Best Grants for Parents With a Disabled Child – Grants For Parents With a Disabled Child, Parents with disabled children face a lot of challenges in their day-to-day lives. Among the numerous obstacles that they have to face every day finances constitute to be a major cause of stress and pressure. Caring for a child with special needs can be expensive in the United States of America and parents struggle to pay for the basic expenses. Fortunately, there are a multitude of financial assistance programs and grants available to parents who have a disabled child. These programs help them to cover the expenses from adaptive equipment to housing assistance and medical costs. With these grants and resources parents can entirely focus on providing the best care to their children without worrying about the economic burden.
Highlights of this Post
What Are The Different Types Of Grants Available For Families With A Disabled Child?
Several types of grants are available for low-income families with a disabled child. Here are some of its common types.
Federal Grants
The United States federal government provides tons of grants and financial assistance programs for families with special needs children such as the Department of Education’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, SNAP, Social Security Administration Supplemental Security Income program, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicaid program and TANF program.
State Funded Grants
A lot of states provide financial assistance and grants for families with disabled children. The availability and eligibility criteria of these programs may vary from one state to another however they include basic things like respite care, financial support, special education services, and supportive programs.
Grants From Private Foundations And Organizations
A lot of grants are funded by organizations and private foundations for families with disabled children. These are merit-based or need-based grants with certain eligibility criteria that families have to meet to qualify for assistance.
Eligibility Criteria To Apply For Grants For Parents With A Disabled Child
The eligibility criteria and the application procedure for government grants for disabled children and their family members may vary depending on your location, the type of program you are applying for and the government agency that is managing the funds. The general eligibility criteria require children to be disabled, be a citizen of the United States, a lawful resident, or a qualified noncitizen. Parents are also required to meet the income and resource requirements of the program to qualify.
How To Apply For Grants For Parents With A Disabled Child?
A lot of grants are available to parents with disabled children in the United States of America. Government and nongovernment grants for disabled children and their family members have specific eligibility criteria and application procedures to obtain the right financial support.
- The first and foremost step while applying for a grant is to contact the local government office or disability office within your state. You can also visit the official website to find out the available options. For instance, parents of disabled children can visit the official website of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Energy to apply for tons of assistance programs.
- The next step is to fulfill the eligibility criteria for the particular program you are applying to and submit the relevant documents. A few relevant documents that help disabled children to showcase to the authorities are proof of citizenship, medical documents stating the disability, a valid Social Security number, and proof of household income such as bank statements and pay stubs.
- Fill out the application form for the program and wait patiently for approval.
Following are some government websites that can help you access helpful information about grants such as www.disability.gov, www.grants.gov and www.benefits.gov.
What Are The Available Government Grants For Parents With A Disabled Child?
The cost of caring for a disabled child can be overwhelming for low-income families but fortunately, there are government assistance programs and grants that help them to make ends meet and take good care of their disabled child. The following is the list of government assistance programs and grants that parents of disabled children can apply to reduce their economic burden.
Financial Assistance Programs
Loss of income is one of the greatest indirect costs of nurturing a disabled child when one parent stays at home to take care of the child. The Government Grants for Struggling Families offers free money to supplement the income of eligible families that have children with special needs such as the following.
Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI)
The Social Security Administration’s Supplemental Social Security Income offers financial support for low-income parents with a disabled child. To qualify for assistance you need to make sure your child can meet the Social Security Administration definition of being disabled.
Families are also required to make sure their household income does not exceed a particular limit that usually changes every year depending on the cost of living of your state. The child should have a severe and marked functional limitation as determined by medical evidence. The disabilities that qualify for assistance include autism, down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, etc.
Social Security Survivor Benefits/Social Security Disability Benefits
Social Security Benefits for Child of Disabled Parent are available every month for unmarried children below 18 years of age upon the retirement, death, or disability of a parent who is eligible for Social Security benefits. The amount of assistance will be calculated based on the lifetime earnings of the parents.
