Government assistance programs — housing, food, healthcare, and more. 87 programs available.
Showing 14 programs
U.S. Department of the Treasury / State ABLE Programs
ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts that allow individuals with qualifying disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for federal means-tested benefits such as SSI and Medicaid, up to a $100,000 balance. Annual contributions up to the gift tax exclusion ($18,000 in 2024) can come from the account owner, family, and friends; withdrawals for qualified disability expenses (housing, education, transportation, health) are tax-free. Starting January 1, 2026, the age-of-onset limit expands from before age 26 to before age 46.
Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Assistive Technology Act funds a program in every state and territory to increase access to assistive technology (AT) devices and services for individuals with disabilities of all ages and disability types. State AT programs offer device demonstration centers, short-term device loan programs, device reutilization programs that redistribute pre-owned equipment at little or no cost, and alternative financing programs with low-interest loans to help people purchase AT. No single application or income threshold applies nationally — services vary by state program.
Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are consumer-controlled, community-based nonprofit organizations providing services and advocacy that help people with any type of significant disability live independently. The four core services are information and referral, independent living skills training, peer counseling, and individual and systems advocacy. With over 400 CILs nationwide, additional services often include benefits counseling, transition assistance from institutions or nursing homes, housing support, employment help, and assistive technology guidance.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers allow states to provide long-term services and supports to people with disabilities and older adults in their homes and communities as an alternative to institutional care. Covered services vary by state waiver and may include personal care, respite care, adult day services, supported employment, home modifications, specialized therapies, and case management. Because each state designs its own waiver programs, eligibility rules, available services, and enrollment caps differ significantly across states.
Social Security Administration
PASS allows SSI recipients to set aside income or resources for a defined period to pursue a specific work goal — such as education, vocational training, or starting a business — without those funds reducing SSI benefits or counting toward the resource limit. An approved PASS plan documents the work goal, the steps and timeline to achieve it, and the expenses to be set aside. A free PASS specialist at SSA reviews and approves plans collaboratively with the applicant.
Social Security Administration
SSDI provides monthly income replacement to workers who become disabled and can no longer engage in substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable impairment. Benefit amounts are based on lifetime earnings and Social Security contributions. Applicants must have sufficient work credits and a qualifying disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
Social Security Administration
SSI provides monthly cash assistance to elderly, blind, or disabled individuals with very limited income and resources to help cover basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. Benefit amounts are determined by the federal benefit rate minus countable income. Eligibility is based on financial need rather than work history, with strict income and asset limits.
U.S. Department of Education / State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
Supported Employment helps individuals with the most significant disabilities — including intellectual disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injuries, and severe psychiatric disabilities — obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment through ongoing job coaching, customized job development, and workplace supports. Services follow a "place then train" model, focusing on real jobs at real wages alongside nondisabled coworkers before or instead of pre-employment training in segregated settings. Long-term support services are typically funded through Medicaid waiver programs after the initial VR funding period ends.
Social Security Administration
The Ticket to Work program helps Social Security disability beneficiaries (SSDI and SSI recipients) explore employment by connecting them with approved Employment Networks and state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies that provide free career counseling, job placement assistance, and ongoing support services. Participation lets beneficiaries test their ability to work while keeping benefits protections in place during an initial trial period. The program is voluntary and open to beneficiaries between ages 18 and 64.
Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The TBI State Grant Program funds states and territories to develop and improve systems of services and support for individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury and their families. Funded activities include needs assessments, creating or expanding TBI registries, coordinating rehabilitation and long-term community services, and expanding specialized TBI programs. States use funds to fill gaps in existing service systems and improve access to care, rehabilitation, and community support for TBI survivors of all ages.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Disability Compensation provides tax-free monthly payments to veterans who have a physical or mental health condition connected to their military service, with payment amounts determined by the combined VA disability rating (10% to 100%). Veterans may claim multiple service-connected conditions, each rated individually and combined into a single overall disability rating using VA's combined ratings formula. Eligible veterans may also receive additional compensation for dependents, special monthly compensation for severe disabilities such as loss of limb or blindness, and priority access to VA health care.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Veterans Pension is a needs-based benefit providing monthly payments to wartime veterans with limited income and net worth who are permanently and totally disabled or aged 65 and older. The Aid and Attendance enhanced benefit offers additional monthly payments to pension recipients who need help with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, or eating, or who are in a nursing home or assisted living facility. The Housebound benefit provides a smaller allowance for veterans substantially confined to their home due to a permanent disability.
U.S. Department of Education / State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program provides individualized services to help people with physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities prepare for, obtain, retain, or advance in competitive integrated employment. Funded through the federal Rehabilitation Act and administered by state VR agencies, services can include career counseling, job training, college tuition assistance, assistive technology, transportation, and job placement support. An Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) is developed collaboratively between the counselor and the individual at no cost.
Social Security Administration
WIPA provides free benefits counseling from certified Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWICs) to Social Security disability beneficiaries who are working or considering work, helping them understand how employment affects their SSDI, SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits. CWICs prepare detailed Benefits Summary and Analysis reports so beneficiaries can make informed decisions about returning to work without fear of prematurely losing health coverage or income benefits. Services are delivered through a national network of WIPA projects funded by SSA at no cost to the beneficiary.