Discount programs for disabled children & adults in the United States
Free lifetime pass to over 2,000 federal recreation sites (National Parks, forests, wildlife refuges). Available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Apply in person at any federal site for free, or online via USGS for $12.50 ($5 processing + $7.50 handling).
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all public transit systems that receive federal funding must offer reduced fares (at least 50% off) during off-peak hours for people with disabilities and seniors.
Free participation for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Local, state, national, and world games — no cost to athletes. Visit specialolympics.org to find local programs.
Both 4-H and Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts have inclusion programs and scholarship funds for children with disabilities. Contact your local council for fee waivers.
Federal FCC program providing up to $9.25/month discount on phone or internet service (one benefit per household). SSI/Medicaid recipients automatically qualify. Apply at lifelinesupport.org.
Most discount programs require some form of documentation to verify a disability. Here are the most common and widely accepted forms — and how to obtain them:
If you or your child receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your award letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) is one of the most universally accepted forms of proof. To get a copy, log in to your account at ssa.gov/myaccount, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local SSA office.
A signed letter on official letterhead from a doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed specialist stating the nature of the disability is accepted by most programs. Ask your child's pediatrician, neurologist, therapist, or other treating provider to write a brief letter confirming the diagnosis and functional limitations.
Many states issue official Disability ID Cards or Disability Placards through the DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles. These are widely accepted, easy to carry, and available even to non-drivers. Contact your state's DMV to ask about disability identification options — they are typically low-cost or free. This ID can be used to access discounts statewide without needing to carry other documentation.
Your Medicaid or Medicare card serves as proof of eligibility for many discount programs, since qualifying for these programs already requires a documented disability or low income threshold. Carry your card when visiting venues, attractions, or applying for assistance programs.
To use your card as documentation:
For more information on applying for Medicaid, qualifying regardless of income, and using Medicaid as secondary insurance, see the Healthcare & Prescriptions section under the Discounts tab.
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan issued by a school district is documentation of a child's disability and is accepted by some programs, particularly those aimed at children. Ask your child's school for a copy of their current IEP or 504 Plan to keep on file.
If you or your child is already receiving services through a county or state disability agency, that agency may be able to provide official documentation of the disability. Contact your caseworker or the agency directly to request a letter or certification.
Use these templates to request documentation from your doctor or your child's school. Copy the text, fill in the bracketed fields, and send by email or mail.
Send to your physician, pediatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist, or other treating provider.
Send to your child's school principal, special education coordinator, or 504 plan coordinator.
Use this if you need a general letter from the school confirming your child receives special education services, rather than the full IEP document.
Use this if your child is already receiving services through a county or state disability agency and you need official documentation from them.
State-level discounts are often underadvertised. Here are the best strategies to uncover them:
Every state has an agency (e.g., "Department of Developmental Services," "Division of Developmental Disabilities"). They maintain lists of benefit programs, waiver services, and discount partnerships specific to your state. Search: "[Your State] developmental disabilities agency benefits"
Example searches: "Ohio disability state park pass," "Texas transit disability reduced fare," "California disability utility discount." State agency websites (.gov) are the most reliable.
Dial 2-1-1 (free, available in most states) or visit 211.org to reach a local social services navigator who can tell you about every state and county program you may qualify for — including obscure discounts.
benefits.gov and benefitsfinder.gov let you filter federal AND state programs by disability status, income, age, and location.
Many states offer free or reduced-fee annual passes to state parks for residents with disabilities. Examples:
Check your own state's parks department website for current disability pass programs — most states have their own version.
Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers are one of the most valuable — and underused — state-level programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Waivers allow states to provide services beyond standard Medicaid coverage, including personal care aides, respite care, supported employment, and specialized therapies. Each state designs its own waivers, so benefits vary significantly.
Beyond the federal ADA reduced fare requirement (50% off peak fares on public transit), many states and transit agencies offer additional discounts or free passes for people with disabilities. Examples: