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The disabled face a number of challenges. Health issues can be painful and exhausting to deal with. Disability also leads to a loss of income and keeping up with living expenses can be extremely difficult. Virginia offers help with rent and utilities to its disabled residents, along with accessible housing options if you're current residence isn't meeting your needs.
According to The College Board's 2010 "Trends in College Pricing" report, tuition and fees at four-year public universities rose approximately 5.6 percent each year beyond the general rate of inflation between the 2001 and 2011 decade. These rising college costs makes it a disadvantage for both low-income and disabled students. Fortunately, resources like grants and low-interest loans do exist for the disabled and low-income.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides housing grants for income-qualified families to purchase a home. HUD and other federal agencies have programs that help homeowners pay their mortgages and repair their homes. Speak with a HUD-approved housing counselor to help you determine if you qualify for one of these programs.
If you're a responsible homeowner --- you've never missed a mortgage payment, and your criminal background check turns up no felonies --- who is facing a financial difficulty, you might find help from the federal government. The government offers several mortgage assistance programs that can lower the amount of your monthly mortgage payment. To qualify for these programs, though, you must either be current on your mortgage payments or have a past that is clean of mortgage or real estate crimes.
Low-income people sometimes struggle silently with serious financial problems, such as having to choose between rent and food or having to purchase food for their children while going hungry themselves because of lack of funds. Whether your financial situation has recently taken a turn for the worse or you've been suffering for a while, your state of residence can help you. If you live in California, you may be eligible for food stamps as well as cash aid for yourself or your children. Visit your local Department of Human Services to ask for help.
The sudden loss of a job or an illness can leave families strapped for cash and unable to pay their bills. Often, these incidents come on quickly and the family finds itself suddenly without the cash it needs. Several emergency programs offered by the government and charitable organizations help families make it through a financial hardship and cover the cost of bills and everyday living.
Dealing with a disability can be challenging enough without having to consider how you plan to pay for medical bills and other expenses. Federal, state and private programs offer a variety of cash aid programs to help low-income people who are disabled. In most cases, the application process is as simple as filling out a single form and providing supporting documentation, such as financial and medical records.
Travel Guard is a leading provider of travel insurance in the United States. They offer a variety of travel insurance plans that are designed to cover you and your trip in case of an unexpected event or emergency.
Congressman Chaka Fattah of Pennsylvania proposed a nationwide Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Act patterned after a successful Pennsylvania program of the same name in 2005, 2007 and 2009. The bill did not pass in 2005 or 2007, but is currently under consideration as a provision of the Wall Street and Consumer Protections Act approved by the Senate in 2010.
A disability can happen to you or your loved ones when you least expect it and at any age. It could be from an accident, an illness, or depression--which can also be debilitating. Every state in the U.S. has provisions--knowing exactly where to go for assistance can be a blessing. If you find yourself disabled temporarily or for the long term, emergency financial assistance is available to help you get back on your feet.
