Stair glides, wheelchairs, and breathing equipment are just a few of the many highpriced items that people with disabilities need to make their lives easier. For residents of New Jersey, a new loan program—”The Self-Reliant Loan” program—has been developed to help individuals with disabilities purchase these assistive devices and equipment that will not only improve accessibility in their everyday lives, but provide a greater level of independence and self-reliance, as well.
Developed as a collaborative effort between PNC Bank and New Jersey Citizen Action
(NJCA), the Self-Reliant Loan program offers personal, unsecured loans to qualified individuals with disabilities for such things as:
• Wheelchairs, scooters, and mobility aids
• Computers with adaptive software
• Remodeling kitchens and bathrooms to
improve accessibility
• Service animal maintenance
• Special beds
• Stair glides, lifts, and ramps
• “Talking” products, sight aids,
and adaptive aids
• Breathing equipment and accessories
In addition to the reduced interest rate loan offer, PNC will award a $1,000 grant to the
first 100 borrowers who close on a Self-Reliant Loan. Applications can be completed through any PNC Bank branch in New Jersey or through a special toll-free number: 877-762-7000 (English); 866-465-2762 (Spanish) PNC Bank is a member of the PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and is one of the nation’s largest diversified financial services organizations providing consumer and business banking. NJCA is the state’s largest independent citizen watchdog organization with more than 100 affiliate organizations and 60,000 individual and family members. NJCA offers free mortgage and credit counseling to first-time homebuyers in 15 offices in urban areas throughout New Jersey.
To receive more information or literature about the Self-Reliant Loan program, call the phone number above, or contact me at United Spinal at 800-807-0190.
Marlene Perkins is director of Outreach and Education at United Spinal.
