Grants for Disabled People in Wisconsin
Living with a disability can present unique challenges, often requiring additional support to navigate daily living, healthcare, and financial needs. Fortunately, a wide range of assistance programs is available in Wisconsin to help individuals with disabilities live independently and achieve their full potential.
State Assistance
Wisconsin Family Care
This program provides financial assistance to disabled people who need help with personal care or homemaker services. Eligible individuals can receive assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. The program also provides funding for homemaker services, which can include tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and shopping. For more information, visit https://disabilityrightswi.org/resource-center/family-care-and-iris-resources/.
Wisconsin IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) Program
This innovative program allows people with disabilities to self-direct their care, choosing who provides their services, how those services are provided, and how much those services cost. Participants in the IRIS program receive a budget based on their assessed needs and can hire family members, friends, neighbors, or professional agencies to provide their care. Learn more about the program at https://www.connectionswis.org/Resources/Understanding-IRIS.
Social Security
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly benefits to individuals who have a physical or mental disability that prevents them from working full-time. To be eligible for SSDI, individuals must have worked enough quarters in Social Security-covered employment and have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. For further information, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/people-with-disabilities/ssdi-and-medicare/.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI offers monthly benefits to low-income individuals who are disabled, blind, or seniors. Unlike SSDI, SSI is not based on work history and is available to individuals with limited or no income and resources. To learn more, visit https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11000.pdf.
Financial Assistance
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) General Assistance Program
They provide temporary financial assistance to low-income individuals and families who meet certain eligibility criteria. Assistance can be used for basic needs such as food, rent, utilities, and transportation. Learn more about the program at https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/211searchprofile/render/id/5048/form/service/record_id/24210.
The Food Stamp Program
This federal program provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to purchase groceries. Participants receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that can be used at authorized grocery stores. Read more at https://www.joinproviders.com/state/wisconsin/food-stamps-eligibility-income-limits/.
Health Assistance for Disabled People
Medicaid
Medicaid offers health insurance to low-income individuals and families, including those with disabilities. The program covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and mental health care. To see more information, visit https://www.mhswi.com/members/medicaid/how-to-enroll.html.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
CHIP provides health insurance to low-income children, including those with disabilities. The program offers a similar range of services as Medicaid, but it is specifically for children and young adults up to age 19. More information is available at https://nashp.org/policy/health-coverage/childrens-health-insurance-program-chip/.
Housing and Rent Assistance
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
This federal program provides rental assistance vouchers to low-income individuals and families, including those with disabilities. Voucher holders can use their vouchers to rent apartments in the private market that meet certain affordability and quality standards. Learn more about the program at https://www.hacm.org/programs/housing/housing-choice-voucher-program-section-8-rent-assistance.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
LIHTC encourages developers to build and maintain affordable housing units, including those accessible to people with disabilities. This federal tax incentive properties typically offer lower rents than market-rate apartments. To find out more information, visit https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/lihtc.html.
Utility Bill Assistance for Disabled People
The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program is federally funded and helps low-income households, including those with disabilities, pay for heating and cooling costs. WHEAP provides one-time grants to help cover heating bills in the winter and cooling bills in the summer. For more information, visit https://ruralwi.com/resources/wisconsin-home-energy-assistance-program-wheap/.
Energy Assistance Programs from Utility Companies
Many utility companies offer their own assistance programs for customers struggling to pay their bills. These programs may provide one-time grants, payment plans, or other forms of assistance.
Food and Nutrition Assistance
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
This federal program provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to purchase groceries. SNAP participants receive an EBT card that can be used at authorized grocery stores. To learn more, visit https://benefitscheckup.org/program/nutrition_wi_snap_program.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
The Emergency Food Assistance Program offers food assistance to low-income individuals and families through a network of food banks and pantries. TEFAP distributes USDA-donated food, such as canned goods, rice, and cereal. Learn more about the program at https://rkcaa.org/food-nutrition/tefap/.