On turning 18 years the child with qualifying benefits who has been acquiring Social Security benefits can continue to receive financial support through Social Security Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits. The payments will continue throughout the life of the person so long they can meet the eligibility standards
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Formerly known as the Food Stamp program the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is managed through state government and is available throughout the country. The federally funded SNAP program offers financial support for low-income families so that they can put food on the table and take good care of their families and children. A low-income family with a disabled child can also qualify for SNAP benefits provided their household income is within the program limitation.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The Temporary Assistance For Needy Families Program is administered by the state government and offers emergency financial support to families, pregnant women, senior citizens, and disabled individuals. Qualifying applicants have to meet the income limitation of the program to cover their immediate needs such as rent, food, mortgage, and medical expenses. Few states also offer child care assistance or other supportive services through this program.
Healthcare Programs For Special Needs Families
There are a lot of healthcare programs that assist parents of disabled children and enable them to cover medical costs.
Medicaid
The Medicaid program offers healthcare coverage to disabled individuals who are earning below a particular income level. Children should require a particular level of care to qualify for the Medicaid program.
The program helps to pay for hospital services, medical appointments, medical equipment, prescriptions, and many more supportive services. Every state throughout the United States of America has different eligibility criteria for the Medicaid program.
Families who do not qualify for the Medicaid program can apply for a Medicaid waiver in 44 states for a child with a disability. You can visit kidswaivers.org to learn if Medicaid waiver benefits are available in your state.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The Children’s Health Insurance Program offers financial support for households having disabled children and those who make too much money to qualify for Medicaid but are unable to qualify for private insurance programs. The benefits received through the Children’s Health Insurance Program may differ depending on your state of residence; however, all states will provide well-child care, well-baby care, behavioral healthcare, dental coverage, and vaccines.
Housing Programs For Special Needs Families
Parents of disabled children struggle financially to get a safe and secure dwelling. Fortunately, there is a wide area of federal Free Housing For People With Disabilities & Their Families
Section 8 Housing Program
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 8 program offers housing assistance to eligible low-income families with a disabled member. To be eligible for the program households need to meet the income requirement and give proof that the disability of the family member is severe and is impacting his or her ability to live independently
Public Housing For People With Disabilities
Low-income families can easily locate public housing at the state level with the assistance of a HUD. The Department of Housing and Urban Development administers the public housing program and provides subsidies to help families with disabled children by reducing their monthly rent payments.
Families with disabled children can apply for the public housing program HUD and receive only 30% of the monthly income rent while the remaining will be covered by HUD.
National Housing Trust Fund
Housing assistance for individuals with disabilities and their family members is offered by the National Housing Trust Fund for constructing, preserving, and rehabilitating rental housing on behalf of eligible families including disabled members and senior citizens.
The National Housing Trust fund will help to make ends meet if you are looking for affordable and safe housing for your disabled child. To learn more details visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/national-housing-trust-fund-program-htf
Education Assistance Programs For Special Needs Families
Federal Pell Grant
A lot of financial aid programs are designed by the federal government of the United States of America for students who are willing to pursue higher education and want to attend college but are facing financial difficulty.
The federally funded Pell Grant is a popular choice among students coming from all backgrounds including those with a disability. To apply for assistance filing a Free Application For Federal Student Aid or FAFSA is important.
IDEA, Individuals With Disabilities Education Act
Parents of disabled children looking for educational grants for their children will find Individuals With Disabilities Education the right choice. This is a federal special education government grant for disabled students that helps disabled children to get financial assistance and acquire free public education.
IDEA program assists educational service agencies and state governments to provide financial support to differently-abled students. To apply click on https://sites.ed.gov/idea/. It also offers funding to local school districts and states to provide educational services to disabled children. To qualify for assistance you need to prove your child has a qualifying disability that affects his or her ability to receive education in a traditional setting.
To avail more information about government assistance for disabled children you can visit student.gov. The National Directory of Financial Assistance Programs for students with disabilities offers financial support. The National Centre For Learning Disabilities has many scholarship programs and awards for children with learning disabilities.
