Grants for Disabled People in Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, known for its diverse landscape, rich culture, and progressive policies. Oregon has a population of about 4.3 million people, of which about 15% have some form of disability. Living with a disability can pose many challenges, such as accessing health care, education, employment, housing, transportation, and other essential services. Fortunately, there are many grants for disabled people in Oregon, both from the state and federal government, as well as from non-profit organizations and charities.
State Assistance
The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) is Oregon’s Medicaid program, which provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible disabled people. OHP covers a wide range of health services. To qualify for OHP, disabled people must meet certain income and asset limits, as well as have a disability that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Read more at https://www.healthshareoregon.org/members/enroll-or-renew.
Health Assistance for Disabled People
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are federal programs that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay for some or all of their Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. There are four types of MSPs: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), Qualifying Individual (QI), and Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI). Each program has different eligibility criteria and benefits, depending on the income and asset levels of the applicants. For further information, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/aging-disability-services/pages/medicare-savings-programs.aspx.
The Oregon Prescription Drug Program (OPDP) offers Oregon residents access to affordable prescription drugs. The program negotiates lower drug prices with pharmacies and drug manufacturers and passes the savings on to its members. OPDP is open to all Oregon residents, regardless of age, income, or health status. Disabled people who join OPDP can save an average of 60% on their prescription drugs and also get discounts on over-the-counter medications, diabetic supplies, and pet medications. For more information, visit https://www.oregon.gov/oha/hpa/dsi-opdp/pages/index.aspx.
Social Security
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides cash assistance to disabled people who have limited income and resources. SSI helps disabled people pay for their basic needs. To qualify for SSI, disabled people must meet certain income and asset limits, as well as have a disability that prevents them from working or limits their ability to work. To learn more, visit https://www.ncoa.org/article/ssi-vs-ssdi-what-are-these-benefits-how-they-differ.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) offers cash benefits to disabled people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain time. SSDI helps disabled people replace their lost income due to their disability. To qualify for SSDI, disabled individuals must meet certain work and disability requirements, as well as have a disability that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. More information is available at https://www.healthcare.gov/people-with-disabilities/ssdi-and-medicare/.
Financial Assistance for Disabled People
Disabled people who have dependent children may be eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), a federal program that offers cash benefits and other services to low-income families. The program aims to help families achieve self-sufficiency and economic stability. To see more information, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/cash/.
Housing and Rent Assistance for Disabled People
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps low-income families, disabled people, and seniors pay for rent in privately owned housing. The program provides vouchers that cover a portion of the rent, while the tenants pay the rest according to their income. For more information, visit https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/housing-assistance/pages/find-affordable-housing.aspx.
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is a state agency that administers various housing and community development programs for low-income and disabled individuals in Oregon. OHCS offers grants, loans, tax credits, and other resources to support affordable housing units’ development, preservation, and operation. OHCS also provides rental assistance, home repair assistance, foreclosure prevention, homelessness prevention, and other services to help disabled people access and maintain safe and stable housing. For further information, visit https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/pages/index.aspx.
Utility Bill Assistance for Disabled People
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that helps disabled people, pay for their heating and cooling costs. LIHEAP provides cash assistance, weatherization services, energy crisis intervention, and energy education to eligible applicants. Read more at https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/energy-weatherization/.
The Oregon Energy Fund (OEF) is a supportive organization that helps disabled people in Oregon keep their lights and heat on. The non-profit organization provides financial assistance to disabled Oregonians, who are struggling to pay their utility bills. OEF partners with local agencies, utility companies, and donors to distribute funds to eligible applicants. OEF also offers energy efficiency tips, referrals to other resources, and advocacy for energy policies that benefit low-income communities. To learn more, visit https://www.oregonenergyfund.org/.
Charitable Assistance Programs
The Modest Needs Foundation is an organization that helps disabled people in Oregon overcome their temporary financial hardships. The organization offers grants to low-income individuals and families, including disabled people, who are facing a short-term financial crisis. Find out more information at https://www.modestneeds.org/.
The Salvation Army provides various services and programs to disabled people. They operate several centers and facilities in Oregon. The Salvation Army also offers seasonal programs, such as holiday meals, toy drives, and heating assistance. To access the services and programs, disabled people can contact or visit their nearest Salvation Army location. For more information, visit https://www.salvationarmy.org/.
