Grants for Disabled People in New Mexico
New Mexico is a state in the southwestern region of the United States, with a diverse population and culture. It is known for its natural beauty, rich history and artistic heritage. New Mexico is also home to many disabled people, who face various challenges and barriers in their daily lives. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 16.4% of the population in New Mexico has a disability, which is higher than the national average of 12.7%. Fortunately, in New Mexico, there are many grants and assistance programs dedicated to providing people with disabilities with the support they need to get by.
State Assistance
The New Mexico Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NMCDHH)
The state agency provides advocacy, education and communication access for deaf and hard-of-hearing people in New Mexico. Some of the services and programs offered by the NMCDHH are as follows interpreting and captioning services, telecommunication equipment distribution, hearing aid assistance, outreach and training and information and referral. For more information, visit https://www.cdhh.nm.gov/.
New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (NMDVR)
They help people with disabilities prepare for, find and keep jobs that match their skills and interests. NMDVR offers vocational counseling and guidance, job placement and retention, assistive technology, training and education and independent living services. For further information, visit https://www.dvr.state.nm.us/.
Health Assistance for Disabled People in New Mexico
New Mexico Medicaid
This is a federal and state-funded health insurance program that covers low-income individuals and families, including disabled people who meet certain eligibility criteria. Doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, mental health services and home and community-based services are some of the benefits and services covered by New Mexico Medicaid. Read more at https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/lookingforassistance/centennial-care-overview/.
New Mexico Brain Injury Services Fund (BISF)
Another health assistance program available to people with disabilities living in New Mexico is the Brain Injury Services Fund Program. The state-funded program provides financial assistance to individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury and who are not eligible for other sources of funding. To see more information, visit https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/lookingforinformation/the-brain-injury-services-fund-program/.
Social Security
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to disabled workers who have paid Social Security taxes for a sufficient period and who are unable to work due to a severe and long-lasting disability. The amount of benefits depends on the worker’s earnings history and the benefits can be paid to the worker and their eligible family members. More information is available at https://www.usa.gov/social-security-disability.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) helps disabled people who have limited income and resources and who are aged 65 or older. The amount of benefits depends on the individual’s income and living arrangements and the benefits can be supplemented by the state of New Mexico. For more information, visit https://www.ssa.gov/ssi.
Financial Assistance for Disabled People in New Mexico
New Mexico Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP helps low-income households, including disabled people, to pay for their heating and cooling costs. The amount of assistance depends on the household’s income, size and energy costs and the assistance can be paid directly to the energy provider or to the household. Read more at https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/lookingforassistance/low_income_home_energy_assistance_program/.
New Mexico Individual Development Account (IDA)
This is a state-funded program that assists disabled people, to save money for a specific goal, such as education, home ownership, or business start-up. The program matches the individual’s savings with a 4:1 ratio, up to a maximum of $4,000. The program also provides financial education and counseling to the participants. For further information, visit https://www.caasnm.org/individual-development-account-program/.
Housing and Rent Assistance for Disabled People
New Mexico Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
The New Mexico Housing Choice Voucher Program is a program that assists disabled people, in paying their rent in the private market. The program pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord and the household pays the remaining amount, based on their income and the rent limits. The program also provides mobility counseling and reasonable accommodations to the participants. To see more information, visit https://abqha.org/section-8-hcv/.
Utility Bill Assistance for Disabled People
New Mexico Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
People with disabilities in New Mexico can benefit from this program. They help disabled people to reduce their energy consumption and costs. The program provides free energy audits and improvements to eligible homes. The New Mexico Weatherization Assistance Program also offers energy education and safety checks to participants. Read more at https://housingnm.org/programs/home-rehabilitation-and-weatherization/energymart-weatherization-assistance.
