Many ex-felons find it challenging to find a good job and make ends meet. This can be especially true if they are disabled. Being disabled creates a whole new set of challenges that may mean you need additional assistance to ensure your basic needs are being met. The good news is that there is help for disabled ex-felons. It’s just a matter of knowing where to find it.
There are numerous programs that that will provide help for disabled ex-felons, as well as others who need assistance. Most of the programs will require that you be a citizen or legal non-citizen, and you may have to prove that you are disabled. Some of the programs will provide long-term financial support and assistance, while others may provide short term help.
There is no limit to how many programs you can apply for or receive funds from at one time, so be sure to contact all those you feel qualified for. The more programs you get help from, the better position you will be in to ensure your basic needs are being met. Plus, you will never have to pay the funds or financial help back, because it’s not considered to be a loan.
Programs Providing Help for Disabled Ex-Felons ::::: Social Security Administration – Those who are considered disabled may be able to qualify to receive Social Security Disability benefits. The benefits would allow you to receive a monthly cash payment that you can use to help pay for your living expenses. In order to be approved for this program you do have some criteria to meet. One of the things they will review is your work history. You have to have spent some years working and paying into Social Security in order to receive the benefits. Once you apply for disability help through this federal agency, you will wait to hear back from as your application undergoes a screening process.
Once they review your application to determine you have worked enough years to qualify, and then they will let you know their decision regarding your application. To get more information or apply for disability payments, click here.
Volunteers of America – This organization helps those who are disabled. They will also provide help for disabled ex-felons. Some of the ways they provide help are offering in-home support, case management, day programs, and supportive employment services. They also offer help with specialized residential services, foster care, supported living, and more. With their supported living services they will provide in-home support to help those who are disabled to be able to live independently. To get more information on how Volunteers of America provides help for disabled ex-felons and others, click here.
Ticket to Work Program – This is a government program that helps people who are disabled. The help they provide is in job training and employment programs. The goal is to help those who are disabled who want to work to be able to get the training they need to get hired. They also help those who are disabled to find jobs. The resources they provide through the Ticket to Work Program will help those who are disabled to get job training and counseling, find and keep a job, and be able to start their own business. To get more information or apply for assistance through this program, click here.
Dreamscape – This is a resource that provides help for disabled ex-felons by offering information on grants. They specialize in offering information about grants for those who are disabled. The grants can be used to serve a variety of purposes and fulfill many different needs. If you would like to learn more about obtaining a grant to help with living expenses, retrofit your home to be accessible, or if you would like funds to start a business, you may want to apply with Dreamscape. Their grant program helps many people with disabilities each year and they may be able to help you as well. To get more information or apply for a grant, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This is a government agency that will provide help for disabled ex-felons by helping to pay the rent. If you qualify for the program they will help pay for the rent on your home or apartment. They will also provide help with avoiding foreclosure if you are a homeowner. HUD also provides additional services, such as if you need help making your home accessible for the disability, if you need necessary home repairs, and if you would like weatherization services, which will help reduce your monthly energy bills. To get more information or apply for help, click here.
Adaptive Sports Center – If you like to play in sports or would like to get involved in some, you may want to contact the Adaptive Sports Center. Their mission is to help people who are disabled be able to engage in sports. They will help you find the sports programs to join and will help you get the adaptive equipment that you may need in order to participate. Being disabled doesn’t mean you have to give up on engaging in sports if you enjoy them. Just connect with an organization like the Adaptive Sports Center so they can help you continue with sports or get started with one. To get more information, click here.
These programs will provide help for disabled ex-felons. Depending on the type of help you need these programs may be what you are looking for. If they are not the type of programs you need, because they don’t offer the type of help you desire, then see if they can make recommendations and referrals to other organizations and resources that can help you.
Another good option is to contact churches and organizations in your local area. Many of them offer programs to help people in need in the community. Depending on the type of assistance that you need, you may be able to find what you are looking for right in your community.
