We Work Weekends To Provide Fast Responses & Service Times!

Grants for Home Modifications: Your Guide to Home Upgrades

Sam Smith Foundation Repair Consultant

Having a comfortable living space is essential for maintaining a good quality of life. Unfortunately, our bodies can go through a lot of changes that affect our agility and mobility, which can make getting around and performing daily tasks a bit difficult.

Oftentimes, seniors and people with disabilities find that their home does not meet their needs, and they cannot make the necessary upgrades on their own. Modifications, although expensive are absolutely necessary for those with accessibility needs. Home modifications allow seniors and disabled individuals to have independent lives without compromising their safety and comfort in their homes.

That’s where grants for home modification can come in handy! this article will discuss what home modifications are eligible for funding, applying for grants, and the different types of grant programs available.

CAN ALL HOME MODIFICATIONS BE FUNDED BY GRANTS?

Not all home modifications are eligible for funding. In general, grants will only fund necessary home modifications for safety or accessibility reasons.

For example, Medicaid home modification benefits are limited to medically necessary changes and improve the functioning of a disabled person. For example, Medicaid may pay for a wheelchair ramp to be installed, but it would not pay for cosmetic changes like painting the walls or purchasing a new couch.

WHAT CONSTITUTES “NECESSARY” HOME MODIFICATIONS?

Anything that helps individuals with mobility issues get around the house, perform functional tasks with ease, and stay safe in their homes is considered necessary. The main goal of home modifications is to increase mobility, accessibility, and safety for homeowners. Ramps, walk-in tubs, security alarms, or stairlifts are good examples of necessary home modifications since they help individuals navigate their homes and go about their day.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT
TYPES OF HOME MODIFICATION
GRANTS?

HERE ARE A FEW DIFFERENT TYPES OF HOME MODIFICATION GRANTS AVAILABLE:

ACCESSIBILITY GRANTS

Those with disabilities, impairments, or health conditions are eligible for accessibility grants, which allow them to make changes
to their homes to improve accessibility.

SENIOR GRANTS

Individuals who are 65 and older are eligible for a senior grant, which allows them to make changes to their homes to improve safety or allow them to age in place.

VETERAN GRANTS

Veterans or service members with specific service-connected disabilities are eligible for grants for modifying their homes to improve accessibility or safety.

COMMON HOME MODIFICATIONS
FOR DISABLED INDIVIDUALS

There are a few home modifications that are commonly made for disabled individuals:

RAMPS

Ramps can be installed at the entrance of the home to allow wheelchair users to enter and exit the home.

GRAB BARS

Stay safe while using the toilet, shower, or sink

WIDER DOORWAYS

Wider doorways can be installed to allow wheelchair users to move around more easily inside the home.

STAIR LIFTS

Individuals can move from floor to floor safely and freely without the risk of injury.

COMMON HOME MODIFICATIONS
FOR SENIORS

There are a few home modifications that are commonly made for seniors:

WIDER DOORWAYS

Makes room for wheelchairs and walkers to make it easier for seniors to move around inside the home and doorways.

STAIR LIFTS

Stair chair lifts can be installed to allow seniors to go up and down the stairs safely

BATHROOM MODIFICATIONS

Adding grab bars, installing a shower bench, or a walk-in tub, and lowering the sink. Here you can learn about walk-in tub costs.

HOME AUTOMATION

Home automation can make it easier for seniors to control their home’s lights, temperature, and security systems.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR HOME MODIFICATION GRANTS?

he process for applying for home modification grants varies depending on the program you are applying to. Several programs may require you to fill out an application, while others may require that you submit your doctor or therapist documentation. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and contact the grant program if you have any questions.

LIST OF GRANTS FOR HOME MODIFICATIONS

REBUILDING TOGETHER AMERICORPS

This grant provides funding for home modifications to improve accessibility and safety for low-income seniors and disabled veterans.

http://rebuildingtogether.org/

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

The American Red Cross partners with military aid societies to help provide financial assistance for service members and veterans.

http://www.redcross.org/find-help/military-families/financial-assistance

THE RURAL HOUSING REPAIR LOANS AND GRANTS PROGRAM

This grant provides funding for home modifications to improve the safety and accessibility of homes in rural areas.

http://www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/402

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS

This grant offers housing grants for service members and veterans to help them live more independently.

http://benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp

ARMY RECOVERY CARE PROGRAM

This grant provides funding for home modifications to improve the safety and accessibility of homes for disabled veterans.

https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits/Army-Wounded-Warrior-Program-(AW2)

THE ASSISTED LIVING CONVERSION PROGRAM

This grant provides funding for home modifications to convert a home into an assisted living facility.

https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/progdesc/alcp

THE SELF-SUFFICIENCY GRANT FROM MODESTNEEDS.ORG

This grant provides funding for home modifications to improve the accessibility of homes for low-income seniors and disabled individuals.

https://www.modestneeds.org/for-applicants/grants-types-self-sufficiency.asp

THE INDIVIDUAL ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT GRANT FROM THE TRAVIS ROY FOUNDATION

This grant provides funding for home modifications to improve the accessibility of homes for individuals who are paralyzed from a physical, trauma-induced spinal cord injury.

https://www.travisroyfoundation.org/sci/grants/grants-to-survivors/

THE GARY SINISE FOUNDATION’S RESTORING INDEPENDENCE SUPPORTING EMPOWERMENT

This grant provides funding for wounded, injured, or ill veterans and service members.

https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/rise/

THE BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS

The Elks connect with veterans and military members to provide home modifications and independent living funding.

http://www.elks.org/

LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL

The Lions Club has a variety of grants to choose from, such as Diabetes Grants, Disaster Relief Grants, and even Childhood Cancer Grants.

http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/index.php

THE AMERICAN PARKINSON DISEASE ASSOCIATION

This grant provides funding for home modifications to improve the accessibility of homes for seniors with Parkinson’s Disease.

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE HOUSING AGENCIES

This grant provides funding for home modifications to improve the accessibility of homes for seniors and disabled individuals.

National Council of State Housing Agencies

THE REHABILITATION ENGINEERING SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA CATALYST PROJECT

The RESNA Catalyst Project provides national technical assistance to individuals with disabilities.

https://vcurrtc.org/partners/partners/RESNA/index.cfm

SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING REPAIR LOANS & GRANTS

The Section 504 Home Repair program provides loans to very low-income households. The loans can be used to repair, improve, modernize, or remove any safety hazards.

https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR INDIAN AFFAIRS HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The Housing Improvement Program provides home repair, renovation, and new housing grants for American Indians and Alaska Native individuals and families who have no funds or resources to do so.

https://www.bia.gov/bia/ois/dhs/housing-improvement-program

MAINE STATE HOUSING AUTHORITY HOME REPAIR PROGRAM

The MaineHousing Home Accessibility and Repair Program provides home repairs for those who don’t have the financial means.

https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/HomeImprovement/homeimprovementdetail/home-repair

ILLINOIS HOUSING DEV. AUTHORITY REVITALIZATION AND REPAIR PROGRAMS

The IHDA works with local governments and nonprofit organizations to fund home repairs and accessibility improvements for residents who can’t afford them.

ALASKA HOUSING FINANCE CORP. SENIOR ACCESS PROGRAM

The AHFC partners with local nonprofits to help fund accessibility modifications for senior citizens.

https://www.ahfc.us/pros/homelessness/assistance-grants/senior-access-program-sap

ABILITY 360

Ability360 provides grants and programs for individuals with disabilities in the form of training, home modifications, and life transitions, to name a few.

http://ability360.org/

THE CHICAGO MAYOR’S OFFICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: HOMEMOD PROGRAM

The HomeMod Program provides home modifications and repairs for disabled Chicago residents with disabilities, with low income, and are below the age of 60.

http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/mopd/provdrs/hous/svcs/accessible_home_modificationprogram-ages0-5911.html

HOME SOLUTIONS USA

Home Solutions USA provides homeowners with expert advice and solutions for plumbing, electrical, remodeling, living modifications, bathroom modifications, and medical equipment.

http://www.homesolutionsusa.net/

HOME WHEELCHAIR RAMP PROJECT

The Home Wheelchair Ramp Project provides extensive resources for those looking for programs that fund ramps and steps.

http://www.wheelchairramp.org/

HOME REPAIR OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM

The Home Repair Opportunity Program or HeRO Program provides home repairs for low-income seniors in non-metropolitan areas of Missouri.

http://www.mhdc.com/homes/hero/index.htm

PENNSYLVANIA HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY ACCESS HOME MODIFICATION PROGRAM

The PHFA has several loan programs for home improvement and repairs for home modifications, purchase improvements, renovation programs, energy efficiency loans, and homeowner septic programs.

https://www.phfa.org/programs/repairs.aspx

MASSACHUSETTS REHABILITATION COMMISSION: HOME MODIFICATION LOAN PROGRAM

The Home Modification Loan Program provides low-interest home modification loans to Massachusetts elders and residents with disabilities.

https://www.mass.gov/home-modification-loan-program-hmlp

WISCONSIN HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY HOME IMPROVEMENT ADVANTAGE

