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Financial Assistance

Finding funding for assistive technology devices can be challenging. Learn about how North Dakota Assistive can help find and provide funding avenues that fit your needs.

ND Assistive Financial Loan Program

The North Dakota Assistive Financial Loan Program offers financial loans at a 2% fixed interest rate to help individuals with disabilities acquire assistive technology (AT) they require. The program provides flexibility in repayment terms, making financially challenging purchases more affordable. Even individuals with a poor credit history are considered, and loans can go up to a maximum of $50,000.

*Interest rate is based on availability and is subject to change.

 

Who Is Eligible?
    • The end user of the financed equipment must be a North Dakota resident with a disability
    • The loan applicant can be the end user, a family member, or an approved representative of a person with a disability
    • The person applying for the loan on behalf of the end user may live anywhere in the United States
    • The loan applicant must demonstrate the ability to repay the loan
Who Is Eligible?
    • The end user of the financed equipment must be a North Dakota resident with a disability
    • The loan applicant can be the end user, a family member, or an approved representative of a person with a disability
    • The person applying for the loan on behalf of the end user may live anywhere in the United States
    • The loan applicant must demonstrate the ability to repay the loan
What Can Be Purchased?
    • Assistive technology assessments 
    • Training to use the assistive technology purchased 
    • Used assistive technology devices as long as they are in good working order 
    • Co-payments for assistive technology and durable medical equipment 
    • All types of assistive technology such as:  
      • Speech output communication devices 
      • Hearing aids and assistive listening devices 
      • Low vision devices such as electronic magnifiers 
      • Computers/tablets with disability-related software and/or hardware 
      • Manual or motorized wheelchairs and scooters 
      • Adapted vehicles 
      • Home modifications (must own the home) such as walk-in showers and ramps 
      • Environmental control systems such as Smart Home Devices 

Possibilites Grant

Individuals impacted by a disability and/or aging often have assistive technology needs and expenses that are above and beyond what insurance and other funding programs will cover. This is where the Possibilities Grant steps in. With the funds raised, we’ve been able to help eligible applicants purchase vision equipment, daily living aids, smart home devices, computer access tools, vehicle modifications, and more. This program is intended to be a last resort, and cannot supplant other public funding avenues (e.g., insurance, Vocational Rehabilitation, or public schools). 

Who Is Eligible?
    • The Possibilities Grant was established for the sole purpose of purchasing assistive technology devices and services for people residing in North Dakota and Moorhead, MN who:
      • Reside in North Dakota or Moorhead, MN
      • Have a clearly established need for assistive technology
      • Meet the eligibility criteria set forth in the application
Who Is Eligible?
    • The Possibilities Grant was established for the sole purpose of purchasing assistive technology devices and services for people residing in North Dakota and Moorhead, MN who:
      • Reside in North Dakota or Moorhead, MN
      • Have a clearly established need for assistive technology
      • Meet the eligibility criteria set forth in the application
What Does The Application Process Involve?

Applications may be completed online or downloaded below and will be reviewed upon receipt. A review panel will meet to review only applications completed in full to make award determinations. After this, an award letter will go out to applicants whose applications were reviewed. This process typically takes three to four weeks.

Please contact North Dakota Assistive for alternative format options and questions.

Please Note:

The Possibilities Grant is a last resort funding program, meaning all other funding sources must be used before an applicant will be considered. It also means if a certain entity is required to pay for assistive technology, this program will not cover it.

For example, assistive technology required by law to be purchased by a school will not be funded by this grant. In addition, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices will not be funded as they are paid for by most insurances; this includes tablets with AAC apps for communication purposes.

 

Note also that because of this program’s limited funds, hearing aids will not be considered. We will, however, consider alternative hearing devices such as the Pocket Talker or Comfort Duett. For more information, please contact our office at 1.800.895.4728 and ask to speak to one of our consultants.

Possibilities Grant Applicant FAQs

Is there a dollar amount cap for my grant request?

There will be no cap set on the amount that may be requested, but it is expected awards will not exceed $2,000. As public or private funds may only cover a portion of assistive technology costs, Possibilities Grant funds can be used in partnership to close that gap.

Is there a dollar amount cap for my grant request?

There will be no cap set on the amount that may be requested, but it is expected awards will not exceed $2,000. As public or private funds may only cover a portion of assistive technology costs, Possibilities Grant funds can be used in partnership to close that gap.

Do I have to pay these dollars back?

The funds awarded are treated as grants and are not expected to be repaid. However, if the assistive technology is no longer needed by the grantee, please return it to North Dakota Assistive to be added to our Equipment Reuse Program.

How many times can I be awarded a grant?
Individuals are not eligible for more than one award in a twelve-month period.
What are the minimum eligibility requirements?

Any individual who meets all the criteria noted below may apply, or have an application submitted on their behalf:

  1. The individual has a documented need for assistive technology.
  2. The individual resides in North Dakota or Moorhead, Minnesota.
  3. The individual does not qualify for the purchase of assistive technology through private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or under other programs such as the school system, Vocational Rehabilitation, or Medicaid Waiver.
  4. The individual meets income guidelines (see application).
What does the application review and award process involve?

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. A review panel will meet to review only applications completed in full to make award determinations. After this, an award letter will go out to applicants whose applications were reviewed. This process typically takes three to four weeks.

Do the grant dollars go directly to me?
No. Award payments will be made directly to the vendor unless unusual circumstances dictate otherwise.

Have questions or need assistance?

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