More than 40 million people live with disability in the United States. That’s significant competition for grants available for people who need them.
Some disability grants are guaranteed through the government if you meet income requirements. They can supplement income, provide medical care, housing, and afford equal education opportunities.
Others are private grants, and they may be specific to mobility disabilities or catastrophic accidents. These can provide much needed medical equipment, home modifications, and more for people with disabilities.
Public Grants for People With Disabilities
The following is an updated 2024 list of grants available for people with disabilities, tailored to exclude grants for which people with SCI do not qualify.
Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSDI and SSI are considered federal grant programs. You may qualify for SSDI if you earned income prior to injury, and you may receive SSI even if you do not meet prior income requirements.
Medicare and Medicaid
These are also public grant programs. Medicare is able to cover up to 80% of the total cost of medical equipment. Medicaid provides medical insurance, and it also covers home health services, like personal care attendants, that can give people with SCI and other disabilities the opportunity to avoid institutionalization.
Section 811 Supportive Housing Grant Program
This program for persons with disabilities offers supportive services for affordable, accessible living. The program is available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act
This act offers savings programs that are not taxed and can be used to pay toward qualified disability expenses.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
IDEA provides funds to disabled students, ensuring they receive a free public education that matches their specific requirements. It also assists states and schools in providing for the needs of students with disabilities.
Federal Student Aid Programs
The U.S. Department of Education administers this program and also offers disabled students grants that don’t have to be repaid.
Specially Adapted Housing Program
For disabled veterans, this program allows for the purchase or alteration of a home to meet their specific needs.
Private Grants for People With Disabilities
These grants are privately funded by businesses and organizations.
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children
This grant provides refurbished equipment such as wheelchairs to people with disabilities.
The I Got Legs Foundation
The foundation offers grants for prosthetic treatment and adaptive technologies as well as home modifications such as the installation.
Elderly or Disabled Living
This is a grant for low-income elderly and disabled people over the age of 55.
Wheels of Happiness
This program provides medical equipment and supplies, and it also provides psychological assistance.
High Fives Non-Profit Foundation
This foundation grant is for helping people who were injured during an adventure sport or inertia-based accident to regain some of their independence.
The Joseph Groh Foundation
For individuals working in construction who sustained serious injury, this grant can be used to pay for medical equipment and home modifications for accessibility.
State-Specific Grants for People With Disabilities
The following is a short list of grants listed by state for individuals with disabilities:
- California Department of Healthcare Services
- Texas In-Home and Family Support Program
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
- Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), State of Connecticut
- The Assistive Technology Program of Colorado
Wondering where to check out current grants available for people with spinal cord injury/disability? Check out Grant Watch. These are grants for nonprofits and agencies that service people with disabilities.
Phone: