Accessibility improvements are frequently necessary for older, disabled, or injured homeowners or family members to make their homes safe and functional for them. These modifications frequently involve widening doorways, building ramps, installing handrails, and other things as well. There are various home renovation grants available to you if you require accessibility improvements but lack the funds.
Main points
- Homeowners with disabilities can get funding for accessibility upgrades from a number of federal grants. In particular, for veterans, there are several choices.
- States also provide a range of grants for home improvement that could be useful. For advice, consult the state agencies in your area, as these vary.
- Grants are offered by private organizations, including nonprofits, advocacy groups, and others, and they can help defray expenses. For assistance in locating these opportunities, speak with your neighborhood chamber of commerce or aging organization.
- There are low-cost loans available that you might be able to use to pay for your upgrades if you are not eligible for a grant. Renovation-specific credit packages are available from the FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac. You may also be eligible for a personal loan from a private lender for home improvements.
Improvements to Homes with Federal Disability Grants
If you have a debilitating condition, there are several government programs that can assist you in paying for home improvements. You don't have to pay back the grants you received.Veterans' Grants
Grants for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH): In the fiscal year 2021, qualified veterans with service-connected disabilities who own their homes are eligible to receive up to three grants totaling a combined $100,896. Veterans may also be eligible for up to three Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grants, totaling $20,215 in fiscal year 2021. Grants for Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) are available to help family members upgrade their homes if a veteran must temporarily occupy them. The conditions are identical to those for the two programs mentioned above. If you are eligible for a SAH grant, the amount is $40,637, and if you are eligible for a SHA award, the amount is $7,256. Through the Department of Veterans Affairs website, you can submit an application for the SAH, SHA, and TRA grants. Home Improvement and Structural Alterations Grants (HISA): These can be used for some home improvements. This program offers lifetime assistance to veterans up to $6,800.Grants for Low-Income Rural Homeowners
The Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants program is available to low-income residents of some rural areas of the United States. These grants, which have a cap of $7,500, are only available to those who are 62 years of age or older. It's crucial to keep in mind that if you sell your house in less than three years after obtaining the grant, you might have to pay it back.Grants for Native Americans and American Indian Tribes
The Housing Improvement Program of the Bureau of Indian Affairs offers subsidies to individuals who belong to federally recognized American Indian and Native American tribes (HIP). The program offers up to $60,000 to help you upgrade your house, but does not offer funds for people with disabilities. You can use your Medicare Part B benefits to pay for "durable medical equipment" for your home, including hospital beds, patient lifts, toilet chairs, and other items, provided you are eligible for the program.State-funded programs and grants
Numerous states also provide incentives that you can use to renovate your house and make it easier to use, in addition to the federal government. For those with low incomes who require funds to make adjustments to their homes, such as additions for those with disabilities, Maine, for instance, offers a Home Accessibility and Repair Program. Additionally, Illinois gives assistance to local governments and nonprofit organizations so they can support people with disabilities in staying in their homes through the Home Accessibility Program.Check with: to learn about the programs offered in your region
- Your local or state housing authorities or mortgage lenders
- Contact the health or human services division of your state or city.
- Your state's Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- Grants for Home Improvements for People with Disabilities
- Grants from the Travis Roy Foundation are available to homeowners who have suffered solely abrupt, unanticipated, accident-related spinal cord injuries. Grants often range from $3,500 to $5,000. 6
- Rebuilding Together: This volunteer organization provides free house improvements and repairs. To locate a branch in your region, visit RebuildingTogether.org.
- Self-Sufficiency Grants are accessible to homeowners with lower incomes and are provided by the Modest Needs Foundation. Online applications can be completed in between 30 and 45 minutes.
- Check with your local chamber of commerce, disability advocacy groups, charities, community organizations, and nonprofits for other private funding programs you might be able to access (particularly those focused on veterans, seniors, or specific diseases and disabilities).
- If you need assistance with home accessibility upgrades, contact the aging services office in your city.
Alternatives for Financing Home Improvements
There are other inexpensive alternatives to pay for these home improvements if you are unable to receive a grant. For instance, the 203 (k) rehabilitation loan offered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) can be a wise choice. With the help of this financing, you can refinance your current mortgage and add the cost of home improvements to your remaining debt. HomeStyle Renovation Fannie Mae mortgages and Freddie Mac CHOICE mortgages Mortgages for renovations might also be worthwhile to consider. Before you apply for a loan, make sure to shop around with a few lenders in order to receive the best rate.Questions and Answers (FAQs)
What additional home improvement grants are offered? There are other grants available to homeowners besides those for accessibility improvements. Grants are available for veterans, members of other racial or socioeconomic groups, and eco-friendly renovations. To find out what options are available to you, check with both local and federal government organizations in your area. How do I apply for grants for home improvement? For most grant programs, you'll need to submit an application along with any supporting materials that show why you need the money and how you plan to spend it. Be prepared to provide any further information required to demonstrate your qualifications, such as bank statements, tax returns, medical records, and so on. Before you apply, get more details from the grant-issuing organization.