If you have a disability that affects your daily life, you may qualify for public or private funding programs. Whether you want to make your home more affordable, find affordable health insurance, or start a business, there are financial resources for you.
Note: While people with disabilities earn across the income spectrum, some of the resources on this list are reserved for people with low incomes (or people whose disability makes it difficult to find a job). If you are earning above a certain threshold, some of the recommendations here do not apply to you. Others are available to all people with disabilities, regardless of income.
Unless otherwise noted, resources in this article refer to people living in the United States.
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public housing programs
Depending on where you live, you may be listed as low-cost public rental housing through the federal Housing and Urban Development Administration (HUD). You apply locally through a state agency.
Please note that there are income limits based on the average income in your area and there is usually a long waiting list.
Assistance in renting private housing
It is also possible—and possibly less time-consuming—to qualify for private rental assistance of your choice. This map shows you affordable housing and other financial assistance in your city and state.
Vouchers for rent or purchase
The HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8, includes people with disabilities in the group eligible for vouchers. Vouchers give you financial assistance to pay all or part of your rent.
You can choose the house or apartment you want to live in, as opposed to public housing assistance. But you are responsible for finding a place and completing the application.
Income requirements are similar to those for public housing. If you earn less than 50% of the median income in your area or county, you are eligible.
Voucher Program for Persons with Disabilities (NED)
This voucher program is for people with disabilities who might not otherwise qualify for housing assistance.
There are several different types of NED vouchers. Some help you pay your rent in the private market. Others have designated apartments in certain Section 8 housing estates for applicants with disabilities.
Buying a house
For people who are ready to buy, home selection vouchers can help pay for mortgages and other costs associated with owning a property. Please note that this voucher program is for new homeowners and not every public housing agency offers it.
Find your public housing agency here to find out the specifics of their vouchers.
Read more: Housing affordability calculator
Home repairs
Government loans for rural homeowners
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides grants and loans to rural homeowners who want to refurbish or modify their home to make it more affordable. Use their map to see if your area is “rural”.
Grants are reserved for older homeowners, but loans up to $40,000 are open to all qualified applicants (at 1% APR, which you really can’t beat).
Home renovation for veterans
If your disability is because you served in the military, you may be eligible for a government grant to buy or renovate your home.
These grants are significant, over $100,000 for fiscal year 2022.
Assistance in the repair of a private house
ReBuilding Together is a volunteer organization that upgrades and renovates homes for homeowners with disabilities for free.
The National Directory of Home Modification and Renovation Resources has links to several funding opportunities, including local loans and grants.
To find home improvement grant help in the state, try the Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America’s Catalyst Project catalog.
Education
Grants, scholarships and loans
There are various financial resources for students with disabilities at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels. Many of these focus on specific types of disability, but some are more general.
Read more: Money Under 30 Guide to Completing the FAFSA
Paying off a federal student loan
Student loan borrowers with a total or permanent disability may apply for partial or full repayment of their federal loans. You will need some documentation to prove your disability. (Please note that this program only applies to certain federal loans.)
Saving
ABLE Accounts
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts are tax-favored savings accounts (meaning you don’t pay taxes on the income you earn from them).
ABLE disability accounts are a less expensive alternative to most trust funds. You can contribute up to $16,000 per year.
If your disability began before you turned 26, you may be eligible to open a ABLE account. And if you’re taking advantage of income-based programs like housing vouchers or food stamps, saving in your ABLE account won’t affect your eligibility.
Medical insurance
Medicaid
You may already know about Medicaid, but if you don’t, this low-cost (sometimes free) public health insurance is available to people with disabilities and low incomes. Each state has slightly different Medicaid requirements.
Medicare
Medicare, while free or inexpensive, is not tied to income. Young people with disabilities are eligible for Medicare and can work while receiving Medicare.
If you qualify, you may have both Medicare and Medicaid (depending on your health care needs, additional coverage may be appropriate).
Read more: What to do if you get medical bills you can’t afford
Payment for prescriptions
When you become eligible for Medicare, you are automatically eligible for a number of drug savings programs, including Medicare Supplemental Assistance and State Assistance for Certain Prescriptions.
Other financial resources for access to medicines include:
Living expenses
Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is quite strict. You may qualify if your disability makes you unable to work, if it is defined as a total (not partial or temporary) disability, and if you previously worked long enough to pay Social Security taxes.
Its benefits include higher monthly financial assistance than its sister program, Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI monthly benefits are easier to get than SSDI. You do not have to pay into the social security fund, but your income cannot exceed a certain amount.
You can work part-time or full-time and stay on SSI through their “incentives for work” program. Generally, the goal is to transfer members from SSI as soon as they have saved enough money, but each case is different.
Read more: Why disability insurance is the most important financial product you never knew you needed
Employment
If you’re entrepreneurially inclined, the Small Business Administration has a list of resources, including grants, loans, and professional networks, for business owners with disabilities.
People with blindness or severe disabilities can browse job boards and connect with AbilityOne.
For people receiving SSI or SSDI benefits, Ticket to Work provides referrals, training, and other employment assistance.
Summary
Whether you need help paying bills, moving, or reaching your savings goal, there is likely a disability program that fits your needs.
And if you’re financially independent, it’s still worth checking out the aid options – public and private resources can keep more money in your pocket for the future.
Featured Image: SeventyFour/Shutterstock.com
