Grants for Disabled People in Texas

States

5,764,167 adults are living with a disability in Texas. This is more than 20% of the entire population. Some people with disabilities cannot perform certain activities, including hearing, walking, and seeing. Some adults find it hard to perform the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. In other words, this group may find it challenging to live independently. Fortunately, the State of Texas is full of programs and services to improve the quality of life for people with various disabilities. Here is a guide to the grants for disabled people in Texas.

Texas Health and Human Services (THHS)

The purpose of Texas Health and Human Services is to offer a wide range of services to disabled people in the state. The goal is to offer them dignity, and choices, and enhance their well-being. Through THHS, disabled people can have access to services that allow them to live independently in their homes, have access to medical services, and caregivers to help them do their daily tasks. Read more at https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability.

Healthcare Assistance for Disabled People in Texas

Medicaid

Medicaid offers health insurance to eligible low-income adults, kids, pregnant women, and elderly or disabled individuals. The criteria for eligibility and the services that Medicaid covers vary by state. Medicare and Medicaid are both available to some people. To determine your potential Medicaid eligibility in Texas, check out https://www.medicaid.gov/.

Medicare

Medicare is a health insurance program in the US for those who are 65 or older. It is also available to people under 65 with specific disabilities or kidney failure. Although the program helps with healthcare costs, it does not cover all medical costs or the cost of the majority of long-term care. To find out more about this program and potential eligibility, check out https://www.medicare.gov/.

Housing Assistance for Disabled People in Texas

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) in partnership with Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) offers Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA), which offers rental support to low-income Texans with disabilities in long-term institutions. The goal of this program is to offer an opportunity for disabled individuals to remain independent by offering voluntary services and affordable rental options. Read more at https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/long-term-care-provider-resources/promoting-independence-pi/affordable-housing-resources.

Food Assistance

Millions of Americans have access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, which enables them to shop at their neighborhood grocers for wholesome foods. It is accessible to low-income families as well as single individuals. The Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP), which simplifies the SNAP application process and offers three years of benefits at a time rather than six months, is open to households where all members are either older adults (60 and older) or people with disabilities. To learn more about the SNAP program and determine eligibility, check out https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/food/snap-food-benefits.

Financial Assistance

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides monthly benefits to disabled, blind, or elderly individuals with low income and resources. When determining whether one qualifies for SSI, some of their income and resources, such as home and car, are not taken into account. To learn more about Supplemental Security Income and how to apply for it, check out https://www.ssa.gov/ssi.

Conference and Events Stipends

The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) offers Conference and Events stipends to people with Developmental Disabilities (DD) and their family members so that they can attend in-state professional or informative events such as conferences, seminars, legislative advocacy training sessions, or workshops. These gatherings ought to educate attendees on the best ways to support people with developmental disabilities or directly encourage self-advocacy and self-determination. Additionally, stipends are offered to assist speakers at events who are concentrated on disabilities-related issues.

These stipends are intended to encourage participation in such events, thereby increasing opportunities for persons with DD to exercise autonomy and control in their lives, as well as to promote productivity, independence, and community inclusion. Individuals are not eligible for the stipends since they are only available to community organizations, nonprofits, for-profit businesses, colleges, municipal entities, and universities. To learn more about this assistance and its requirements, check out https://tcdd.texas.gov/grants/funding-available/conference-and-event-stipends/.

Transportation Assistance for Disabled People

Medical Transportation Program

Nonemergency medical transportation services are designed to assist Medicaid beneficiaries. The services can include free rides to the hospital, drug stores, and doctor’s appointments. Qualified disabled adults can get their rides on city buses, taxis, vans, or via commercial transit. Read more at https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/medicaid-chip-members/medical-transportation-program#:~:text=Call%20877%2D633%2D8747%20(,877%2DMED%2D%20TRIP).

Legal Assistance for Disabled People

The Basic Civil Legal Services (BCLS) Program is designed to offer legal advocacy to low-income people with disabilities in Texas. The program was created by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation and then awarded to Disability Rights Texas. Visit https://disabilityrightstx.org/en/about-us/funding/ for more information.

Dental Assistance for Disabled People in Texas

Oral Health Improvement Program (OHIP)

Finding affordable dental care can be challenging for most people. Through this program, disabled people can have access to low-cost dental services, which vary depending on someone’s age, location, income, and disability status. Read more at https://www.dshs.texas.gov/dental-health.

Assistance for Disabled People from Nonprofits and Charities

The Tower Industry Family Support Charitable Foundation

The Tower Industry Family Support Charitable Foundation offers financial support to families of tower workers who have suffered permanent disability during work. Visit https://towerfamilyfoundation.org.

Family to Family Network

Family to Family Network is dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities as well as their families. The goal is to help them achieve success and live independent lives. The organization offers training programs to help disabled people discover possibilities and have their rights and interests advocated for. By offering the necessary information to adults living with disabilities, the organization empowers them for a better future. The organization’s services include case management and referrals to community resources. More information is available at https://f2fn.org/.

Arc of Texas

The Arc of Texas works to advocate for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by offering them important information about state services. They influence policies to ensure that adults with disabilities are represented in matters affecting the community. More details are available at https://www.thearcoftexas.org/.

NAMI Texas

NAMI Texas is committed to helping people with mental illness undergo the necessary acceptance and treatment. The organization provides educational services and support needed to address mental health issues, including the stigma associated with the disability. Find out more at https://www.nami.org/affiliate/texas/.

Assistance for Disabled Veterans in Texas

The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) manages the Funds for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) and makes reimbursement grants to veterans and their families based on veteran needs assessment studies.

Housing for Texas Heroes Program: This grant program offers home modifications, home repairs, and weatherization for veterans and surviving spouses. These projects include home modifications to improve accessibility which supports living in a home due to physical disabilities or handicaps.
Veterans Mental Health Program: This grant program offers clinical counseling services and peer support services to disabled veterans and their families to address diagnosed conditions and enhance their quality of life, outlook, relationships, and successful integration into their communities.

Texas Veterans Commission offers veteran service programs competitive funding opportunities. To find out more about the different TVC grant programs that are available to veterans, their specific categories, eligibility requirements, grant-seeking advice, and how to apply, check out https://www.tvc.texas.gov/.

Assistance for Disabled Seniors in Texas

Area Agencies on Aging can help older adults with disabilities look for services. These agencies can also work with families and caregivers to find appropriate assistance for disabled elderly persons. Visit https://txregionalcouncil.org/regional-programs/health-and-human-services/area-agencies-on-aging/.

Through the Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADCRCs), older adults can have access to long-term care programs for seniors living with disabilities. Read more about the resource at https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/aging-and-disability-resource-centers.