If you need accessibility updates to your home but don’t have the money, there are several home improvement grants that can help.
Federal Disability Grants for Home Improvements
Several federal grants can help you cover the costs of home upgrades if you have a disabling condition. These grants are money you don’t have to pay back.
Grants for Veterans
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grants: In fiscal year 2021, qualifying veterans who own their homes and have a service-related disability can get up to three grants worth a total of $100,896. Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grants: Some veterans may also qualify for up to three of these grants, worth a total of $20,215 in fiscal year 2021. Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant: These grants are designed for improving the home of a family member if a veteran must live there temporarily. The terms are the same as with the two programs listed above. The amounts for fiscal year 2021 are $40,637 if you qualify for an SAH grant, and $7,256 if you qualify for an SHA grant. You can apply for the SAH, SHA, and TRA grants via the Department of Veterans Affairs website. Home Improvements and Structural Alteration (HISA) Grants: These can be used for certain changes to your home. Veterans can get up to $6,800 in lifetime aid from this program.
Grants for Rural Homeowners With Lower Incomes
For people with lower incomes living in certain rural parts of the U.S., the Department of Agriculture offers the Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants program. Only people who are age 62 and older can get these grants, which go up to $7,500. It’s important to note that you might have to return the money if you sell the home less than three years after receiving the grant.
Grants for American Indian and Native American Tribes
Members of federally recognized American Indian and Native American tribes can get grants through the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Housing Improvement Program (HIP). The program does not provide disability grants but offers up to $60,000 to help improve your home.
State Grants and Programs
In addition to the federal government, many states also offer several grants you can use to revamp your home to make it easier to use. For example, Maine offers a Home Accessibility and Repair Program for people with low incomes who need money to make changes to their homes, including upgrades for people living with a disability. Illinois also offers a Home Accessibility Program that provides funding to local governments and nonprofit groups in the state so that they can help people with disabilities stay in their homes. To see what programs are in your area, check with:
Your state/city housing or housing finance agency Your state/city health or human services department The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in your state
Private Disability Grants for Home Improvements
Finally, there are also private grants you can use to pay to improve your home. These often come from community groups, nonprofits, and private firms. Here are just a few you may consider:
Travis Roy Foundation Grant: These are for homeowners with spinal cord injuries only due to sudden unexpected accidents. Grants average about $3,500, with a maximum of $5,000. Rebuilding Together: This volunteer group offers no-cost home repairs and upgrades. See RebuildingTogether.org to find a branch in your area. Self-Sufficiency Grants: These are offered by the Modest Needs Foundation and are available to homeowners with lower incomes. The application can be filled out online in about 30 to 45 minutes.
For other private grant programs you might be able to access, check with your local chamber of commerce, disability advocacy groups, charities, community organizations, and nonprofits (particularly those focused on veterans, seniors, or specific diseases and disabilities).
Other Ways to Fund Home Improvements
If you cannot get a grant, there are other low-cost ways to pay for these changes to your home. For example, the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) 203(k) rehabilitation loan may be a good option. This loan allows you to refinance your current mortgage, rolling the cost of revamping your home into your balance. Fannie Mae’s HomeStyle Renovation Mortgage and Freddie Mac’s CHOICERenovation Mortgages may also be good options to look at. Make sure you shop around with a few lenders before you apply for a loan, which will allow you to get the best rate.
