Grants for Disabled People in Pennsylvania

Many services are available in Pennsylvania for anyone requiring assistance with daily activities. Different governmental agencies and local organizations offer these programs. Visit your Local County Assistance Office (CAO) to learn more about the programs that can be available to you in the best way possible.

Several grant and financial aid opportunities are available around the commonwealth and the country that can help disabled people and organizations achieve their goals. The grants and financial aid details below are offered as a starting point for your search rather than an exhaustive list of potential possibilities.

Health Care Assistance

Medicaid/Medicare 

Those who qualify may be assisted with their Medicare premium payments. A coverage plan for seniors or people with disabilities who qualify for Medicare is part of the Medical Assistance program (commonly known as Medicaid). It is intended to assist them in paying all or amount of their Medicare premiums. People must adhere to resource and economic restrictions. Income limits depend on a portion of the FPIG, or Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, updated yearly. Read more at https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dhs/resources/cash-assistance/tanf.html.

Social Security

Pennsylvania State Blind Pension Program

Through the State of Pennsylvania Blind Pension Program, which offers pension payments to adults who meet visual requirements and other qualifications, the Department of Human Services is committed to assisting low-income individuals and families residing in Pennsylvania in achieving independence.

Read more on social security programs at https://www.dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Disability-Services/bdd/Pages/default.aspx 

Financial Assistance

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

While low-income families are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is committed to assisting them in becoming self-sufficient. Cash assistance is another name for TANF. You can find more about this program at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/TANF.aspx.   

Housing and Rent Assistance

Public Housing Authorities (PHA)

The primary federal program that helps families from humble backgrounds, senior citizens, and disabled persons find adequate, secure, and clean homes in the private housing market are called Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) program. The previous page has a list of PHAs in Pennsylvania along with their contact details in this link; https://www.pha.phila.gov/.

Utility Bills Assistance

Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs)

CAPs is to assist low-income residential customers in maintaining utility service. CAPs can assist in lowering your monthly electricity payment and may help you pay off any existing debt. Based on the income in your home, the business collaborates with you to establish what you can afford. Read more at https://www.peoples-gas.com/my-account/help-pay/pa/assistance-program.php

Hardship Funds

Grants are available from utility company hardship programs to cover utility costs. Customers who “slip between the gaps” of other financial assistance programs might get aid from these monies. They can also be utilized for those who still require assistance after using other services. On behalf of the client, the hardship funds make payments directly to the utility company. Detailed information plus more pragmas are available at https://www.dollarenergy.org/program/firstenergy-pennsylvania-hardship-program/.

Transportation Assistance

Rural Transportation Program

Pennsylvania has the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Program, which offers services above and beyond Americans with Disability Act (ADA) criteria for disabled people who reside and/or travel outside the system route. Through this program, people with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64 may be eligible for discounted prices on shared-ride, curb–to–curb transport services. Disabled people pay a portion of the usual ticket in 66 counties, while the PwD program covers the remaining amount (up to 85%) for trips for which there is no alternative funding source. Philadelphia County does not provide the PwD Program because those counties have considerable fixed-route service that allows people with disabilities to commute on ADA-compliant service. https://www.penndot.pa.gov/TravelInPA/PublicTransitOptions/Pages/Seniors-and-Persons-With-Disabilities.aspx 

Food Assistance

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP benefits, sometimes referred to as food stamps, are used to purchase food to aid Pennsylvanian low-income households that qualify to have more nutrient-rich meals by improving their food purchasing power at supermarkets and grocery shops. You will be given an ACCESS Card, a type of debit card if you are qualified. This card may be used to purchase food in supermarkets, grocery stores, and other places that accept them. https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dhs/resources/snap.html.

Dental Assistance for Disabled People

Pennsylvania Dental Association

In Pennsylvania, the Dental Assistance Program aims to improve access to dental care for low-income individuals and families. The program offers discounted or free services such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, and other basic dental treatments. It is particularly beneficial for children and seniors who may not have access to regular dental care. The program helps reduce the financial burden of maintaining oral health, ensuring that more people receive the care they need. For more information, you can visit the official website of the Pennsylvania Dental Association: padental.org.

Small Business Assistance 

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)

Pennsylvania’s small enterprises, startups, and entrepreneurs bring innovative concepts, cutting-edge equipment, and employment prospects. They employ over half of the state’s workers and added nearly 24,000 jobs in the second half of 2015.

To assist our company owners and entrepreneurs at all growth phases, the Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop was established, and business.pa.gov was inaugurated in February 2018.

The Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop links and assists firms through all stages of growth, from planning and launch to functioning and expanding, serving as the initial point of contact for questions regarding Pennsylvania business development. Read more at https://www.discoverphl.com/partners/pennsylvania-department-of-community-and-economic-development/.

Assistance for Disabled Veterans

Veterans Temporary Assistance

The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) in Pennsylvania knows that unexpected events can sometimes put financial hardship on veteran citizens and their families. The Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program is managed by the DMVA to benefit veterans facing difficult circumstances.

For the needs of life, the VTA offers veterans or their surviving spouses who live in Pennsylvania up to $1,600 in temporary financial aid over a year (food, shelter, fuel, and clothing). Read more at https://www.dmva.pa.gov/Veterans/Benefits/Pages/VeteransTemporaryAssistance.aspx

US Department of Veterans Affairs – Clothing Support

If one’s clothes have been scratched by a wheelchair, orthopedic device, prosthesis, or medication, a person with skin disease; may be eligible for a Pennsylvania clothing allowance. If so, one could be eligible to receive money each year to assist with the purchase of new clothing. An annual clothes allowance is a payment provided as part of disability compensation. Find more about this program at https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/clothing-allowance/  

Assistance for Disabled Seniors

Pennsylvania Department for the Aging

60-year-old and older adults who choose to remain in their homes are given help through the Help at Home program, sometimes known as the OPTIONS program. Find more information at https://www.aging.pa.gov/aging-services/help-at-Home/Pages/default.aspx 

Assistance from Charities and Nonprofits

The National Organization on Disability (NOD)

The NOD broadens American citizens with impaired career options. Companies may take advantage of the competitive benefits of hiring persons with disabilities thanks to our initiatives and services. The National Organization on Disability promotes diversity in the workplace. All eligible candidates are given the chance to advance in their careers and/or be hired, regardless of their race, sex, gender, age, nationality, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally-recognized protected characteristic. Read more about NOD at https://askjan.org/organizations/National-Organization-on-Disability.cfm.

The American Association of People with Disability (AAPD)

There is a sizable and highly diversified disability community. AAPD serves as a convener by promoting honest, open communication among persons with various impairments. By adopting a common position on any issue, we may effect long-lasting change.

Disability is a regular aspect of being human and affects everyone. By serving as a connection between the disability community and our friends, foes, family, companies, schools, and the general public, AAPD amplifies a strong voice for change. Read more at https://www.aapd.com/