Food and Nutrition Assistance
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps disabled individuals buy food and groceries. SNAP provides monthly benefits on an electronic card, called an Oregon Trail Card, that can be used at authorized stores and farmers’ markets. For further information, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/food/pages/snap.aspx.
The Oregon Food Bank is a supportive organization that helps disabled people in Oregon access food. The organization collects and distributes food to hundreds of partner agencies and programs across Oregon, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and schools. The Oregon Food Bank also provides nutrition education, advocacy, and community building to address the root causes of hunger and poverty. To learn more, visit https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/.
Transportation Assistance for Disabled People
The Special Transportation Fund (STF) provides funding to local agencies and organizations that offer transportation services to disabled individuals and seniors in Oregon. The STF supports a variety of transportation options. These include buses, vans, taxis, shuttles, and volunteer drivers. The STF also helps with the purchase, maintenance, and operation of accessible vehicles and equipment. To see more information, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odot/RPTD/RPTD%20Document%20Library/stf-guidebook.pdf.
Ride Connection is a supportive organization that helps disabled people in Oregon get where they need to go. The non-profit organization offers free transportation services to older adults and disabled people in the Portland metro area. Ride Connection operates a network of community partners, volunteers, and staff who offer door-to-door rides, group shuttles, and travel training. The organization also provides information and referrals to other transportation resources and options. Read more at https://rideconnection.org/.
Legal Assistance for Disabled People
Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) provides legal advocacy and representation to disabled people in Oregon. DRO works to protect and advance the civil and human rights of disabled people, especially in areas such as education, employment, health care, housing, and voting. More information is available at https://www.droregon.org/.
Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) offers free legal assistance to seniors, single mothers, veterans, and disabled people in Oregon. LASO handles cases involving domestic violence, family law, housing, public benefits, consumer, immigration, and other civil matters. LASO also provides community education, self-help materials, and referrals to other resources. To find out more information, visit https://lasoregon.org/.
Clothing Assistance for Disabled People
Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette (GICW) is a non-profit organization that operates thrift stores, donation centers, and job training programs in Oregon and southwest Washington. The organization sells donated clothing, furniture, books, and other items at low prices, and uses the revenue to fund its employment and education services. GICW also provides vouchers to disabled people who need clothing for work, school, or personal use. Disabled individuals in Oregon can obtain a voucher from a participating agency or organization, and redeem it at any GICW store. For more information, visit https://meetgoodwill.org/.
Dress for Success Oregon is an empowering organization that helps disabled women in Oregon dress and feel confident. They provide professional attire, career development, and support services to low-income women, including disabled women, who are seeking employment or advancement. Dress for Success Oregon offers suits, shoes, accessories, and personal care items to women who have a job interview or a new job, as well as workshops, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Disabled women can access Dress for Success Oregon services by referral from a partner agency or organization. For further information, visit https://oregon.dressforsuccess.org/.
Business Support for Disabled People
Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS) is a state agency that helps disabled people prepare for, find, and keep a job. OVRS also helps disabled people who want to start or expand their own businesses, by providing business planning, financial assistance, and technical assistance. To learn more, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/vr/pages/default.aspx.
The Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME) is a supportive organization that helps disabled people in Oregon succeed in their business endeavors. The organization promotes and develops entrepreneurship and economic development for ethnic minorities and disabled people in Oregon. To see more information, visit https://oame.org/.
Assistance for Disabled Veterans
The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) is a state agency that provides various benefits and services to veterans, their families, and their survivors, including disabled veterans. The agency helps disabled veterans access federal benefits. ODVA also administers state benefits, such as property tax exemption, veteran home loans, veteran emergency financial assistance, and veteran recognition programs. Read more at https://www.oregon.gov/odva/pages/default.aspx.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) offers free professional assistance to disabled veterans and their families. DAV helps disabled veterans file claims for benefits, obtain medical care, find employment, and access other resources. To see more information, visit https://www.dav.org/.
Assistance for Disabled Seniors
Oregon Project Independence (OPI) provides in-home care and support services to seniors and disabled adults who are not eligible for Medicaid. OPI helps seniors and disabled adults remain independent and safe in their own homes, by providing services. For further information, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/providers-partners/community-services-supports/pages/opi.aspx.
Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) offers free and unbiased information, counseling, and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who have Medicare or other health insurance. The organization helps seniors and disabled adults understand their health insurance options, compare plans, enroll in coverage, apply for financial assistance, and resolve problems. To learn more, visit https://shiba.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx.
