About Individual Disability Grants

The latest census revealed that more than 50 million Americans live with disabilities, and 35 million of them are severely disabled. There are many programs run by state and federal entities, private individuals and some corporations that can help provide financial relief.

Federal programs and benefits

Tax Help for People with Disabilities is a federal program that offers relief to the disabled. Individuals with disabilities can also qualify for Social Security benefits to get additional financial relief. Disabled veterans have the additional resource of the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs, which offer several benefits and grant money. Many federal programs offer funding to the disabled who want to go to college or need help getting a job. The federal website www.grants.gov offers access to a database with over 1,000 grants.

State funding

Each state has their own programs for aiding disabled individuals. An example is the Able Trust of Florida. It is run by the Florida legislature and has given out more than $24 million in grants to individuals for employment-related purposes. Check the state government in your area to see what programs are available.

Corporate grants

Several companies donate money to foundations, or have set up their own foundation to donate money for the disabled. Established in 1991, Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation has given away millions of dollars to individuals, with an emphasis on helping disabled youth. It also contributes to other grant programs that focus on disabled youth, like the American Association of People with Disabilities and the National Inclusion Project. Other companies that support grant programs include Wal-Mart, CVS and AT&T.