Grants for Disabled People in West Virginia
In the state of West Virginia, individuals with disabilities face challenges and opportunities. This guide aims to empower you with knowledge and resources to access the support.
Whether you’re seeking legal representation, financial assistance, or support with daily living tasks, this guide will provide you with a roadmap to the programs and services available in West Virginia. We’ll delve into programs for legal assistance, clothing assistance, business support, disabled veterans and disabled seniors, ensuring that you have the information you need to make informed decisions about your care and well-being.
State Assistance
West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
DORS provides vocational rehabilitation services to help individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals. These services may include job training, counseling and assistance with finding employment. For more information, visit https://wvdrs.org/.
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) General Relief Program
The General Relief Program offers temporary financial assistance to individuals and families who are facing hardship. This assistance can be used for basic needs such as food, rent and utilities. For further information, visit https://dhhr.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
Social Security
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who have become disabled while working and paying into Social Security. To be eligible, you must meet certain work history and medical requirements. To learn more, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/people-with-disabilities/ssdi-and-medicare/.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals with disabilities. Unlike SSDI, you do not have to have a work history to qualify for SSI. To see more information, visit https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11000.pdf.
Financial Assistance for Disabled People
West Virginia Disability Rights Coalition (WVDRC)
The WVDRC is a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights of disabled people in West Virginia. They offer a variety of legal and advocacy services, including financial assistance programs. These programs may provide grants, loans, or other forms of financial aid to help people with disabilities cover the costs of food, housing, utilities and other essential expenses. For more information, visit https://www.drofwv.org/.
The Arc of West Virginia
The Arc of West Virginia is a non-profit organization that advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They offer a variety of programs and services, including financial assistance. These programs may provide financial assistance for housing, transportation, employment and other needs. For further information, visit https://thearc.org/chapter/the-arc-of-west-virginia/.
Health Assistance for Disabled People
West Virginia Medicaid
Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides health insurance to low-income individuals and families, including those with disabilities. Medicaid covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs and more. Read more at https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms/Members/Apply/Pages/default.aspx.
West Virginia Assistive Technology Loan Program
The WV AT Loan Program offers loans to disabled individuals to purchase assistive technology devices and services. Assistive technology can help people with disabilities live more independent lives. More information is available at https://cedwvu.org/.
Housing and Rent Assistance for Disabled People
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Section 8 program is a federal program administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). It provides rental assistance to low-income individuals and families, including those with disabilities. Section 8 vouchers allow you to choose your own apartment in the private market, as long as the landlord participates in the program. https://www.wvhdf.com/section-8-contract-management.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
The LIHTC offers tax incentives to developers to build affordable housing, including units that are accessible and meet the needs of disabled people. These units may have wider doorways, roll-in showers and other features to promote independent living. Finding LIHTC properties can be done through a web search or by contacting your local PHA. https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/lihtc.html.
Utility Bill Assistance for Disabled People
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
LIHEAP is a federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income households to help them pay their heating and cooling bills. This can be a significant help for disabled individuals who may have higher energy costs due to medical equipment or specific needs. Contact your local community action agency or visit https://www.liheap.org for more information and eligibility requirements.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers a variety of assistance programs, including utility bill assistance for low-income individuals and families. While not solely focused on people with disabilities, they may be able to offer help based on your income and specific situation. Contact your local Salvation Army or visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ for details.
Food and Nutrition Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP is a federal program that offers food assistance to low-income individuals, seniors, single mothers and families. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a variety of food items at authorized retailers. For more eligibility information and how to apply, visit your local Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) office or https://dhhr.wv.gov/bfa/programs/Pages/SNAP.aspx.
Feeding America
Feeding America is a network of food banks and food pantries across the country that provide food assistance to disabled people, seniors, single mothers and veterans. These organizations can be a great resource for obtaining emergency food supplies or supplementing your groceries. Find a food bank or pantry near you by visiting https://www.feedingamerica.org/.
Transportation Assistance for Disabled People
Mountain Line ADA Paratransit
Mountain Line ADA Paratransit offers paratransit services for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use fixed-route bus service. Paratransit vehicles are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, scooters and other assistive devices. For more information on eligibility and how to register for paratransit services, visit https://mountainline.com/your-trip/accessibility/.
WV Mobility
WV Mobility provides a variety of transportation assistance programs for disabled people, including financial assistance for vehicle modifications, reimbursement for mileage driven for medical appointments and non-emergency medical transportation services. Visit https://transportation.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx for more information and program details.
Legal Assistance for Disabled People
Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC)
The DRLC provides comprehensive legal representation and advocacy for disabled people in West Virginia. They handle a wide range of issues, including discrimination in employment, housing and education; access to healthcare and benefits; and guardianship and estate planning. To learn more, visit https://thedrlc.org/about/.
Legal Aid of West Virginia
Legal Aid of West Virginia offers free legal assistance to low-income individuals and families, including those with disabilities. Their areas of expertise include disability benefits, discrimination, guardianship and healthcare access. To see more information, visit https://legalaidwv.org/.
Clothing Assistance for Disabled People
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army operates numerous thrift stores and donation centers across West Virginia, where individuals with disabilities can find affordable clothing and other essential items. Many locations also offer specific assistance programs for people with disabilities, such as job training and employment opportunities. Read more at https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/.
Goodwill Industries
Goodwill stores are a great source of affordable clothing for disabled individuals in West Virginia. They also have donation centers where you can contribute used clothing and other items. Some Goodwill locations offer specialized programs for people with disabilities, such as job training and employment services. More information is available at https://www.goodwill.org/.
Business Support for Disabled People
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The SBDC provides free and confidential counseling and training to small business owners, including those with disabilities. They can provide guidance on business plans, financing, marketing and other aspects of running a successful business. To find out more information, visit https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/headquarters-offices/office-small-business-development-centers.
WV Assistive Technology Loan Program
The WV Assistive Technology Loan Program offers loans to individuals with disabilities to purchase assistive technology devices and services that can help them start or run a business. These devices can include computers, communication aids and transportation equipment. Learn more about the program at https://www.cedwvu.org/.
Assistance for Disabled Veterans
West Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs
The West Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs provides a comprehensive range of services to disabled veterans in West Virginia. These services help with healthcare, housing, jobs, benefits and moving from the military to civilian life. For more information, visit https://veterans.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
The DAV is a national organization that advocates for and provides services to disabled veterans. They offer legal representation, benefits counseling, peer support and employment assistance. For further information, visit https://www.dav.org/contact-us/.
Assistance for Disabled Seniors
Lighthouse Program
The Lighthouse Program provides in-home services, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation and housekeeping, for disabled seniors who meet functional needs but may not qualify for Medicaid. Learn more about the program at http://www.wvseniorservices.gov/HelpatHome/Lighthouse/tabid/74/Default.aspx.
Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver
The ADW program offers a wider range of in-home care services for low-income seniors with disabilities, including personal care, homemaker services and respite care for caregivers. To see more information, visit https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms/Programs/WaiverPrograms/Pages/default.aspx.
