Grants for Disabled People in Rhode Island

States

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States but it has a lot to offer for its residents. It is known for its beautiful coastline, rich history and diverse culture. But living in Rhode Island can also be challenging, especially for people with disabilities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 12.5% of Rhode Islanders have some type of disability. However, there are many grants and assistance programs available for disabled people in Rhode Island. These programs can help them cover their basic needs, such as food, housing, health care and utilities. They can also provide them with opportunities to improve their skills, start a business, or access legal services.

State Assistance

Rhode Island Works is the state’s cash assistance program for low-income families with children. It provides monthly payments, work support services and child care assistance. To qualify, you must have a child under 18, be a Rhode Island resident and meet the income and asset limits. You must also participate in a work or education activity unless you are exempt due to a disability. To learn more, visit https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. It also provides access to Medicaid, which is the state’s health insurance program for low-income people. To receive benefits, you must be a U.S. Citizen or eligible Non-Citizen, reside in Rhode Island and meet the criteria for having a disability. For more information, visit https://www.ssa.gov/ssi.

Health Assistance for Disabled People

Medicaid is the state’s health insurance program for low-income people. It covers a wide range of services, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, dental care, vision care and long-term care. Medicaid also covers home and community-based services. For further information, visit https://healthsourceri.com/medicaid/.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, disabled or have certain diseases. It consists of four parts: Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage plans) and Part D (prescription drug coverage). To see more information, visit https://www.medicare.gov/.

Financial Assistance for Disabled People

Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) provides partial wage replacement to workers who are temporarily unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, including pregnancy. It covers up to 30 weeks of benefits, depending on the length of the disability. To qualify, you must have worked in Rhode Island and paid TDI taxes, have a medical certification of your disability and meet the minimum earnings requirement. Read more at https://oui.doleta.gov/unemploy/pdf/temporary.pdf.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit that reduces the amount of income tax owed by low- to moderate-income workers. It can also result in a refund if the credit exceeds the tax liability. The amount of the credit depends on the income, filing status and number of children of the worker. You can claim the credit by filing a federal tax return and attaching Schedule EIC. To learn more, visit https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc.

Housing and Rent Assistance for Disabled People

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities pay for rent in the private market. It provides vouchers that cover a portion of the rent, based on the income, family size and rental unit of the tenant. The tenant pays the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. To see more information, visit https://www.rihousing.com/hcvp/.

Rhode Island Housing is a state agency that provides various housing services and programs for Rhode Islanders. It offers loans, grants, counseling, education and referrals for homebuyers, homeowners, renters and landlords. The agency also administers several housing programs for people with special needs, such as people with disabilities, veterans, seniors and homeless people. Some of these programs are:

Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA),
Shelter Plus Care,
Supportive Housing Program,
Mainstream Program.

For further information, visit https://www.rihousing.com/.

Utility Bill Assistance for Disabled People

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households pay for their heating and cooling costs. It provides a one-time payment, based on the income, household size and fuel type of the household. LIHEAP additionally covers weatherization services such as insulating, caulking and repairing furnaces to improve home energy efficiency and safety. For more information, visit https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/energy-and-water-assistance-programs/low-income-home-energy-assistance.

Lifeline provides a monthly discount on phone or internet service for eligible low-income customers. The program can be applied to either a landline or a wireless service, but not both. It can also be applied to broadband internet service, but only if it is bundled with a phone service. The amount of the discount depends on the service provider and the state. To find out more information, visit https://www.lifelinesupport.org/.

Charitable Assistance Programs

The Salvation Army is a Christian organization that offers a range of social services and programs for disabled individuals, seniors and single mothers in Rhode Island. The organization provides emergency assistance and long-term assistance. The Salvation Army also operates thrift stores, soup kitchens, shelters and camps. More information is available at https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southern-new-england/providence/.

United Way of Rhode Island is a nonprofit organization that works with various partners and donors to address the most pressing issues and needs in the state. The organization focuses on four areas: education, income, health and basic needs. They offer grants, programs and resources for individuals, families and communities. They also operate a 24/7 helpline, called 2-1-1, that connects callers with information and referrals to local services and agencies. Read more at https://www.unitedwayri.org/.