Utility Assistance For Parents With Disabled Children
With limited financial resources and savings, it becomes difficult for families with disabilities to pay their home utility bills. The following is the list of utility bill assistance programs by the government that makes sure disabled children and their family members can reduce their economic burden.
The Weatherization Assistance Program
The federally funded Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income people with disabilities including their family members. Families who want to equip their homes with energy-efficient tools and fixtures to reduce their monthly energy bills can apply for the program.
The program is funded and managed by the Department of Energy for low-income families and individuals who are living below the poverty line and helps them receive housing and utility assistance. The program helps families with home energy efficiency measures, renovations, upgrades, and removal of safety and health hazards.
LIHEAP, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a government grant that covers low-income families with children. There isn’t any particular eligibility requirement related to disability however families with disabled children looking for assistance at the federal and state level are prioritized.
The program helps families to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization services, and minor energy-associated home repairs. The program assists parents with disabled children to stay cool in summer and warm in winter and reduce the risk of health and safety hazards in their homes. To apply, call 202-401-9351.
Organizations That Provide Grants For Parents With Disabled Children
Administration for Children & Families(ACF)
The Administration For Children and Families offers a wide array of grant programs and assistance to families, children, individuals, and communities. These grants and programs are designed particularly to promote the economic and social well-being of eligible families. If you’re looking for grants for parents with disabled children then you can avail information and funding opportunities by visiting the official ACF website.
Disabled Children’s Fund (DCF)
A humanitarian organization known as the Disabled Children’s Fund is dedicated to serving oppressed and disadvantaged children including their family members. Disabled Children’s Fund offers humanitarian services completely free for eligible children and adults.
The fund provides wheelchairs, walkers, braces, crutches, and rehabilitative assistance to disabled children. As such there are no limitations on the eligible disabilities but preference is given to a kid who is physically challenged in the United States of America and must be 0-18 years old. You may apply for the disabled children’s fund program on the website or contact them directly.
Catastrophic Illness In Children Relief Fund
A public program known as the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund offers families relevant funding opportunities if their medical costs increase by 10% of the family income. Apart from covering the medical expenses for catastrophic illness, the Children Relief Fund also assists disabled children with out-of-pocket costs such as parking and tolls, gas, and so on.
UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation
UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation is a charity that is administered and sponsored by the UnitedHealth Group and offers parents funding opportunities to take better care of their disabled children.
The charity pays for the medical expenses of eligible families that are not covered by insurance providers. Once you get approval the grant amount will be used to cover the medical bills of the child.
The program is committed to enhance the medical condition and improve the quality of life. The United Healthcare Children’s Foundation or UHCCF Grants is a non-profit organization that offers financial help to medical-related services. The help is given in the form of funds up to $5000.
First Hand Foundation
A public organization that offers funding opportunities to disabled children is known as First Hand Foundation. The objective of First Hand Foundation is to improve the overall quality of life of disabled children by providing clinical necessities, travel-related care, and medical equipment. Parents of disabled children can receive assistance by calling 816-201-1569 or by visiting https://www.firsthandfoundation.org.
Challenged America
A nonprofit organization Challenged America offers assistance to developmentally and physically challenged children as well as their parents. Funding requests are accepted for assistive devices, rehabilitative therapy, and medical attention.
The objective is to improve the overall quality of life of disabled children and help them grow their self-esteem. To apply for assistance you can call 818-907-6966.
The Arc
A national organization known as The Arc assists individuals with developmental disabilities including their parents and family members. The organization has 600+ chapters in the USA and offers safe and affordable housing to people living with developmental disabilities. The eligibility criteria of the program require individuals to fulfill their income limitation, residency criteria and give proof of developmental disabilities.
Parker’s Purpose Foundation Assistance
The foundation offers grants to any family with a disabled kid under 18 years. This foundation helps families who are having a hard time and struggling financially to pay medical expenses for their child. Residents of Ohio are given first preference, but grants may be offered to individuals from other states. You can call 419-334-7275 for help.
