There are many programs that offer financial help to Americans with a disability. Numerous programs exist which offer financial support for living expenses, funds for making modifications to a home for those with a physical disability, and funding for insurance and medical bills. Programs are typically offered by the federal and state governments, as well as charitable organizations. Below is an overview of programs that assist disabled Americans:
If you have a disability, you may be eligible for housing assistance under many federal and state plans. Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) are offered by HUD to provide affordable Section 8 rental housing to people that have a disability. HUD also offers programs for reduced rent and subsidized public housing. Many states offer similar housing assistance programs, as well as utility bill help. Programs may have eligibility requirements that are based on income level or the extent of the disability.
The federal government offers health insurance to elderly individuals under its Medicare program. Medicare offers low premiums to those on the plan and eligibility is based upon age, among other factors. People with disabilities who currently receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may be eligible for Medicare. In addition, if certain low-income criteria are met, an individual with a disability may be eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid is also a health insurance program that is run by a partnership between the federal and state governments. It offers low-cost or free medical care to its participants. It is possible to be qualified and covered under both Medicare and Medicaid.
Depending upon the state that you live in, there are may be programs to help you obtain low-cost healthcare and assistance with medical bills. In addition, charitable organizations that run medical clinics may be provided free or low-cost service to those with disabilities. You may also be able to receive financial assistance to pay for your prescriptions through state-run programs, as well as Medicare D.
Hospitals may offer programs for financial assistance for medical bills for those with a disability. These programs often require an application and certain eligibility requirements may be required. Many charitable organizations offer help with medical treatment or bills. Many times, these are based on the type of disability that an individual has.
Depending upon your income, you may be eligible for food vouchers and other financial support through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These vouchers can provide access to fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as other food, at a lower cost.
Many disabled individuals are unaware of their eligibility for this benefit. In other cases, they complete the application incorrectly by not including the full amount of their medical expenses when calculating their net income, causing them to be denied. Many local and national charities offer free meals to disabled individuals who qualify. These meals are typically delivered directly to their homes. Disabled individuals also have increased access to lower cost food options through food banks located in their state.
If you have a disability, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs can provide financial assistance for your monthly bills. Applying for benefits of this nature can take time, so it may be possible to obtain a low-interest loan during this time to cover living expenses, such as rent, food, and utilities. Other options may include disability grants such as the Disabled Veterans Outreach (DVOP) or Home Based Primary Care (HBPC). These can provide short-term funds, which do not need to be repaid.
If you have a disability, there are many programs available that offer financial support. Whether it is low-cost housing, help with medical bills, or vouchers to put food on the table, those with disabilities can find money to help monthly obligations. Since many programs are offered by state and local governments, as well as local charities, finding out what options are available will take some time and research on your behalf. It will be well worth it. Taking the time to find financial support programs can ease the stress of monthly expenses and help you to live independently.