Where can I find Help for Home Modifications?
Financial assistance for home modifications is available from many government and nonprofit organizations.
Be sure to research your eligibility for assistance from all available sources, including but not limited to the following examples:
Federal Programs
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Medicare Part B will pay for a home safety assessment or evaluation, provided it is medically necessary and ordered by your primary care provider. Medicare will not cover the cost of home modification.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants to rural homeowners with very low income. Grants up to $7,500 are available to homeowners age 62 and older. Loans, which don’t have an age requirement, are up to $20,000, repaid monthly over 20 years at 1% interest.
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The Veterans Health Administration Home Improvements and Structural Alterations benefit The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) benefit provides medically necessary improvements and structural alterations to Veterans/Service members’ primary residence, including accessibility updates to home entrances and bathrooms.
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Most states offer Medicaid programs that cover home modifications to enable elderly
and/or disabled individuals to remain living at home. These will vary by diagnosis and state. -
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development assists experienced nonprofit
organizations, state and local governments, and public housing authorities in undertaking comprehensive programs that make safety and functional home modifications and limited repairs to meet the needs of low-income elderly homeowners. These efforts include the Older Adult Home Modification Program (OAHMP) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. -
Other local nonprofits or faith communities can also be a support.
The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging that connects caregivers to local services and resources for older adults.
State and Local Programs
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Section 203(k) Rehab Mortgage Insurance enables homebuyers and homeowners to finance both the purchase (or refinancing) of a house and the cost of its rehabilitation through a single mortgage or to finance the rehabilitation of their existing home.
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Reverse mortgages are a special type of loan that allows you to borrow against the equity that you’ve built up in your home. You must be at least age 62 to qualify. (Always consult your financial/tax advisor or lawyer for advice regarding your personal situation.)