Dealing with debt is never easy – but a financial situation can be made even worse if a lender is suffering from a disability. Unlike other lenders who could take out a second job to recover their finances, many disabled people are left with very little options for boosting their income due to their significant health problems.
Disabled Grants in the US
In America, blind and other disabled people are entitled to Supplementary Support Income (SSI), which covers the need for basic essentials such as food, clothing and shelter. However, many disabled US citizens often fail to realise that additional support is out there from both government and private organisations. Whilst others believe they probably aren’t entitled to grants, despite the fact that people from across the country can apply, and so they are therefore struggling with debt as a result.
There are grants out there that can provide free gasoline from $50 to $1,200 for disabled people, the elderly or low-income families. Disabled people can also apply for a Vocational Rehabilitation grant to buy a new wardrobe so they can change professions – and therefore, hopefully, boost their income. All a person has to do is apply.
Disabled Debt in the UK
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation in the UK recently undertook a study to determine how debt was impacting disabled people’s lives. Many interviewees stated they were dependent on benefits, and that they regarded their debt worries as the most significant aspect of their lives.
Many claimed they had been forced to cut back on care due to money problems, with many reducing the amount spent on essential foods for their special diets or the use of accessible transport. Others also stated they were forced to seek independent or professional money advice to resolve growing debt problems, as they felt unable to control their financial situation. However, most described the sought advice as being the turning point in their lives, as they were able to tackle their finances head on, instead of continuing on a downward debt spiral.
Some interviewees also stated that they have trouble resolving debt problems due to the deterioration of their physical or mental health, which is caused by their financial circumstances. What’s even more shocking is that creditors seem to be taking advantage of a disabled person’s health situation by employing aggressive selling tactics or failing to provide blind people with Braille format debt communications. Constant telephone calls are also not only frustrating to those suffering from a disability, but it could also seriously affect their well-being.
It is, therefore, essential that creditors start to acknowledge the financial implications for a disabled person suffering from debt. Further regulation and changes to a creditor’s policies and practices are needed, and will not only improve their business practices but a lender’s quality of life.
Anyone disabled person suffering from debt problems should identify whether they are entitled to government or private grants, or make a complaint against an aggressive creditor. There is debt help out there. All a person has to do is ask.
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