Helpful Resources for People With MS: Support, Assistance & Programs
Living with MS often means navigating systems, programs, and services that aren’t always easy to find or understand. This page brings together helpful resources for people with MS, including support programs, financial assistance, cooling programs, disability resources, and other services that can make everyday life a little easier.
Some of these resources are specifically for people living with multiple sclerosis, while others provide broader help with disability rights, employment, accessibility, and daily living.
You don’t need to explore everything at once. Think of this page as a reference you can bookmark and return to whenever you need help finding a particular type of support.
MS-Specific Organizations
National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS)
Offers education, financial resources, research updates, support programs, and local resources for people living with MS and their families.
👉 Visit website
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA)
Provides education, support programs, free resources, and assistance programs, including the Cooling Distribution Program and limited financial assistance.
👉 Visit website
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MS Focus)
Provides education, support programs, and practical assistance for people living with MS. MS Focus also offers grants, educational resources, support groups, and tools that help with daily living and quality of life.
👉 Visit website
Cooling & Heat Sensitivity Support
MSAA Cooling Distribution Program
A program offered by MSAA that provides free cooling equipment to help manage heat sensitivity, which can worsen MS symptoms for many people.
👉 Visit website
Disability Rights & Accessibility
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Provides information about disability rights, workplace accommodations, and accessibility protections under U.S. law.
👉 Visit website
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Offers practical guidance on workplace accommodations for people with disabilities, including MS, at no cost.
👉 Visit website
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
A state-run program that helps people with disabilities — including MS — prepare for, find, and keep employment, often at no cost. Services can include career counseling, job training, workplace accommodations, and assistive technology. Every state has its own VR agency, so find the one near you below.
This one’s personal for me — my mom worked as a VR counselor for years, and I’ve seen firsthand how much it can open doors.
👉 Visit website
Daily Living & Support Information
Centers for Independent Living (CILs)
Community-based organizations that help people with disabilities live independently through advocacy, skills training, and support services.
👉 Find a local center
Financial Assistance & Support Programs
This section includes both MS-specific organizations and broader government resources that may help with financial support, benefits, or assistance programs.
Social Security Disability Benefits — SSDI & SSI
Social Security provides two disability programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), for people who meet eligibility requirements. If MS has affected your ability to work, you can learn about eligibility, how to apply for benefits, payments, Medicare or Medicaid, and returning to work.
👉 Learn about Social Security disability benefits
Benefits.gov
A U.S. government website that helps individuals search for federal, state, and local benefit programs, including disability-related assistance. This can be a helpful starting point if you’re unsure what programs may be available to you.
👉 Search for benefits
These resources are provided for informational purposes and support. Availability and eligibility may vary, and not all programs are a fit for everyone.