Financial Support Options

Opciones de asistencia financiera

1. Direct Grants for Therapy and Medical Needs

• UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF)
  • What it covers: Grants can be used to pay for physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as counseling, surgeries, prescriptions, and adaptive medical equipment (like orthotics, wheelchairs, or hearing aids).
  • Funding Amount: Up to $5,000 per year, with a lifetime maximum of $10,000 per child.
  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • The child must be 16 years old or younger and live in the United States.
    • The child must have private (commercial) health insurance (even if Medicaid is a secondary insurance).
    • Household income must not exceed: $65,000 (for 2 people), $100,000 (for 3 people), $135,000 ( for 4 people), or $170,000 (for 5+ people).
  • Website to Apply: www.uhccf.org
• Ben’s Fund
  • What it covers: Specifically covers therapies and other autism-related needs.
  • Funding Amount: Up to $1,000 per year.
  • Eligibility Requirements: Children and young adults with an autism diagnosis between the ages of 0 and 24.
  • Website to Apply: www.bensfund.org/apply-to-our-grant/
• Lifespan Respite Grant
  • What it covers: Provides funding for qualifying non-therapy services. For example, these funds may be applied toward qualifying programs/wellness services at ‘Ohana like Quantum Reflex Integration (QRI).
  • Funding Amount: Up to $1,000 (Note: Funding is limited).

2. Searchable Directories & Community Crowdfunding

• SupportNow Grants Directory
  • What it is: A massive, nationwide searchable database featuring grants for therapy, medications, adaptive equipment, and other disability-related expenses. Each individual listing includes specific eligibility details and direct application links.
  • Important Tip for Families: When you visit the website, be sure to select that you are a “Parent” rather than a business or organization. The directory is entirely free for families to browse, but businesses are charged a fee after a few clicks.
  • Website to Browse: grants.supportnow.org

• SupportNow Platform
  • What it is: A platform similar to GoFundMe but tailor-made for medical and developmental needs. It allows families to easily raise funds specifically for therapy expenses, while also providing tools to coordinate meal trains and local volunteer support from friends and neighbors.
  • Website to Learn More: www.supportnow.org

3. Free, One-on-One Support to Help You Navigate

• Financial Support with Abby Zachritz (Advocacy Abby)
  • What she does: If looking through these grants feels overwhelming, Abby provides completely free, one-on-one assistance to families. She will personally help you identify which grants you qualify for, guide you through the application processes, and help you set up or navigate the SupportNow platforms and directories.
  • How to Connect: You can sign up for her free one-on-one help directly at www.advocacyabby.com/apply.

Simple Steps to Start Checking Your Eligibility
To make this transition as smooth as possible, we recommend taking these direct actions:

1. Verify Your Primary/Secondary Insurance: Check to see if your child is covered by a private or commercial health insurance plan alongside their Medicaid coverage. Having a commercial plan opens the door to the $5,000/year UHCCF grant.
2. Gather Household Size and Income Details: Look at the UHCCF income brackets listed above to instantly see if your household falls within the eligible limits.
3. Apply for Abby’s Free Assistance: Because Abby’s one-on-one advocacy services are completely free, filling out her quick application form is the best way to get an expert in your corner to maximize your chances of getting funded.