Government assistance programs — housing, food, healthcare, and more. 87 programs available.
Showing 21 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.
U.S. Department of Energy
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety. Funded through the DOE, WAP provides services to approximately 35,000 homes per year. Services include insulation, air sealing, HVAC system upgrades, and health and safety improvements.
U.S. Department of Energy / State Energy Offices
Free or low-cost home energy audits for low-income households are delivered through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), LIHEAP Energy Crisis funding, and state and utility energy efficiency programs. A home energy audit identifies air leaks, insulation deficiencies, inefficient appliances, and heating and cooling problems — providing a prioritized list of improvements that can be addressed through weatherization and retrofit programs. Audit results are used to qualify homes for free energy efficiency upgrades under WAP and other assistance programs.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) provides grants and loans to owners of HUD-assisted multifamily housing to make energy efficiency improvements and climate resilience upgrades that benefit residents in affordable apartment communities. Funded improvements may include HVAC upgrades, insulation, roofing, solar installations, and infrastructure hardening against extreme weather events. Low-income residents in participating HUD-assisted buildings benefit directly through reduced utility costs and improved living conditions without bearing the upfront investment cost.
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.
U.S. Department of Energy
The High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) provides point-of-sale rebates for low- and moderate-income households to electrify their homes. Rebates cover heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric stoves, clothes dryers, insulation, weatherization, and electrical panel upgrades. Income-qualified households can receive up to $14,000 in rebates.
U.S. Department of Energy
The HOMES (Home Owner Managing Energy Savings) Rebate Program provides rebates to homeowners who make whole-home energy efficiency upgrades. The rebate amount is based on modeled or measured energy savings and household income. Low- and moderate-income households can receive higher rebate amounts. Rebates are administered through state energy offices.
HHS
Helps low-income households pay for heating and cooling energy costs, energy crises, and weatherization and energy-related home repairs.
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.