There are many people who suffer from different disabilities in America.
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 61 million adults in the country who live with a disability.
Of those, nearly 14% have mobility issues and experience serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
This can make it a challenge in order to get around and do many types of jobs.
Considering that one out of every four Americans has some type of disability, according to the CDC, it’s important that people know about resources that can help them financially.
Being able to make ends meet when you are disabled or have a disability can be challenging.
You may find that it’s more challenging to find jobs that you can do that pay well enough to make ends meet.
Some disabled people can find gainful employment, while others may find that they can’t make enough.
Whether you are able to find a job or can’t find a job that pays all of your bills, there are options you can turn to for assistance.
In America, there are numerous programs that will provide free money for disabled persons.
Some of the programs are made possible through the federal government, while others are provided through state and local governments. Additionally, there are programs made possible by local non-profit organizations, churches, and other groups.
Qualifying for Free Money Due to Disabilities
In order to get free money, disabled people will need to meet some of the requirements that each program has.
Government programs tend to provide the most amount of financial assistance, but they do require people to meet a list of requirements in order to be approved.
Many local organizations and churches make it easy to get assistance, but they are only able to help on a small and usually short-term level. We also recently wrote about short-term disability options and sorted them by state, check it out here if you’re looking for short-term disability assistance.
Combined, all the programs will provide disabled persons will a range of options they can consider in order to get financial help.
Some programs will provide cash assistance, while others will provide free money in the form of things like paying for your groceries, help to pay for the electric bill, and more.
Any programs that will pay for the items that will help meet your basic needs, and also provide you with free money.
They are just ensuring that the money is going to a resource that will meet your basic needs.
Be sure to check out each program to determine whether or not you feel you are qualified and meet their basic requirements. If so, apply for as many as you feel you are qualified for.
One question we get often is, Can I apply for multiple grants?
The answer is yes.
There is no limit to the number of free money programs that you can apply for or receive money from.
If you can get assistance from multiple programs, you can rest assured that your basic needs will be met.
Whether you need these resources or you know someone who does, they are a good starting point.
Once you contact these agencies and explain your situation, they are able to point you in the direction of additional resources that will provide free money for disabled persons.
List of Free Grants and Resources For People with Disabilities
Whether you need money for food, rent, or housing, odds are there is a grant or an organization willing to help out.
In fact, below we have a list of free money, grants and assistance for people with disabilities.
They are all 100% free to apply, and we highly recommend that you apply to all of them.
Doing so, will increase the odds of approval to one or some of these programs.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) –
This program is funded by the federal government.
The mission is to help people with cash assistance to help meet all of their basic needs. In order to qualify for the program, however, you have to have at least one minor child in most states.
There are some states that allow people without children to apply and receive benefits.
Those who are approved will receive a monthly cash grant that can be used to pay for such things as housing, food, electricity, etc.
It can also be used to purchase clothing, transportation, and other items necessary for living.
In order to qualify for the monthly assistance, you have to provide documentation regarding such things as your earnings, residence, identity, etc.
You will have to show that you have a financial need to be approved for the program. In most states, TANF is a free money program for disabled persons, as well as non-disabled persons, who have a financial need. The program is usually limited to the number of years that you can receive it in your lifetime.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) –
You may qualify for free money for disabled persons that can be used to purchase food.
SNAP was previously called the Food Stamp program.
The mission of this government-funded program is to ensure that people’s nutrition needs are being met. Those who qualify for the program are able to get free money that is used to purchase food.
The funds are put onto an electric card, like a credit card, that can be used to buy groceries.
To qualify, you have to demonstrate a financial need and supply the necessary documentation.
There is no limit to how long you can receive the free money from SNAP.
In regards to the amount you will receive is determined by how many dependents are in your home. You can apply for this program online or in person at your local benefits office.
General Assistance (GA) –
The General Assistance program is not available in every state, but there are numerous ones that do offer it. States that don’t provide the General Assistance program usually have a program that is similar but called something else.
Those who qualify for this program will receive free money for disabled persons without minor children that can be used to pay for all types of living expenses.
This free money can be used to purchase groceries, pay bills, buy clothing, or use it for transportation.
The amount of free money you will receive is typically small but can be helpful for those who have the need. Check with your state TANF or welfare office to see if they offer General Assistance.
The program is for those who do not have minor children. If you have minor children, then you will want to apply for the TANF program instead.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) –
This is a helpful program around the country that will provide those who qualify with free money.
For disabled persons who need help paying their home heating and cooling bills, it can very helpful.
If you qualify for the program, they will provide you with the funds to pay those bills.
