Summary
The federal government funds a broad network of programs supporting individuals with disabilities, from direct income support through SSI and SSDI to vocational rehabilitation services, assistive technology, housing modifications, and independent living support. Most of these programs are delivered through state agencies and nonprofit organizations using federal funds, so knowing which state agency administers each program is the critical first step.
Vocational Rehabilitation: The Workforce Path for People with Disabilities
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program, funded under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act and administered by the Department of Education's Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), provides a comprehensive array of employment-related services to individuals with disabilities who want to work. VR is delivered through state agencies — every state has a VR agency, and some have separate agencies for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Federal funds cover approximately 78% of VR costs; states provide the remaining 22% match.
VR services can include vocational assessment, career counseling, job training and education (including funding for college or vocational school), assistive technology, job placement, and supported employment for individuals with the most significant disabilities. There is no direct income limit to apply, but individuals must have a physical, mental, or cognitive disability that creates a substantial barrier to employment. The program serves over 1 million individuals annually. Individuals can apply at their local VR office, and there is no cost to the participant for most services. If demand exceeds capacity, states must implement an Order of Selection, prioritizing individuals with the most significant disabilities first.
Assistive Technology Programs
The Assistive Technology Act of 1998 created a nationwide network of state assistive technology programs, all federally funded through RSA. Every state has an AT program that provides demonstration, short-term device loan, device reutilization (refurbished equipment), and state financing programs (low-interest loans) for assistive technology. These services are available to any individual with a disability, regardless of income or age.
For individuals who need AT devices as part of their employment goals, VR programs can purchase devices as part of an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). Medicaid also covers AT devices that are medically necessary, including power wheelchairs, augmentative communication devices, and certain hearing aids, depending on state plan coverage. The Department of Defense and VA provide AT to veterans with disabilities through separate programs. The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) within HHS funds research and development of new assistive technologies and rehabilitation approaches through competitive grants to universities and research centers.
Housing Assistance and Home Modification Grants
Housing assistance for individuals with disabilities comes through several federal channels. HUD's Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program funds the creation of accessible, affordable rental housing for very low-income adults with disabilities. Section 811 capital advances do not need to be repaid as long as the housing remains affordable for 40 years. Project-based rental assistance subsidizes the rent for residents. HUD also provides Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers to individuals with disabilities through local public housing authorities, and many PHAs give preference to individuals with disabilities.
For home modifications to improve accessibility, several programs can help. The USDA Section 504 program provides grants up to $10,000 to elderly rural homeowners for accessibility modifications (see the Home Improvement Grants article for full details). HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds administered by local governments often support home accessibility modification programs. The VA provides Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grants to eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities — the SAH grant can be as high as $109,986 and the SHA grant up to $22,036 (2026 amounts, adjusted annually). State-level programs administered by Centers for Independent Living (CILs) often fund small-scale home modifications for individuals with disabilities using a combination of state and federal dollars.
Independent Living Centers and HCBS Waivers
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are community-based nonprofits operated and controlled by people with disabilities that provide core services including information and referral, peer counseling, individual and systems advocacy, and independent living skills training. Over 400 CILs operate nationwide, funded through RSA's Title VII program. CILs are a critical resource for connecting individuals with disabilities to the full range of federal, state, and local programs available to them.
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers are among the most significant federal programs supporting individuals with disabilities who want to live in the community rather than institutional settings. States design their own HCBS waivers within federal guidelines and can cover services such as personal assistance, supported employment, day programs, home modification, and non-medical transportation. Waiver eligibility varies by state, disability type, and income level. Many states have waiting lists for popular waivers. Individuals should contact their state Medicaid agency or local CIL to understand what waivers exist in their state and how to apply. The ABLE Act also created tax-advantaged savings accounts that do not affect federal benefit eligibility, providing another financial tool for individuals with disabilities to save for disability-related expenses.
SSI, SSDI, and Work Incentive Programs
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash payments to individuals with disabilities (and adults 65 and older) with limited income and resources. The federal SSI benefit in 2026 is up to $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple, with many states providing supplemental payments above the federal amount. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits based on work history to individuals who have paid Social Security taxes and become disabled. Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration.
Critically, both SSI and SSDI include Work Incentive provisions designed to allow recipients to work and earn income without immediately losing benefits. The Trial Work Period (SSDI), Extended Period of Eligibility, and the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program allow recipients to test their ability to work, set aside income and resources for vocational goals, and ultimately transition to employment. The Social Security Administration funds Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) projects at community organizations to provide free benefits counseling to beneficiaries considering work. Understanding these work incentives is essential for any SSI or SSDI recipient who wants to pursue employment without risking their healthcare coverage (Medicare or Medicaid).