Financial Assistance Programs for Disabled Blacks

Many people who are disabled struggle financially. This is because they often have limited opportunity for earning money. The types of jobs that they can do may be limited, if they are able to do any type of work at all. Depending on their disability, they may only be able to work minimally. This leads to a financial struggle for many people. The good news is that there are financial assistance programs for disabled blacks, and they can turn to them when in need of help.

The programs that are available will help anyone who is disabled and meets the qualifications. Those who are disabled may need to prove they are so by providing medical information about their disability. Most programs are open to those who are citizens or legal non-citizens. Some programs may be limited in how long you can get help from them, while others have no term limits.

Program Providing Financial Assistance

There is no limit to how many of the programs below you can apply for or receive help from, so be sure to apply for more than one. This will help ensure that your basic needs are being met. If you qualify to get financial assistance from these programs they may also be able to provide you with referrals to other programs you can get help through.

Social Security Administration – Otherwise known as “Disability,” this program will provide a monthly cash grant to those who qualify. In order to be considered disabled, so that you can get approved, you have to have a documented disability, blindness, and have enough work history to qualify. Some people who have been disabled their whole life or who do not have a work history may still be able to be approved for Disability. If you have a disability that may be temporary, they will allow you to try to return to work and not lose your grant as you try to work again. Those who apply for this program will automatically be enrolled in the Medicare after two years. People can get up to $943 per month on Disability. To get more information about the program or apply, click here.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program used to be called and is largely still known around the country as food stamps. This program will provide those who qualify with free food each month. If you are approved for SNAP you will get a debit-style card that is used to pay for your groceries on a monthly basis. The amount you will receive each month, which is electronically added to your account each month, is determined by how many dependents you have. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through SNAP as long as you continue to meet the qualifications. To get more information and apply for SNAP, click here.

Medicare – Those who are disabled may be qualified for receiving Medicare. This is a program provided by the federal government that helps people pay for their medical expenses. If you are approved for the program you will be able to get help paying for hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, prescription medications, specialty doctor appointments, and more. To get more information about the Medicare program and apply, click here.

Wheelchair Foundation – Those who are disabled and in need of a wheelchair may be able to get one through this organization. Their mission is to help provide people with free wheelchairs. Purchasing a new wheelchair is costly, and this organization can help with the financial assistance to make that happen. To get more information or contact them to apply for a free wheelchair, click here.

Amputee Coalition – This organization aims to help those who have lost a limb, for whatever reason. They provide a range of helpful services, including financial. They do not charge for their services. Contact them to see what type of services they can provide if you are an amputee. To get more information, click here.

211 – This organization will help you find financial assistance programs in your local area. They offer a free referral program. All you have to do is call 211 or visit their website for details. You let them know what type of financial help you need and explain that you are a disabled black person and see what type of referrals they can provide. To get more information or contact the organization, click here.

Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) – This is part of the federal government. The goal of this unit is to provide those who are disabled with the help they need. They can help you find local resources, financial assistance programs, and more. They provide online chat, take phone calls, and can speak with those who are deaf. You can also add your zip code into their website to get a list of local resources that may be of assistance. To get more information about the service they offer, click here.

Additional Resources

In addition to apply for financial help from these programs, disabled blacks and others can also contact their local churches. There are thousands of churches around the country and they usually have programs that are intended to help people who live in the community and need assistance. Contact all the churches in the area to let them know you are disabled and need financial assistance. Give them an idea of what type of services would be of help to you, and inquire if they have any they can offer. They should be able either help you directly or provide you with referrals to other local programs that can provide assistance.

There are other local resources you can turn to as well. Many local organizations have programs that will help people in the community. Contact places like nonprofit organizations, senior citizen centers, council on aging centers, and your local health department. Places such as these should be able to provide you with some type of assistance or give you referrals to places that can help you out.

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