Food and Nutrition Assistance for Disabled People

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families buy food at authorized retailers. SNAP provides a monthly benefit, based on the income, household size and expenses of the household. To see more information, visit https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/supplemental-nutrition.

Rhode Island Community Food Bank is a nonprofit organization that distributes food to people in need through a network of member agencies, such as food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and meal sites. The organization has several programs that address specific needs, including

Kids Cafe,
Backpack Program,
Mobile Food Pantry,
Community Kitchen.

To learn more, visit https://rifoodbank.org/.

Transportation Assistance for Disabled People

RIPTA Reduced Fare Program offers discounted fares for eligible riders on the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) buses and trolleys. The program provides a 50% discount on the regular fare, or a 10-ride pass for $7.50, or a monthly pass for $30. To qualify, you must be a Rhode Island resident, have a valid photo ID and have a disability that prevents you from using regular RIPTA service. For further information, visit https://www.ripta.com/reducedfare/.

RIPTA ADA Paratransit Service is a state program that provides door-to-door transportation for eligible riders who cannot use regular RIPTA service due to a disability. The Program operates within 3/4 mile of any fixed-route RIPTA service, during the same days and hours. It charges the same fare as the regular RIPTA service or $2 per one-way trip. For more information, visit https://www.ripta.com/ada/.

Legal Assistance for Disabled People

Rhode Island Disability Law Center (RIDLC) offers free legal advocacy and representation for people with disabilities in Rhode Island. They handle cases involving civil rights, special education, guardianship, voting, accessibility and abuse and neglect. RIDLC also provides information, referrals and education on disability-related issues. Find out more information at https://www.semel.ucla.edu/nadc/resource/rhode-island-disability-law-center.

Rhode Island Legal Services (RILS) provides free civil legal assistance to disabled and low-income people in Rhode Island. It handles cases involving family law, housing, consumer, public benefits, health care and elder law. Find out more information at https://www.rils.org/.

Clothing Assistance for Disabled People

Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island offers employment and training services for people with disabilities and other barriers to work. The organization operates thrift stores that sell donated clothing, furniture, books and other items at low prices. The proceeds from the sales support Goodwill’s programs and services. To learn more, visit https://library.cityvision.edu/orgs/goodwill-industries-rhode-island.

Dress for Success Providence provides professional attire, career development and support services for women who are seeking or transitioning to employment. It offers suits, shoes, accessories and personal care items for job interviews and work. Read more at https://providence.dressforsuccess.org/.

Business Support for Disabled People

Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC) offers free and confidential business consulting, training and resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The program assists with business planning, marketing, financing, management and growth. It also has a special focus on disabled women, minority and veteran-owned businesses. For further information, visit https://web.uri.edu/risbdc/

Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) is a nonprofit organization that supports social entrepreneurs and enterprises that create positive social and environmental impact. The nonprofit organization offers programs, such as accelerators, incubators, coworking spaces and events. To be eligible, you must be a Rhode Island resident, have a social enterprise or idea for one and apply for SEG programs. For more information, visit https://segreenhouse.org/,

Assistance for Disabled Veterans

Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services (OVS) is a state office that provides advocacy, assistance and coordination for veterans and their families. OVS helps veterans access federal, state and local benefits. To see more information, visit https://vets.ri.gov/.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) offers free professional assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies. It also provides transportation, employment, advocacy and outreach services for veterans. For more information, visit https://www.dav.org/.

Assistance for Disabled Seniors

The Rhode Island Division of Elderly Affairs (DEA) is a state division that provides information, advocacy and services for disabled seniors and their caregivers. To qualify, you must be a senior, a person with a disability, or a caregiver and be a Rhode Island resident. To see more information, visit https://eohhs.ri.gov/sites/.

Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island (MOWRI) is a nonprofit organization that delivers nutritious meals to homebound seniors and people with disabilities in Rhode Island. It provides a hot meal, a cold meal and a friendly visit each weekday, as well as frozen meals for weekends and holidays. More information is available at https://www.rimeals.org/.