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Individual Assistance Program
Now accepting applications
Limited, case-by-case help for eligible individuals living with spinal cord injuries, paralysis, or other serious injuries or conditions that result in significant long-term mobility limitations.
Assistance depends on eligibility, documentation, program fit, approval, and available funding.
Please know: Submitting an application does not guarantee approval, payment, or a particular award amount. The Foundation does not provide emergency services or immediate emergency funding.
Who May Be Eligible
The program is designed for individuals whose circumstances meet all of the starting requirements below.
- The person requesting assistance currently lives in the United States
- The person lives with a spinal cord injury, paralysis, or another serious injury or condition causing significant long-term mobility limitations
- The requested item or expense fits the Individual Assistance Program
- The applicant can provide the requested documentation and a brief explanation of financial need
- Other available coverage or resources are not sufficient to meet the documented need
Meeting these starting requirements does not guarantee assistance. Each complete request is reviewed individually.
What the Program May Consider
Wheelchair and mobility equipment
Eligible wheelchair equipment, batteries, repairs, replacement parts, and other mobility-related items that support safety and independence.
Pressure relief and positioning
Eligible cushions and positioning items that may support skin protection, comfort, and daily health needs.
Transfer equipment
Eligible transfer devices and related equipment that may help a person move more safely at home or in the community.
Medical and rehabilitation expenses
Limited help toward certain eligible medical or rehabilitation expenses related to the qualifying injury or condition.
Resource referrals
When a request is outside our current funding or program scope, we may share independent resources that could be useful.
What Is Not Normally Covered
The Foundation does not advertise the following as standard benefits of this limited program:
- Major home renovations or construction projects
- Vehicle purchases
- Major vehicle modifications
- Emergency services or immediate emergency funding
- Requests that cannot be documented or verified
- Expenses outside the Foundation’s charitable purpose or current program guidelines
Program guidelines and available categories may change as the Foundation’s funding and capacity change.
Documents We May Request
A request is not complete until the Foundation has the information needed to review it.
- A completed Individual Assistance Program application
- Diagnosis or other medical documentation confirming the qualifying injury or condition
- An itemized quote, estimate, statement, or invoice from a qualified vendor or provider
- A brief explanation of financial need and other resources already explored
- Any additional supporting information reasonably needed to verify the request
How Awards Are Handled
Amount
The Foundation may generally award up to $1,000 for an approved request. An award may be less based on the documented need, other available resources, and current funding.
Payment
Whenever possible, approved assistance is paid directly to a qualified medical-equipment vendor, repair company, rehabilitation provider, or healthcare provider rather than to the applicant.
No guarantee: The Foundation may approve, partially approve, decline, defer, or request more information. Applying does not create a promise or entitlement to assistance.
Ready to begin?
Start by reviewing the eligibility and documentation checklist. A complete application helps the Foundation respond as efficiently as possible.