7 Home Repair Grants for People with Disabilities

Accessibility modifications and home repairs can be expensive. But missing grab bars, a home without a wheelchair ramp, or a bathroom that isn’t accessible can be serious barriers to living independently.

Home repair grants for people with disabilities help address these needs by providing much-needed funding for accessibility improvements. While some programs aren’t exclusively for disability-specific repairs, they can be used for them.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the most relevant grants and funding sources for accessibility modifications, including their eligibility criteria and how much you could receive. We’ll also look at how to increase your chances of getting accepted and what other funding sources are available if you don’t qualify.

Home repair grants for people with disabilities

USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program

The USDA Section 504 Home Repair is a combined loan and grant program for very-low-income homeowners living in eligible rural areas (which can sometimes include suburban areas). To qualify, your household income must be under 50% of the area median income.

The grant portion is worth up to $10,000 (or $15,000 in presidentially declared disaster areas), but it's only available to applicants who are 62 or older. The grant portion can only be used to remove health and safety hazards. Also, if you sell the house within three years, you must repay the grant.

The loan portion of the program is worth up to $40,000 and comes with a fixed interest rate of 1% with a term of 20 years. Unlike the grant portion, you have more flexibility with how the loan can be used. You can also combine the loan and grant for a total of $50,000 ($55,000 in disaster areas).

To apply, you'll need proof of income, proof of homeownership, your most recent federal tax return, and written contractor bids. You should contact your local Rural Development office for a complete list of required documents.

VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant

For veterans and active-duty service members with a qualifying disability, the VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant can provide funds to buy, build, or modify your home to make it more accessible. The VA defines a qualifying disability as including:

• The loss, or loss of use, of more than one limb
• The loss, or loss of use, of a lower leg, along with the lasting effects of a natural disease or injury
• Blindness in both eyes (with 20/200 visual acuity or less)
• Certain severe burns
• The loss, or loss of use, of one lower extremity (foot or leg) after September 11, 2001, so that you need braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair to stand or walk

A maximum of 120 grants for the loss of one lower extremity after September 11, 2001, are issued each fiscal year. So, if you qualify for the grant based on this criteria but the VA has already reached its 120-grant limit, you may be able to receive it in a future year.

The maximum grant amount for fiscal year 2026 is $126,526, although it’s up to the VA to assess how much you’re actually entitled to. You can use the grant money up to six different times during your lifetime, so there’s no requirement to use the full amount all at once. However, improvements will need to be approved by the VA first.

Applying for a VA SAH grant can be complicated, with the VA rating applicants for disability compensation. Fortunately, when you apply, you’ll be assigned a Specially Adapted Housing Agent who will help you understand which modifications qualify and how to get quotes from contractors. They'll also guide you through the application process.

VA Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant

The VA Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant is very similar to the SAH grant but differs in eligibility. Whereas SAH grants are geared toward veterans with mobility and limb-related disabilities, SHA grants focus on low vision, severe burns, and loss of hand function.

One big difference with the VA SHA grant is that it can be used to modify a home owned by a family member. This makes SHA grants an important source of potential funding for veterans who are living long-term with relatives. However, as with SAH grants, any modifications must be approved by the VA before work begins.

Also, like SAH grants, SHA grants can be used up to six times during your lifetime, up to the total maximum. Again, when you apply for the SHA grant, you’ll be assigned an agent who will work with you to gather necessary documents and determine which modifications qualify.

VA Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant

If you already qualify for either the SAH or SHA grants, you may also be eligible for the VA Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant. The TRA grant is for SAH or SHA grant recipients who are temporarily living with a family member whose home requires accessibility modifications.

The amount available varies depending on whether you’re receiving the SAH or SHA grant. In fiscal year 2026, the maximum TRA grant for SHA recipients is $9,100, while for SAH recipients it is $50,961.

Since TRA grants are dependent on SHA or SAH eligibility, you’ll first need to make sure you meet the criteria for either of those programs. You can work with your VA agent to learn what additional documentation may be required for a TRA grant.

VA Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant

The VA HISA Grant differs from the SAH and SHA grants in that it doesn’t require a specific qualifying disability. Instead, the program is focused on modifications that are deemed medically necessary by a VA physician. Also, unlike SAH and SHA grants, HISA grants can be used for rented homes, so long as you have written approval from your landlord.

Grants can be used for a wide range of accessibility modifications. However, there are some modifications that HISA won’t pay for, including:

• New construction
• Walkways to exterior buildings
• Exterior decks
• Spas, hot tubs, or jacuzzis

To apply for an HISA grant, you’ll first need a prescription from a VA physician. The prescription must include a description of the modification and a medical justification for the project’s necessity.

You’ll also need to complete VA Form 10-0103 along with an itemized estimate of the cost of the modification and a color photo of the unimproved area. If you’re renting, you’ll need a signed and notarized statement from your landlord authorizing the project.

Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers

The Medicaid Home & Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers are designed to help individuals live and receive care in their own homes rather than in an institution. HCBS waivers are administered by states, so qualification criteria and funding amounts vary substantially.

For example, while some states offer HCBS waivers for applicants of all ages, others limit them to individuals over 65. Some states also cap the number of waivers, so you should apply early.

Fortunately, almost all states plus D.C. offer HCBS programs, and there are currently about 257 HCBS waiver programs available nationwide. Program details vary, but generally, HCBS waivers can be used for accessibility improvements like wheelchair ramps, roll-in showers, and grab bars.