They can be helpful in the summer for paying for air conditioning and in the winter for paying for the heating bills.
Each state has a deadline for applying every year and income requirement that needs to be met.
The program is for those who have a low income and can demonstrate a financial need for the free money.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) –
Disabled persons can receive free money to help pay for their rent or mortgage through the HUD program.
HUD is a federally-funded agency that offers a variety of programs to help people with their housing needs.
They can help you pay for your rent, help you avoid foreclosure if you are buying your home, and they can help you locate affordable housing if you are having trouble doing so.
Additionally, they have programs that will provide those who qualify with free money that can be used to make home repairs and upgrades.
You can apply for HUD programs online or at your state’s local HUD office if you live close enough to one. This program is available nationally, regardless of the size of the city or town that you live in.
Medicaid –
This program is available nationally and will provide free money for those who need help paying for medical expenses.
Those who qualify for the Medicaid program will have their medical expenses paid for, including seeing a primary care doctor, visiting the hospital, having surgery, obtaining prescription drugs, and much more.
This program pays for nearly all medical care, including mental health, physical health, dental, and vision.
You will have to demonstrate that you have a financial need for the assistance in order to be approved.
You can apply for this program online or through your local welfare assistance center.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) –
Disabled persons who are pregnant or have children under the age of five may qualify for the WIC program.
A national program, they will help qualified people to receive free money to purchase food. Specifically, the program is concerned with ensuring that those who meet the requirements receive healthy food, so the funds can be used on specific foods that are considered healthy.
To apply for the program, you will have to visit a WIC office near you, where you will be given a medical exam and routine screenings.
Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) –
This program is for service-disabled veterans who need help paying for their medical bills.
If you are a veteran who is service-disabled, you can qualify for assistance.
The free money is used to pay for medical bills.
You may be able to get up to $10,000 worth of coverage to help pay for medical bills. If you are a veteran who is totally disabled, you may be able to qualify for up to $30,000.
Recently, we wrote about a $20,000 grant being offered to disabled veterans, so if you were wounded in battle, make sure you apply here.
You can apply for this program online.
Projects for Assistance from Homelessness (PATH) –
A federally funded program, the mission is to help people who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless.
To qualify for the program, the disability has to be in the form of a mental illness.
Those who are approved will receive financial assistance to pay for such things as outreach services, diagnostic treatment services, mental health services, alcohol and drug treatment services, housing assistance, and more.
Whether living in a shelter, on the streets, or at risk for being homeless, you can apply for this program.
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Loan Repayment Program –
The specific qualifications that need to be met for this program will not appeal to everyone, but for those who meet them, they can receive a lot of free money.
The program will provide free money to researchers who conduct minority health research.
Therefore, if you are a disabled person who does research, you may want to focus on this topic, which will help you qualify for the free money. Those who are eligible for the program can receive up to $35,000 per year.
Section 8 –
Recently, we wrote about section 8 housing assistance for disabled persons in this post.
We thought we should mention it again because we believe many just forget or ignore this program, which is a shame.
It is extremely easy to apply, and more important to get approved to, if you suffer from a disability.
This government-funded program is for those who need free money to pay for housing.
In order to qualify, you have to show that you have a low income and provide documentation about your identity.
If you qualify, you will receive free money that you can use to pay for your rent, or you can live in one of the government-owned housing units.
This program is available across the country and in every area, regardless of how big the city or town you live in may be.
If government-owned units are not available where you live, they may provide you with free money that can be used for your rent payments.
You can apply for the Section 8 voucher online.
Salvation Army –
This organization is operating around the country. The Salvation Army is providing qualified disabled people with free money that can be used for such things as transportation, paying bills, and meeting basic needs.
They do not have strict requirements in order to receive the free money, but the amount given is in small increments.
They also provide free meals around the country for those who need help obtaining food. Contact them online or stop by a local chapter to inquire about getting assistance.
Catholic Charities –
Similar to the Salvation Army, this religiously-affiliated organization is nationwide.
They provide help for those in need by offering free money, food, housing assistance, clothing assistance, and much more.
Those who can demonstrate a financial need will be able to obtain a variety of helpful services through this organization. Disabled persons who need free money, transportation assistance, housing, food, or help meeting other basic needs may be able to qualify for aid.
To inquire about getting help, contact a local branch online, or visit one near you in person.
The Bottom Line
This sums up our guide to free money as a person with disabilities.
As you can see, you have options.
Our team has done intensive research to put the list above together, and we made sure that all of these programs are still available and running.
We hope that you learned about the assistance that is available to you or your loved ones today, and ask that you share this resource.