Financial Assistance

Many families find the biggest barrier to getting services for their children is the cost of these services. Assistive technology, therapy, health care, medications, transportation and support services can sometimes cost as much as a family’s monthly income. Organizations and programs that offer financial assistance can help families who do not have enough money to pay for the services they need in several ways. Some organizations offer sliding scale fees, which are fees that are adjusted based upon a family’s income level. Other organizations distribute cash grants or vouchers to families, which is like sending a check to a family to cover the cost of a service. Be aware that such a grant may affect eligibility for another type of financial assistance, government benefits, such as Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Income, Food Stamps, and Subsidized Housing. Finally, some organizations offer subsidies, which are partial or full payments for a service from the organization to the service provider.

It is helpful to understand the differences between SSI and SSDI, and Medicaid and Medicare. SSI is a cash payment to children or adults with disabilities who are poor and have little savings. SSDI is an insurance payment to children or adults with disabilities who have worked, or whose parents are disabled, widowed, or retired. People who receive SSDI are allowed to have assets and other financial resources. Sometimes, a person with a disability can receive both of these benefits. To qualify for these benefits, a person with a disability must be unable to work. If a person gets a job while receiving benefits, he or she must contact the Social Security Administration, because the job may affect his or her monthly benefit payment. The Social Security Administration offers several programs called work incentives to help people earn money at work without immediately losing benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicaid or Medicare. For more information check out www.ssa.gov

For tips and informatiion on how to complete Social Security's Disability Report click on www.ssa.gov/disabilityformhelp

Medicaid is the health insurance program for people with disabilities who have low incomes. In Virginia, the Medicaid program is a health maintenance organization. Medicaid covers routine health care visits, dental care up to age 21, hospitalizations, nursing facility care, medications, some types of medical supplies and equipment, certain kinds of therapy, and certain other medical services. For more information visit the federal Medicaid website at www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/mcaicnsm.htm.

For information about Medicaid in plain, simple language, visit TheDesk.info, an accessible site, geared to people with cognitive disabilities. The content for this Web site, designed by advocates and consumers, was tailored with the assistance of people who are in the Medicaid system.

Medicare is the health insurance program for older adults with disabilities. Medicare has two parts- hospital insurance and medical insurance. Hospital insurance provides coverage of inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing facilities, home health services and hospice care. Medical insurance helps pay for the cost of physician services, outpatient hospital services, medical equipment and supplies and other health services and supplies. Qualified individuals can enroll in Medicare by completing an application form at their local Social Security Administration office.

Medicaid Waiver Services are health care, residential, vocational, in-home support, respite, technology, personal assistance and transportation services that people with specific disabilities can receive as an alternative to placement in a state institution or nursing home. The type of services offered depends on the person’s age and disability. For more information contact your local Community Services Board or the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services at (804) 786-5850 or visit their website at www.dmhmrsas.state.va.us/mrfolder/mr_waiverintro.htm.

For information about Medicaid in plain, simple language, visit TheDesk.info, an accessible site, geared to people with cognitive disabilities. The content for this Web site, desined by advocates and consumers, was tailored with the assistance of people who are in the Medicaid system.

Arlington Department of Human Services (Financial Assistance) administers the Medicaid, medical care, food stamp, housing, and child care assistance programs to individuals and families in Arlington County who meet income and other eligibility requirements.

(703) 228-1350

Alexandria Department of Social Services administers the Medicaid, medical care, food stamp, housing, employment and child care assistance programs to individuals and families in Alexandria who meet income and other eligibility requirements.

(703) 838-0720

Conference Assistance Fund offers individuals and their family members an opportunity to attend conferences, meetings and workshops. Funds pay for transportation, registration fees, hotel stays, and respite care. Contact Janet Bixby at Access Inependence Center for information.

(540) 662-4452

Consumer Services Fund pays for equipment and services for adults with physical and sensory disabilities based on meeting eligibility requirements.

1-800-552-5019

Disabled Children’s Relief Fund provides grants for assistive devices and therapy services for children with physical disabilities.

(516) 377-1605

Fairfax County Department of Family Services administers the Medicaid, medical care, food stamp, housing, employment, and child care assistance programs to individuals and families in Fairfax County who meet income and other eligibility requirements.

(703) 324-7800

Fairfax County Family Support Program funds items and services not available or subsidized through other programs for children ages 0 – 6 with developmental delays and disabilities and children or adults with autism or mental retardation. Families must live in Fairfax County.

(703) 324-4400

Helen A. Kellar Institute for Human disABILITIES Opportunity Grants Grants offered to parents, persons with disabiities, services providers and George Mason University faculty to "improve the lives and productivity of persons with disabilities". Grants up to $500 are availalble to individuals and families, up to $2,000 is available to service providers and up to $15,000 is availalble to GMU faculty. For more information contact call

(703) 993-3670

Knights of Virginia Assistance for the Retarded (KOVAR) provides grants for equipment, furniture, vans/buses and job skills for citizens with mental retardation.

(703) 533-8370

Personal Assistance Services Fund (Department of Rehabilitative Services) pays for attendant care for persons with physical or sensory disabilities. The individual must find, train and manage the provider. Attendant care is assistance with tasks of daily living, such as dressing, personal care, eating, cooking, cleaning, etc.

1-800-552-5019

Virginia Caregiver's Grant Program is given to caregivers caring for a person with disabilities in Virginia. The caregiver must not have an income over $50,000/year, must provide care for more than half the year and must provide care to a relative with mental or physical impairment. For information contact the Virginia Department of Social Services at

1-877-648-2817.