Transportation Assistance for Disabled People
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) Paratransit Services
This program provides transportation assistance to disabled people who are unable to use public transportation due to their disability. Paratransit services may include door-to-door transportation or specially equipped vehicles to meet the needs of riders with disabilities. Individuals must go through an application process to determine eligibility and schedule rides. Read more at https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/home.aspx.
Non-Profit Transportation Services
Many non-profit organizations offer transportation assistance programs for people with disabilities, seniors, single mothers and veterans. These programs may provide rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, or other essential destinations. Some programs may require a small donation or fee, while others are volunteer-driven and free.
Charitable Assistance Programs
The Hunger Task Force
The Hunger Task Force works to alleviate hunger in Wisconsin by providing food pantries, mobile meals, and educational programs. They can be a valuable resource for disabled people facing food insecurity. More information is available at https://hungertaskforce.org/.
Goodwill
This charitable organization provides job training and placement services, as well as donation and thrift stores that generate revenue to support its programs. For more information, visit https://www.goodwill.org/.
Clothing Assistance for Disabled People
The National Center for the Homeless
This organization provides clothing and other essential items to homeless individuals and families, including those with disabilities. They have a network of affiliates across the country, including in Wisconsin. For further information, visit https://nationalhomeless.org/.
Business Support
SCORE
SCORE offers free and confidential business mentoring to entrepreneurs, including those with disabilities. SCORE mentors are experienced business professionals who can guide the starting and running of a business. To learn more, visit https://www.score.org/.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Women’s Business Center
This federal agency provides training, mentoring, and other resources to women entrepreneurs, including those with disabilities. They offer a variety of programs and services tailored to the unique needs of women business owners. To see more information, visit https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/womens-business-centers.
Educational Assistance
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Division for Exceptional Education
This department offers resources and support to school districts to ensure students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). They can also help connect families with disability rights advocates and other educational resources.
The Wisconsin Higher Education Aids Board (HEAB) Grants and Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
HEAB provides several grant and scholarship programs specifically for students with disabilities. These programs can help offset the cost of tuition and fees at public and private colleges and universities in Wisconsin. For further information, visit https://www.uwgb.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/grants-waivers/.
Assistance for Disabled Veterans
The VA Caregiver Support Program
This program offers financial assistance and support services to caregivers of eligible veterans with disabilities. Caregivers may be spouses, parents, children, or other family members who assist with daily living activities. Learn more about the program at https://www.caregiver.va.gov/.
The Fisher House Foundation
This non-profit organization provides free or low-cost temporary lodging and meals to disabled veterans and their families while they are receiving medical care at VA hospitals and medical centers. They have several locations across the country, including one in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Read more at https://fisherhouse.org/.
Assistance for Disabled Seniors
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
This program provides comprehensive health care and social services to frail older adults, including those with disabilities. PACE programs offer a variety of services, such as doctor visits, therapy, meals, transportation, and social activities, all in one setting. To find out more information, visit https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/long-term-services-supports/program-all-inclusive-care-elderly/index.html.
Legal Assistance for Disabled People
Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW)
This non-profit legal advocacy organization protects the rights of people with disabilities in Wisconsin. They offer legal representation and advice on various issues, including discrimination, employment rights, access to public benefits, and special education. To learn more, visit https://disabilityrightswi.org/.
Legal Aid Programs
Several legal aid programs throughout Wisconsin offer free or low-cost legal services to low-income individuals, including those with disabilities. These programs can assist with matters like housing issues, debt collection, and access to healthcare.
Additional Tips
- Gather Documentation: When applying for assistance programs, be prepared to provide documentation to verify your eligibility. This may include medical records, proof of income, and proof of residency.
- Appeal Decisions: If your application for an assistance program is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Disability Rights Wisconsin and other legal aid organizations can assist with the appeals process.
- Stay Informed: Laws and regulations regarding disability assistance programs can change. Stay informed by subscribing to newsletters or following the social media pages of relevant organizations.
