Grants for Disabled People in Virginia

States

Living with a disability can present challenges, but there’s help available in Virginia. Grant programs offer financial assistance for various needs, helping people with disabilities achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life. This post explores some of the grant programs and resources available in the state, categorized to simplify your search. Whether you need assistance with housing modifications, transportation, or healthcare costs, there might be a program suited to your situation.

State Assistance

Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH)

VDDHH offers programs and services to enhance communication access for Virginians who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind. This includes financial assistance for hearing aids, communication equipment and interpreter services. To find out more information, visit https://ttaconline.org/Resource/JWHaEa5BS76zEl5lJR0C2A/Resource-virginia-department-for-the-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-vddhh.

Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD)

VBPD advocates for the rights and inclusion of Virginians with disabilities. They offer resources and information on various state-funded programs that support independent living, employment and community participation for people with disabilities. More information is available at https://vcurrtc.org/projects/viewPartner.cfm/17.

Health Assistance for Disabled People

Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program

This program assists families with children who have chronic health conditions or disabilities. Grants can cover medical expenses, therapy services and equipment not fully covered by insurance. Learn more about the program at https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/focus-areas/children-youth-special-health-care-needs-cyshcn.

Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)

DMAS is the state agency that administers Medicaid and other health insurance programs for low-income Virginians. Medicaid covers a wide range of health care services for disabled people, including:

Doctor visits
Hospital stays
Prescription drugs
Mental health services
Dental care
Vision care
Assistive technology

You can learn more about Medicaid eligibility and benefits on the DMAS website: https://mylifemycommunityvirginia.org/virginia-dept-medical-assistance-services-dmas.

Social Security & Financial Assistance

Social Security Administration (SSA) Benefits

As mentioned earlier, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides income for individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. Additionally, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers financial assistance for low-income individuals with disabilities who have limited resources. For more information, visit https://www.usa.gov/agencies/social-security-administration.

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS)

VDSS administers various programs that offer financial aid to low-income Virginians, including those with disabilities. These may include programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). For further information, visit https://orangecountyva.gov/392/Virginia-Department-of-Social-Services.

Housing and Rent Assistance

Virginia Housing Trust Fund

This program offers grants and low-interest loans to developers who create affordable housing units with accessible features for disabled people. To learn more, visit http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/vhtf.

Section 811 Project Rental Assistance

This federally funded program, administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides rental assistance specifically for individuals with disabilities. Eligible participants receive vouchers that help cover a portion of their rent in qualified housing units. To see more information, visit https://www.virginiahousing.com/partners/rental-housing/hud811.

Utility Bill Assistance for Disabled People

The Virginia Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), LIHEAP offers financial assistance to low-income households, including those with disabilities, to help pay for heating and cooling costs. Learn more about the program at https://www.liheap.org/.

The Dominion Energy Share Program

This utility company offers financial assistance programs specifically for their customers who are struggling to pay their electricity bills. While not solely focused on disability, these programs can be a helpful resource for managing essential utility costs. Read more at https://www.dominionenergy.com/virginia/billing/billing-options/energyshare.

Charitable Assistance Programs

The Arc of Virginia

This non-profit organization advocates for and supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They offer various programs, including financial assistance for essential needs, employment support services and housing resources. To find out more information, visit https://www.thearcofva.org/.

The United Way of Virginia

Many local United Way chapters across Virginia offer financial assistance programs and connect individuals with resources to meet basic needs like food, shelter and utilities. These programs often cater to the needs of people with disabilities within their communities.

Food and Nutrition Assistance

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

This federally funded program, also known as food stamps, provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to purchase groceries. SNAP plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for disabled people who may have limited income or face challenges with food shopping and preparation. Learn more about the program at https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap/.

Meals on Wheels

This non-profit organization delivers hot meals to homebound individuals, including seniors and disabled people. Meals on Wheels can be a lifeline for those who are unable to cook for themselves or lack access to nutritious food options. For more information, visit https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/learn-more/the-issue.

Transportation Assistance for Disabled People

The Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) Vocational Rehabilitation Program

This program offers services to help individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment. VDDHH may provide financial assistance for transportation needs related to job training or employment, such as paratransit services or vehicle modifications. For further information, visit https://www.virginiaability.org/virginia-disability-employment-resourcesemployment-resources/.

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) Mobility Services Program

This program provides transportation services specifically designed for disabled people who are unable to use public transportation due to their disability. Mobility Services may offer door-to-door transportation options or vouchers for accessible taxi services. More information is available at https://nationalcenterformobilitymanagement.org.

Legal Assistance for Disabled People

Disability Law Center of Virginia (DLcv)

This non-profit legal services organization advocates for the rights of Virginians with disabilities. They offer legal representation and advice on various issues, including discrimination, employment rights and access to public benefits. Read more at https://www.dlcv.org/.

Virginia Legal Aid Society

VLAS provides free legal services to low-income Virginians, including those with disabilities. They can offer assistance with a range of legal issues, such as housing problems, debt collection and access to healthcare. To see more information, visit https://www.valegalaid.org/.

Clothing Assistance

The Salvation Army

Many Salvation Army locations offer voucher programs or clothing banks where individuals can access free or low-cost clothing. This can be a helpful resource for disabled people who may have difficulty shopping for clothes that meet their specific needs or have limited financial resources. To find out more information, visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/.

Local Charity Organizations

Many faith-based and community organizations offer clothing assistance programs. Reach out to local charities in your area to see if they provide clothing or vouchers specifically for disabled people.

Business Support for Disabled People

Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA)

The VDBA offers resources and programs to support entrepreneurship and small business development. They may have programs specifically tailored to assist Virginians with disabilities who are interested in starting or running their own businesses. For more information, visit https://virginiaapex.org/useful-link/virginias-department-of-business-assistance-vdba/.

The Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA provides a variety of resources and programs for aspiring and existing small businesses, including those owned by people with disabilities. These may include loan programs, mentoring services and workshops on business development. Read more at https://www.sba.gov/.

Assistance for Disabled Veterans

Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS)

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services offers a comprehensive range of services and programs to support veterans in Virginia. This includes assistance with healthcare, employment, housing and disability benefits. Veterans with disabilities can receive specialized support to help them live fulfilling lives after service. To learn more, visit https://militarymakeover.tv/brands/virginia-department-of-veterans-services-dvs/

Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)

The VBA is a federal agency that administers various benefits programs for veterans, including disability compensation. Veterans with disabilities may be eligible for financial assistance, healthcare services and vocational rehabilitation programs. To see more information, visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/.

Assistance for Disabled Seniors

The Administration for Community Living (ACL)

This federal agency provides funding and support for programs that serve older adults and people with disabilities. They offer resources to help seniors with disabilities maintain their independence and live in their communities for as long as possible. For more information, visit https://acl.gov/.