Financial emergencies can happen even when you're receiving disability benefits. Here's where to find help when you need it most.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Emergency housing assistance
- Utility help programs
- Food assistance
- Other emergency resources
1. Emergency Housing Assistance
Emergency rental assistance:
- Many local programs exist
- Often through nonprofits
- Community action agencies
- Contact 211 for local resources
Eviction prevention:
- Legal aid for eviction cases
- Emergency funds to prevent eviction
- Mediation services
- Contact before eviction proceeds
Homeless prevention programs:
- HUD-funded programs
- State and local programs
- Rapid re-housing assistance
- Search your area
If already homeless:
- Shelters and transitional housing
- Homeless services in your area
- Call 211
- Contact local social services
2. Utility Help Programs
LIHEAP:
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance
- Help with heating and cooling
- Crisis assistance available
- Apply through local agencies
Utility company programs:
- Many have assistance programs
- Payment plans
- Discounted rates
- Call your utility company
Shut-off protection:
- Many states protect vulnerable customers
- Medical necessity protections
- Winter shut-off moratoriums
- Know your rights
Lifeline:
- Phone and internet discounts
- Up to $9.25/month off
- SSI recipients automatically qualify
- Apply through provider
Important: Many utility companies have programs specifically for people on disability. Call and ask what's available.
3. Food Assistance
SNAP (Food Stamps):
- Ongoing food assistance
- Most SSI recipients qualify
- Apply through state agency
- Monthly benefits
Food banks:
- Immediate food assistance
- No application usually needed
- Find local food banks
- feedingamerica.org
Meals on Wheels:
- For homebound individuals
- Delivered meals
- Often free or low cost
- Contact local program
Community meals:
- Churches and nonprofits
- Community centers
- Free meals
- No requirements usually
Emergency food boxes:
- Available at food banks
- Same-day help
- No income verification usually
- Go when you need it
4. Other Emergency Resources
211:
- National helpline
- Connects to local resources
- Call or text 211
- Available 24/7
Salvation Army:
- Emergency assistance
- Food, shelter, utilities
- Varies by location
- Contact local branch
St. Vincent de Paul:
- Emergency help
- Rent, utilities, food
- Available in many areas
- Contact local chapter
Catholic Charities:
- Emergency assistance
- Not just for Catholics
- Wide range of services
- Contact local office
Local churches:
- Many have benevolence funds
- Help members of community
- Ask even if not a member
- Often willing to help
Community Action Agencies:
- Government-funded help
- Multiple services
- Emergency assistance
- Find your local CAA
Disability-Specific Resources
Centers for Independent Living:
- Assistance for people with disabilities
- Emergency help may be available
- Advocacy services
- Find at ilru.org
Disability organizations:
- Condition-specific organizations
- May have emergency funds
- Support services
- Research your condition
Vocational rehabilitation:
- May help with employment-related emergencies
- If affects work goal
- Contact state VR agency
- Ask about emergency assistance
How to Access Help
Start with 211:
- Best first call
- Knows local resources
- Can direct you appropriately
- Available everywhere
Gather information:
- Proof of income (benefit letter)
- Proof of crisis (eviction notice, etc.)
- ID
- May need documentation
Apply quickly:
- Many programs have limited funds
- First-come, first-served
- Don't delay
- Apply to multiple sources
How Purple Helps
- Early access to benefits
- Clear view of finances
- Budget tracking
- No overdraft fees
- Financial stability