Living with a disability can create additional expenses while also making it harder to work or maintain income. Depending on your circumstances, financial assistance may be available for healthcare, housing, food, utilities, transportation, employment, and other essential needs.
In the U.S., people with qualifying disabilities may be able to access programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, housing assistance, food assistance, and disability-related services. Eligibility varies by program, income, resources, work history, disability, and location.
Who May Qualify
Potential assistance may be available to:
- Adults with qualifying disabilities
- Children with qualifying disabilities
- People with limited income or resources
- People who can no longer work because of a disability
- People with significant disability-related expenses
- People who need accessible or affordable housing
- People who need help paying for healthcare
- People who need employment or job-training support
Each program has its own eligibility requirements, so qualifying for one benefit does not automatically mean you qualify for another.
Check What You May Qualify For
Finding financial assistance can be difficult when you are dealing with disability-related expenses at the same time. OpenGrants Network helps you discover legitimate programs that may match your situation.
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Programs vary by eligibility, location, household circumstances, and other factors.
Types of Financial Assistance for People With Disabilities
SSI Disability Benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to people with qualifying disabilities who have limited income and resources. Children with qualifying disabilities may also qualify.
SSDI Benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is generally based on disability and a person's qualifying work history and Social Security contributions. Certain family members may also qualify for benefits based on the worker's record.
Medicaid and Healthcare Assistance
Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible people, including people with disabilities. Eligibility requirements vary by state. People receiving SSI can often qualify for Medicaid, although the process differs between states.
Housing Assistance
People with disabilities may qualify for rental assistance, subsidized housing, or certain housing vouchers. For example, the federal Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) voucher can help qualifying people under 62 with disabilities obtain affordable private rental housing.
Food Assistance
People with disabilities and limited income may qualify for SNAP or other food assistance programs. Receiving SSI can also be associated with eligibility for additional programs, depending on state rules.
Utility Assistance
Depending on income and location, people with disabilities may qualify for programs that help with energy and other household utility costs.
Employment and Job Support
Disability services can include employment programs, job training, work incentives, and assistance for people who want to work while managing a disability.
Disability-Related Savings and Expenses
Some programs allow eligible people to save for disability-related expenses without those savings being treated the same way as ordinary resources. ABLE accounts, for example, can provide a way for qualifying individuals to save for disability-related expenses.
How Disability Assistance Programs Typically Work
- Identify your needs, such as income, healthcare, housing, food, or transportation.
- Check which programs address those needs.
- Review eligibility requirements for each program.
- Gather documentation, such as medical records, income information, work history, identification, and household information.
- Submit applications through the appropriate government agency or organization.
- Follow up or appeal if an application is denied and you believe you may qualify.