Grants for Disabled Seniors in the United States
As people age, they may face new challenges and obstacles, particularly if they have a disability. For seniors with disabilities, managing finances, housing, healthcare and other basic needs can be incredibly challenging. Fortunately, there are grants and assistance programs available to help disabled seniors in the United States maintain their quality of life and access the resources they need to thrive.
Financial Assistance Programs for Disabled Seniors
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to seniors with disabilities with limited income and resources. This program offers monthly cash payments to eligible individuals to help cover basic needs like food, shelter and clothing. To qualify for SSI, seniors must meet certain income and asset limits and have a disability that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. To learn more, visit https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-is-supplemental-security-income-ssi.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is another federal program that provides financial assistance to disabled seniors. The program gives monthly cash payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain amount of time and have a disability that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. For more information, visit https://www.usa.gov/social-security-disability.
The Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP) is a Medicaid program that offers financial assistance to seniors with disabilities who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing and eating. The program provides funding for home and community-based services like personal care, housekeeping and transportation. Find out more information at https://csrarc.ga.gov/elderly-and-disabled-waiver-program-edwp.
Veteran Affairs Disability Compensation is a monthly, tax-free financial benefit for disabled veterans, including seniors, who were injured or became ill as a result of their military service. For further information, please take a look at https://www.va.gov/disability/.
Housing Assistance Programs for Disabled Seniors
Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities provides funding to nonprofit organizations to build and operate affordable housing for disabled individuals. The program offers rental assistance, supportive services and accessibility features to help disabled seniors in the U.S. live independently. To see more information, please take a look here: https://www.rihousing.com/section-811/.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8, offers rental assistance to low-income individuals and families, including disabled seniors. Participants in the program receive a voucher that can be used to pay a portion of their rent and the program pays the rest directly to the landlord. For further information, visit https://www.usa.gov/housing-voucher-section-8.
USDA Rural Development Housing Assistance provides loans and grants to low-income individuals and families in rural areas to build, purchase, or repair homes. Disabled seniors
who live in rural areas may be eligible for this program. For further information, please take a look at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/all-programs/housing-programs.
Healthcare Assistance Programs for Disabled Seniors
Medicare is a national program covering hospitalization, doctor visits and prescription drugs. Seniors with disabilities who meet certain requirements may be eligible for Medicare. See more information at https://www.medicare.gov/.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families. Disabled seniors in the U.S who meet income and asset requirements may qualify for Medicaid. For more information, visit https://www.medicaid.gov/.
Prescription Drug Assistance Programs: There are several programs that help pay for prescription drugs for low-income individuals, including disabled seniors. Examples include the Medicare Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance program and state-based prescription drug assistance programs. For further information, visit https://aafa.org/advocacy/advocacy-resources/patient-assistance-medicine-drug-programs/.
Transportation Assistance for Disabled Seniors
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) offers transportation to medical appointments for Medicaid beneficiaries, including seniors with disabilities. For further information, please take a look at https://www.cms.gov/medicare/medicaid-coordination/states/non-emergency-medical-transportation.
Legal Assistance for Disabled Seniors
Legal Services Corporation is a government-funded organization that provides legal assistance to low-income individuals, including disabled seniors, in all 50 states. They offer a range of services, including
- legal advice,
- representation
- self-help resources.
They also have a Pro Bono program that connects eligible clients with volunteer attorneys. To see more information, please take a look here: https://www.lsc.gov/.
National Disability Rights Network offers legal advocacy and representation for individuals with disabilities, including seniors. They work to protect the legal rights of disabled individuals and ensure that they have access to the resources they need to live independently. They also provide training and education on disability rights issues. To learn more about their services and find a local advocacy organization, visit their website at https://www.ndrn.org/.
Utility Bill Assistance for Disabled Seniors
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households, including disabled seniors, with their home heating and cooling costs. The program provides financial assistance to help pay energy bills, repair or replace furnaces and air conditioners and improve the energy efficiency of homes. Eligibility and benefits vary by state, so interested individuals should check with their state’s LIHEAP agency to see if they qualify. For further information, visit https://www.liheap.org/.
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides free home energy efficiency upgrades to eligible low-income households, including disabled seniors. The program offers services such as insulation, weather-stripping and caulking to help reduce energy bills and improve the comfort and safety of homes. Eligibility requirements and services vary by state, so individuals should contact their local WAP agency for more information. Find out more information at https://www.usa.gov/weatherization-energy-programs.
The Lifeline Program discounts monthly telephone or internet service to eligible low-income households, including disabled seniors. The program is available in all states, territories and Tribal lands and provides a discount of up to $9.25 per month on phone or internet service. Eligibility requirements and application procedures vary by state and service provider, so interested individuals should visit the program’s website or contact their service provider for more information. To learn more, visit https://www.lifelinesupport.org/.
Food and Nutrition Assistance Programs for Disabled Seniors
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, helps low-income individuals and families, including disabled seniors, afford healthy food. Eligible individuals can receive benefits to purchase food items at authorized retailers. SNAP benefits are distributed every month and can be used to purchase eligible food items such as bread, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and more. For further information, please take a look at https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals, including disabled seniors, through local food banks and pantries. Eligible individuals can receive a monthly food box or bag filled with nutritious food items such as canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, pasta and more. Disabled seniors can contact their local food bank or pantry to find out if they are eligible for TEFAP assistance. Find out more information at https://des.az.gov/emergency-food.
Meals on Wheels is a nationwide program that offers home-delivered meals to homebound seniors, including those with disabilities. The program is designed to address food insecurity among seniors and help them maintain their independence by providing them with nutritious meals. The meals are delivered by volunteers and can be tailored to meet the individual dietary needs of each recipient. Disabled seniors can contact their local Meals on Wheels program to find out if they are eligible for assistance. For more information, visit https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/learn-more/the-issue.
Home Modification Assistance Programs
The USDA Rural Development Home Repair Loan and Grant Program assists low-income homeowners by providing grants and low-interest loans to make needed repairs and improve homes. To learn more, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/wv.