Charitable Assistance Programs for Disabled People
The New Mexico Lions Operation KidSight Program (NMLOKS)
The New Mexico Lions Operation KidSight Program (NMLOKS) is operated by the Lions Clubs of New Mexico, in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Health and the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. They offer free vision screening and eyeglasses to children from birth to 18 years old who are uninsured or underinsured. The program also provides referrals and follow-up services to the children and their families. For further information, visit https://sharenm.org/new-mexico-lions-operation-kidsight-inc-nmloks.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico
Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico provides temporary lodging and support to families of seriously ill or injured children who have to travel to Albuquerque for medical treatment. The program operates two facilities: the Ronald McDonald House, which has 30 guest rooms and the Ronald McDonald Family Room, which is located inside the University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital. They also offer meals, transportation and emotional support to the families. To see more information, visit https://newmexico.networkofcare.org/aging/services/agency.
Food and Nutrition Assistance for Disabled People
New Mexico Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The federal and state-funded program helps disabled people buy food at authorized retailers. The program provides a monthly benefit amount on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, which can be used like a debit card. To learn more, visit https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/.
New Mexico Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
The New Mexico Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is another food and nutrition assistance program. They provide monthly food packages to low-income seniors, who are 60 years of age or older and who are at nutritional risk. The program provides nutritious foods such as canned fruits and vegetables, cheese, cereal, milk, juice and peanut butter. For more information, visit https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/lookingforassistance/.
Legal Assistance for Disabled People in New Mexico
New Mexico Disability Rights Center (DRNM)
This is a non-profit organization that provides advocacy and legal representation to disabled people, who face discrimination, abuse, or neglect. Some of the issues that DRNM can help with include access to education, employment, health care, housing and public services, protection from abuse and neglect, guardianship and alternatives and voting rights. To see more information, visit https://drnm.org/.
New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA)
People with disabilities who cannot afford a lawyer can contact New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) for free civil legal services. NMLA assists with family law, domestic violence, housing, consumer, public benefits, immigration and Native American issues. To learn more, visit https://newmexicolegalaid.org/.
Clothing Assistance for Disabled People in New Mexico
New Mexico Dress for Success (DFS)
The non-profit organization provides professional attire and career development services to low-income women, including disabled women, who are seeking employment or advancement. They offer suits, shoes, accessories and personal care items, as well as workshops, mentoring and networking opportunities. Read more at https://mexicocity.dressforsuccess.org/.
Business Support for Disabled People
New Mexico Small Business Development Center (NMSBDC)
The New Mexico SBDC is a state-funded program that offers free business consulting and training to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs, including disabled entrepreneurs, who want to start or expand their businesses in New Mexico. For further information, visit https://www.nmsbdc.org/.
Assistance for Disabled Veterans in New Mexico
The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMVS)
The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMVS) helps disabled veterans and their families. They provide advocacy and assistance to veterans and their dependents, who are eligible for federal and state benefits and services. Compensation, pension, education, health care, home loans, burial and tax exemptions are some of their services. To learn more, visit https://www.nmdvs.org/.
New Mexico Veterans Integration Center (VIC)
This is a non-profit organization that provides transitional housing and supportive services to homeless veterans and their families, who are struggling with mental health, substance abuse, or other issues. The organization offers shelter, meals, clothing, case management, counseling, employment and life skills training. For more information, visit https://www.nmvic.org/.
Assistance for Disabled Seniors in New Mexico
The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD)
The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) offers a range of programs and services to seniors, adults with disabilities and caregivers, who need long-term care and support. Some of the programs and services that ALTSD provides include adult protective services, senior centers, home and community-based services, long-term care ombudsman and caregiver support. To learn more, visit https://www.nm.gov/departments-and-agencies/aging-and-long-term-services/.
New Mexico Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
This is a federal and state-funded program that educates and empowers disabled seniors who are enrolled in Medicare, to prevent, detect and report health care fraud, errors and abuse. The program provides information, counseling and referrals and recruits and trains volunteers to assist and educate other beneficiaries. Read more at https://smpresource.org/locator/new-mexico/.
