Grants

The Economic Empowerment Grant (EEG) provides an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to improve their economic status, through micro income generating projects. This grant is also available to persons who have experienced circumstances that prevent them from supporting themselves and their families. The applicant should be able to operate a project that is viable, however; in the instance where the individual with the disability is unable to operate this grant, a primary caregiver can be identified to apply for and manage the project on the client’s behalf.

Types of projects

• Individual projects fall under two (2) categories:
  • Local Rehab Grant - maximum support of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00)
  • Economic Empowerment Grant (EEG) - maximum support of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00)
• Group projects will have a maximum support of Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000. 00). A group must comprise of two (2) or more persons of which, not less than 60% (sixty percent) of the members must have a disability.

The fund provides financial support of no more than eighty (80%) to a hundred percent (100%) of the cost of the item to be purchased. Less amounts will also be paid and is dependent on the affordability of the individual or the amount already paid or based on funds available in the COUNCIL Budget. Assistive aids and appliances can include but is not limited to: hearing aids, eyeglasses, mobility aids, prosthetic limbs, medicals, and therapeutic services.  This programme is accessible to all persons with a disability regardless of age, sex, and gender.  The applicant MUST be a citizen of Jamaica or reside in Jamaica for the past one year with legal documentation.

For Assistive Aids, support will be provided for an amount of not more than 80% to 100% of the total cost of the item/ service; but not exceeding $250,000.00 or $350,000.00 for prosthetics limbs.  Special cases will be dealt with on an individual basis and where it is considered necessary, the applicant may be granted the full amount (ceiling) that can be allocated during a particular period.

This grant is made available to family members of persons with disabilities who are unable to afford all of the funeral expenses. Maximum amount covered under this grant is $30,000.00* (change in amount determined by the COUNCIL).

The following must be adhered to:

1. Client must be registered with the COUNCIL prior to death.
2. Client must not be receiving NIS
3. Applications must include the death certificate, burial order, invoice from funeral home and evidence of relationship between the deceased and the applicant (if caregiver is deceased, provide certified letter from JP/ Notary Public as evidence of relationship)
    

Grant to enable PwDs with the ability to execute further actions to achieve socio-economic resilience.

Grant to assist with school related expenses.

Can be used to assist in medical related expenses to include assistive aids. Max amount is 30k, if more is needed for assistive aide, use the Assistive Aide form.

This grant aims to provide a swift response to persons in emergency situations whether natural or manmade. Emergency or special needs request is not a regular grant but a special one-off request that requires urgency in processing and payments. It is provided to registered clients needing immediate intervention. Considerations for this grant would be for:

• Medical examinations & Lab tests
• Food items
• Items needed for post-disasters events (fire, flood, earthquakes, pandemic, etc.)
• Transportation to access medical services (i.e., from rural to Kingston and back)  
• Emergency repairs to assistive devices/Emergency minor repairs to homes (owned/leased)