Find Help with Educational Costs Using Benefits.gov
Furthering your education is a great way to learn new skills and advance your career path. However, paying for school or knowing where to get help with your expenses can be a challenge. Did you know that Benefits.gov can help you find information on over 1,000 government programs, check your eligibility, and describe the steps to apply for aid? Start your search on Benefits.gov with information on over 100 scholarships, fellowships, grants and loans.
It's never too early to explore your options for paying for school. The U.S. government provides many sources of aid to help you along the way. Here are a few ways to find help with paying for school, specifically for students with disabilities and their families:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA is an application through the U.S. Department of Education and is used by most two and four-year colleges, universities, and career schools. Complete the application online and use it to apply for grants, loans and work-study opportunities that you may be eligible for. Each state and school have their own FAFSA deadlines that can be searched through the Federal Student Aid website.
The FAFSA can connect you with government and private financial aid options, but it doesn't ask for some specifics that may help you get more aid. Other scholarship and grant opportunities may be based on personal information like disability status, hobbies or background. Once you complete the FAFSA, you can apply for academic and need-based scholarships from schools or other organizations, many of which require the FAFSA to even be considered. There are many scholarship opportunities for people based on location, background, disability and other factors. To find these opportunities, fill out the FAFSA and then check out the CareerOneStop.org Scholarship Finder.
CareerOneStop.org Scholarship Finder
The CareerOneStop.org Scholarship Finder, through the U.S. Department of Labor, provides a list of over 8,000 scholarships and financial aid opportunities. This free tool allows you to narrow down your search and provides details on how to apply for scholarships you may qualify for. There are search filters to view certain award types, locations, level of study, and there is a specific category for students with disabilities. You can also sort the list by application deadlines to find upcoming opportunities.
The TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program supports low-income students, first generation college students and students with disabilities enrolled in post-secondary education programs. Eligible students may receive personal and academic career counseling, career guidance, instruction, mentoring and tutoring. TRIO SSS does not provide financial aid directly, but they have resources to help eligible students find financial aid and help with other challenges of enrolling or re-enrolling in college or a technical or trade school.
There are many options available for finding financial aid to help with your educational expenses. Check out the Benefits.gov Benefit Finder, a free and easy-to-use tool that will check which benefits and financial aid you may be eligible to receive. Browse the Healthcare and Medical Assistance category of benefits to find more resources based on your needs. Start your education journey today!
About Ticket to Work
Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the supports and services they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work. Ticket to Work service providers, such as a State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency, can help if you need to find assistance with education and job training costs.
Learn More
To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool.