The WHEDA Housing Grant Program provides funds for the special needs populations such as veterans, disabled individuals, low-income elderly persons, and individuals or families who do not have access to permanent housing.

https://www.wheda.com/about-wheda/wheda-foundation/housing-grant-program

CHALLENGED ATHLETES FOUNDATION’S ACCESS FOR ATHLETES GRANTS

The CAF offers grants for adaptive equipment, home modifications, and sports opportunities for people with physical disabilities.

http://www.challengedathletes.org/site/c.4nJHJQPqEiKUE/b.6449453/k.E830/Access_for_Athletes.htm

THE DEMONSTRATING INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM GRANT

The Demonstrating Independence Grant offers various applicants assistive technologies to help them live an independent life beyond their disabilities.

https://www.thetsf.org/grants

BYRON RIESCH PARALYSIS FOUNDATION

The Byron Riesch Paralysis Foundation provides charitable grants for individuals who suffer from neurological disorders. They’ve funded home modifications such as stairlifts, elevators, and ceiling lifts.

http://www.brpf.org/

HORIZON HOPE GRANT

The Horizon Hope Grant provides applicants with funds for medical equipment, assistive technology, or construction for an adapted living.

http://associationofhorizon.org/wordpress/about/horizon-hope

IAN BURKHART FOUNDATION

The Ian Burkhart Foundation aims to help individuals with spinal cord injuries. Their financial grants help fun living modifications such as ramps and stairlifts.

https://www.ianburkhartfoundation.org/

SPINAL CORD OPPORTUNITIES FOR REHABILITATION ENDOWMENT

SCORE is a nonprofit organization that helps provide financial grants for individuals who have paralysis. The grant funds home modifications, adaptive sports equipment, and vehicle adaptations.

Welcome to SCORE

VICTORIA’S VICTORY FOUNDATION

Victoria’s Victory Foundation provides adaptive equipment, accessible vehicles, and home modifications for children with disabilities.

https://www.victoriasvictory.org/

ELDERLY OR DISABLED LIVING

Elderly or Disabled Living is a nonprofit 501c3 charity whose mission is to reduce costs associated with living. They provide financial help for low-income disabled or senior citizens.

About Us

JOSEPH GROH
FOUNDATION

The Joseph S. Groh Foundation provides financial assistance and support for those connected with the trades industry living with life-altering injuries.

http://josephgrohfoundation.org/

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income households increase energy efficiency.

https://www.energy.gov/eere/wap/how-apply-weatherization-assistance

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE: TAX HIGHLIGHTS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The Department of the Treasury Internal Review Service resource provides information about tax highlights for individuals with disabilities.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p907.pdf

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION HOME MODIFICATIONS

This resource by MDA Health Care consists of a guide for home modifications and their requirements for individuals who have Muscular Dystrophy

https://www.mda.org/sites/default/files/HomeModifications_0.pdf

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY AT HOME WITH M.S. – ADAPTING YOUR ENVIRONMENT

This resource by the M.S. Society is a guide to adapting your environment to make living with multiple sclerosis easier.

https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Programs-and-Services/Resources/At-Home-with-MS%e2%80%94Adapting-Your-Environment-(-pdf)

STATE INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER

Your State Independent Living Center is an excellent resource for finding information on state-specific grants and programs for home modifications.

http://www.new-horizons.org/indcil.html

THE NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER ON SUPPORTIVE HOUSING AND HOME MODIFICATION

This directory provides a vast number of home modification and repair resources for each state.

http://gero.usc.edu/nrcshhm/directory/

AARP HOMEFIT GUIDE

AARP’s HomeFit Guide provides extensive tips and resources for making your home safe and accessible for those aging in place.

http://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/info-2014/make-your-home-a-safe-home.html?intcmp=AE-HF-IL

INFINITEC UNIVERSAL DESIGN GUIDE

This guide by Infinitec is a resource for designing products, homes, and communities that are universally accessible for all people.

http://www.infinitec.org/universal-design

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS AGING-IN-PLACE REMODELING CHECKLIST

The National Association of Home Builders checklist is a guide for remodeling your home to make it more accessible and safe for those who are aging in place.

https://www.nahb.org/Education-and-Events/Education/Designations/Certified-Aging-in-Place-Specialist-CAPS/Additional-Resources/Aging-In-Place-Remodeling-Checklist

Read More Foundation Repair Guides

Sam Smith Foundation Repair Consultant
SHORT BIO: Hey, I'm Sam Smith. I'm one of our service techs here at Regional Foundation Repair. I'm here to help you learn more about your home's foundation. I've been doing this for a while, so I have a few insider tips and tricks to share!

Free Quote