A family who is under 18 with a disability or life altering illness in a quick financial crisis because of the unforeseen medical costs is welcome to apply for the foundation program.
You may enquire for Parker’s purpose foundation program at [email protected] or call on 419-334-7275. Also, you may apply online at www.parkerspurpose.com directly.
Autism Care Today SOS Program
Through the SOS program, the ACT is committed to meeting basic requirements of children with disabilities. The grant is given to the families to help them so that their kids will get better access to treatment.
The SOS program ACT Today is dedicated to supporting the quick needs of those kids with autism. The grant is offered to assist families for better treatment. Grants for Autistic kids are given as Autism Care Today SOS.
Eligibility criteria for Autism Care Today SOS Program
- The income of the family should be less than $45,000/year
- ACT SOS program may fund effective treatments and services to cure ASD. It will not include funds for travel, living expenses or even clothing.
- The applicant must not receive support from ACT within the past one year
- An autism kid must be given treatment quickly if the safety of kid is at risk
To complete the application, you have to send an email to [email protected]
Angel Autism Network
The program offers funds to families staying in Wisconsin. They get help for medical treatments of their autistic kids for up to $500. The grants are given every quarter.
The family never gets funds, instead it is transferred to the medical provider. Also, they issue grants in March, June, September and December.
To receive a grant from Angel Autism Network, you have to give the following details on their electronica form that includes:
- Proof of address :
- Child should be diagnosed with ASD or Autism spectrum disorder
- Age of child should be under 18 years of age
- Services you wish to get
- Photo of the kid
- You have to submit one application every quarter
- A mentioned service provider with information and address
- Grant applicants should be a current active member at the time of application of program.
National Autism Association Helping Hand program
NAA’s Helping Hand initiative is offered to families who need financial help. The amount is given up to $1500. The help is offered to families with annual income less than $50,000. In this program, the expenses include supplements, biomedical treatments and therapy services. However, the respite care, trip expenses, electronic devices or toys are not included in this program.
The program is available for kids from their birth to 21 years but they should reside in the United States of America. If they are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder then they may apply for the program.
You may directly apply for the program on the website of https://nationalautismassociation.org/ or you.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a popular organization running throughout the nation that advocates and serves individuals who are dealing with mental illness as well as their family members.
Established in 1979 NAMI today has more than 500 affiliates throughout the United States of America. Organizations provide housing assistance to disabled individuals going through mental illness.
Maggie Welby Foundation
The foundation offers grants for disabled children and their families. They provide much-needed financial assistance for specific purposes. For instance, parents of disabled children can apply for assistance from the Maggie Welby Foundation to cover their bills. It is important to note that the grants are not awarded directly to the family but are paid to the particular purpose for which the family is seeking assistance.
Prayer Child Foundation
The Prayer Child Foundation offers assistance to living children who are 18 years old or younger and are dealing with emotional and physical challenges. The foundation offers support to individuals, national children’s charities, and organizations located within local communities.
Parents of disabled children who are looking for assistance for their children can visit the official website at http://www.prayerchild.org/ or call 480-634-6086 to learn more details.
Variety the Children’s Charity
The charity offers a Freedom Program through which it provides life-changing services and equipment for social inclusion, independence and mobility to disabled children. The charity aims to alter the lives of disabled children by granting supportive services and useful items that promote mobility, freedom, and independence. http://usvariety.org/
Wheel to Walk Foundation
The parents of disabled children who are unable to obtain costly medical equipment and services can turn to Wheels to Walk Foundation. This nonprofit organization assists young adults and children with disabilities to get medical services and equipment that are not provided by insurance companies for instance adaptive strollers, therapy tricycles, shower chairs, zig zag chairs, bumper cars, gait trainers, wheelchairs, speech therapy, selective communication devices and so on.
Parents of disabled children living in Washington, Oregon, California, or Idaho can get their children leg braces, gait trainers, therapy tricycles, wheelchairs, and bath chairs with the support of this organization. http://www.wheeltowalk.com/.
