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Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Grant Program Frequently Asked Questions

MDA is proud to offer the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Grant to help children and adults living with neuromuscular diseases get the equipment they need to live more independently and comfortably. We know how expensive and hard it can be to access the right equipment. This program helps reduce the cost of items like mobility aids, lift chairs, and more, giving families extra support and peace of mind.

  • What is the MDA DME Grant Program?

    The MDA DME Grant provides people with neuromuscular disease access to vital durable medical equipment to improve their quality of life and independence.

  • Who is eligible to apply for a DME Grant?

    You may apply if you are:

    • A person living with a neuromuscular disease covered by MDA
    • A parent or legal guardian of a child with a neuromuscular disease
    • An adult applying on behalf of someone with a neuromuscular disease
    • An applicant must be (or become) a registered MDA member. Membership is free and automatic when you apply.
  • How to apply for an MDA DME Grant?

    Start Your Application

    1. Go to www.mda.org/dme
    2. Click “Apply Now” to access the secure online portal
    3. Create a username and password to begin your application

    Gather These Documents
    (You can submit your application without them, but uploading early speeds up review)

    • Get a prescription or letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your healthcare provider
    • Collect vendor contact information (company name, phone, email, website)
    • Request a price quote for the equipment
    • Request a W-9 form from the vendor
    • Gather any additional funding documentation (if using other funding sources)

    Need Help?
    Contact the MDA Resource Center if you have any questions:
    ResourceCenter@mdausa.org
    1-800-572-1717 (Option 1)

  • How do I navigate online applications?

    • MDA uses an electronic DME Grant management platform. The MDA Grant application must be completed through this system, which can be accessed via the “Apply Now” button on the webpage.
    • Once in the platform, you will create a system username/password, and you will have the opportunity to complete an MDA DME Grant Program application by submitting information.
    • Application profiles should be created for the adult completing the application or the adult applicant. A parent or guardian should make requests for minors children.
  • When can I apply for an MDA DME Grant?

    • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
    • If the application is closed, then funds are not available at that time.
  • What are the important deadlines?

    • If we don’t hear back from you within 14 days after requesting more information or documents, your application may be closed. You can always reapply later when you’re ready.
    • If you are awarded a grant, you must sign and return the Award Agreement and Acceptance Form within 14 days of receiving it. If not returned by then, the grant will be given to someone else, and you will need to apply again.
  • What is the timeline of the MDA DME Grant Application Process?

    • Gather and upload documents [timeline varies]
    • Complete online application [around ten minutes]
    • Application Submitted
      • MDA Specialist will contact you within one week of application.
      • No urgent requests will be considered.
    • Application Review [one week following application received]
      • Work with MDA Specialist to review your application.
      • Complete any additional follow-up to your application such as contacting insurance company, applying for additional funding, etc.
      • Collect & upload information from vendor. (i.e., quote, W9, etc)
    • Award status determined [one week after all application documents received]
      • MDA Support Specialist will notify you of the determination of your application.
    • Award notification [Payment processing times may vary]
      • Award Agreement and Acceptance Form must be signed within two weeks to process payment.
      • Payments are made direct to the vendor.
    • Post-award follow-up [two months]
      • Survey
      • Share photos & impact stories
  • What items does an MDA DME Grant assist with?

    • MDA DME Grants are valued in the amount of approval and contribute towards offsetting the applicants out of pocket cost of durable medical equipment.
    • Examples of covered items:
      • Mobility Support: Manual and power wheelchairs, lift chairs, batteries
      • Home Modifications (non-permanent): Portable ramps, grab bars, showerheads
      • Medical Equipment: Hospital beds, respiratory support devices
      • Orthotics & Devices: AFOs, TLSOs, orthotic shoes, communication device
  • How much are DME Grant Awards & how often can I apply?

    • Awards of up to $500 are available upon review and funding.
    • Dependent on review and funding, MDA members can submit one DME Grant application per calendar year.
    • MDA Specialists will work with you to identify potential community resources for items above the MDA DME Grant awarded amount.
    • You may apply for higher-cost items, but full funding must be secured before MDA can award the grant.
  • What happens when the DME Grant is closed?

    • Once all funds have been allocated, the application will close. If additional resources are secured a new grant cycle begins.
    • Reach out to the Resource Center for assistance in locating and identifying potential resources within your community.
  • How and when will I know if I have been selected to receive an MDA DME Grant?

    • You will be assigned to an MDA Specialist to review your application. The MDA Specialist will make sure you are aware of resources and the status of your application throughout the process.
    • If you have a question about the status of an application, you may contact MDA via email or phone. [ResourceCenter@mdausa.org or 800-572-1717 option 1]
  • I was notified I was awarded a DME Grant from MDA, now what?

    • All DME Grant awards recipients are notified by email and/or phone following the review process. Check your email junk folder for notifications if you have not received the Award Agreement and Acceptance Form.
    • The deadline to accept a DME Grant Award is two weeks after the award letter is sent.
  • Can DME Grant funds be sent directly to me?

    • MDA DME Grant Program funds are not allocated directly to MDA members. Funds will be sent to the vendor on file in your application.
  • Will the DME Grant Program reimburse me for items already purchased or on order?

    • No, DME Grant Program applications must be received prior to an order of DME.
    • MDA’s DME Grant Program will not reimburse or pay directly to an applicant under any circumstances.
  • Is household information such as income status considered for eligibility?

    • No, income status does not affect eligibility.
    • Annual household income and other demographic questions are requested as part of the demographics section of the application to help MDA better understand the background characteristics of applicants; however, this information will not be considered when assessing applications.
    • Applicants can choose to skip demographic questions on the application.
  • How do I know my application has been received?

    • You will receive an email confirming your MDA DME Grant program application has been received. Check your email spam/junk folder for any possible system notifications.
  • If I am not awarded the MDA DME Grant award for this request, or if I have previously applied, can I apply again?

    • Yes, you may apply more than once for the MDA DME Grant. However, grant awards are limited to up to $500 per calendar year, per individual MDA member and must be approved by an MDA Specialist.
  • I want to support the MDA DME Grant Program through an individual, corporate or foundation gift. How can I help?

    • Your generosity can brighten lives and open doors to greater independence for people living with neuromuscular diseases. Thank you for considering a gift that directly puts essential equipment into the hands of those who need it most! Please contact us at ResourceCenter@mdausa.org — we’re excited to partner with you to make a real difference.