support for their long-term care needs. To learn more about ADRC services, you can visit https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/servicelink.
New Jersey Senior Companion Program (SCP)
The program matches volunteers age 55 and older with seniors who need companionship and assistance with daily living activities. SCP helps seniors maintain their independence and social connections. For more information, visit https://www.federalgrantswire.com/senior-companion-program.html.