Danny’s Wish iPads for Autism
The program accepts autism applications every year. They may receive an application and approve through an email and submit it to authorities to offer iPads for autistic kids. They do not entertain incomplete applications and the iPads are given in the month of April every year to eligible candidates.
Applicants must be diagnosed with autism spectrum and they must reside in the USA. Also, they should be in financial need and have access to computers.
Wheelchairs 4 Kids
Even though the charity Wheelchairs 4 Kids offers wheelchairs completely free for disabled children in the United States of America and helps their family members to reduce their economic burden, the objective of the charity is to assist every child with mobility challenges to get the best opportunity to live their life to the fullest.
The organization provides well-fitted wheelchairs to disabled individuals and assists them with home modifications like wheelchair lifts, and ramps. To learn more visit http://wheelchairs4kids.org/.
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
A national organization known as the National Association of the Deaf assists deaf people who have hearing issues. Founded in 1918 the National Association of the Deaf is one of the oldest and largest organizations to serve those with hearing problems.
The mission of the organization is to promote the economic welfare and advancement of disabled individuals and their family members throughout the United States of America. Parents of disabled children can receive supportive living programs and housing assistance through this organization.
Kiddos’ Clubhouse Foundation
The Kiddos Clubhouse Foundation strives to ensure children with quick developmental and emotional challenges can access the therapies required to lead a healthy life. The funding opportunities are raised through donations and charitable events and the grants are given to recipients directly.
ARCH National Respite Network and Research Center
Parents of disabled children who are not sure how to find resources and assistance programs can get connected to this center. The organization works to connect families with crisis care programs in their local area and community.
FCSN, The Federation for Children With Special Needs
FCSN is dedicated to assisting families by providing support, information, and financial assistance to parents of children with disabilities. This nonprofit organization offers funding for training, individual assistance specialized programs for kids with disabilities and those with cultural, economic, and linguistic barriers.
The Family Hope Foundation
The Family Hope Foundation offers support for parents and families of disabled children. The flagship therapy scholarship program by the organization assists children with disabilities to get access to therapy if they have limited or no insurance coverage.
The Orange Effect Foundation
The foundation offers funding for parents who are raising children with speech disorders. Young adults up to 21 years of age and children who are residents of the United States are eligible to receive grants from the Orange Effect Foundation to purchase speech therapy or digital speech therapy tools.
Few more national organizations that offer special needs grants for disabled children and their family members are.
- Easter Seals that offer supportive services for adults and children with disabilities and include an online tool to locate assistance nearby.
- The Federation For Children With Special Needs offers service sources from the support and assistance
- The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project connects parents of disabled children with resources that provide financial assistance, medical equipment, travel-related care, and many more help.
- Autism Speaks has an extensive list of grants and financial assistance programs for parents of disabled children
- Union Spinal Association has several grants and programs for children with disabilities and spinal conditions.
Conclusion
Having a child with special needs or disability can be an economic burden on low-income families. Fortunately, there are grants and financial assistance programs available for parents in this type of situation. Child organizations That Help Children’s in need provide much-needed support and help disabled children and their family members to lead an easier and smoother life. Families can give more time and attention to their children instead of only worrying about financial matters. You need to understand the different types of grant options available to you based on your eligibility criteria and apply for them within the deadline.
Frequently asked Questions
Can I get paid to take care of a child with a disability staying in California?
Yes, you may get paid under in-home supportive service or IHSS and get paid to meet your kids daily needs and other expenses related to disability.
What are you entitled to if your child has autism?
IDEA claims that kids with different disabilities, are entitled to early intervention and special education services. If your kid has autism then you will get grants from IDEA organization. You have to apply for the program to avail the benefit.
Can my autistic child get a free iPad?
If your kid has autism, you can get ACT quarterly grants or Danny’s wish grants iPads to children with autism. So, yes! Your kid will get a free iPad if he or she is suffering from autism.