To know what is available in your area and whether you’ll qualify, you’ll need to contact your local State Medicaid Agency.

Rebuilding Together

Rebuilding Together is a national organization that, through its local affiliates, offers no-cost home repairs and accessibility modifications to low-income homeowners. Its Safe at Home and Veterans at Home programs are designed specifically to help aging homeowners and people with disabilities remain in their homes.

Some of the modifications and repairs that Rebuilding Together helps cover include:

• Grab bars and handrails
• Wheelchair ramps
• Roll-in showers
• Removing tripping hazards
• Widening doorways
• Raised toilets

Technically, Rebuilding Together isn’t a grant program because it doesn’t offer you cash for repairs. Instead, it provides repairs and modifications free of charge. Because of that, you don’t apply for a dollar amount, but rather for the services you need. If you’re accepted, Rebuilding Together will assess your home and determine necessary repairs. You don’t need to worry about getting quotes from contractors or having to pay for repairs upfront.

Each affiliate has its own eligibility requirements, and waitlists are common, so reach out early. Generally, you’ll need to at least provide proof of income and proof of homeownership.

Local programs

Many grant programs are offered at the state and local level instead of federally. For example, an area agency on aging (AAA) is a type of nonprofit that offers services to help older adults remain in their homes. AAA is a general term, with many local AAAs going by different names. You can find AAAs in your area through the Eldercare Locator website or by calling 1-800-677-1116.

Many state housing finance agencies (FHAs) also offer programs and grants to assist with home accessibility repairs and modifications. A list of state FHAs is available through the National Council of State Housing Agencies.

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are local public and nonprofit organizations that help people with disabilities continue to live independently. While not all CILs provide grants, they’re an invaluable resource for finding local funding for home modifications. You can search for local CILs through the Independent Living Research Utilization website.

How getting a grant actually works

Home repair grant applications aren’t always intuitive, and making a mistake can result in delays and rejections. Understanding how to apply for home repair grants can save a lot of frustration and unwanted surprises later on.

Remember that many grants have a waitlist, and the application process may be longer than you expect. Apply early to increase your chances of getting the grant when you need it. For urgent needs, ask your contact at each program if an expedited process is possible or look at local nonprofit options.

While every grant is different, here’s how the process generally works.

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

Many grants have income limits, geographic restrictions, homeownership requirements, and varying disability documentation requirements. Read the eligibility criteria carefully before applying.

Step 2: Gather documentation

Get your required documentation ready early on, which often includes things like proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), proof of disability (VA rating decision or physician’s letter), and proof of homeownership (mortgage statement or deed). Some grants require much more specific documentation than you may expect.

For example, David Fesman, Certified Environmental Access Consultant (CEAC) and CEO of Medmart, says: “A general doctor's note is far less often sufficient; agencies need a specific script with details on required equipment specs.”

Step 3: Submit your application

You may receive a request for additional documentation after applying. Be sure to respond quickly, as deadlines for missing items can be just 15–30 days. For example, USDA grants often require contractor quotes within a specific window.

Step 4: Wait for approval

Don’t start construction, schedule contractors, or buy materials until you’ve received grant approval or understand at what point the funds will be transferred. For many programs, these expenses won’t be reimbursed if they predate written approval.

As Fesman says, “Some programs require you to pay the whole bill and then file a claim for the money. This puts a huge barrier in the face of lower-income households who simply cannot afford to wait for a check. Knowing which model an agency uses is critical before you sign a contract with a builder or a local medical supply company.”

Step 5: Schedule an inspection

Some grant programs require a final inspection before funds are released.

Fesman points out that “post-install reviews are important to ensure that the new ramp or lift is safe and up to code. A certified building inspector often has to check to make sure the home can stand the weight of the new install. These final steps protect the homeowner and ensure that the government funds were used just as the program intended.”

Step 6: Meet other obligations

Some grants have additional requirements that continue after you receive your funds. For example, USDA Section 504 grants require you to live in the home for three years, otherwise you’ll have to return the grant.

How to increase your chances of getting accepted

Home repair grants for people with disabilities tend to have long waitlists and limited funding, which leads to delays and rejected applications. Try these tips to maximize your chances of success.

• Be specific in your application. Overly vague applications risk getting deprioritized. Describe the specific modifications you need and how your current home setup creates barriers or affects your ability to live independently and safely. For VA HISA grants, your physician’s prescription will take care of this step.
• Submit complete applications. If your application has all of the necessary documentation from the start, it’s more likely to get processed faster. Missing documents are among the main culprits of application delays and rejections.
• Get multiple quotes. Getting quotes from multiple contractors ensures that your estimate is reasonable. For some grants, applications with quotes well above market rates may face additional scrutiny and delays.
• Be honest about your finances. Failing to disclose all of your income sources or, conversely, minimizing your financial hardship can create problems. Provide full disclosure of your income, assets, debt, and expenses, including medical expenses and dependent care costs.
• Apply for multiple grants. You’re usually allowed to apply for more than one grant at the same time, and you should do so to maximize your chances of getting the funds you need. Just be aware that some grants require you to disclose the other applications.
• Follow up consistently. Don’t be afraid to send a polite call or email about your application status. As Fesman says, “A single blank space on a ten-page application can bring down the whole process for several weeks. Sending a weekly email to the program coordinator helps keep the file moving forward through the busy system. Taking a more active role in tracking the process helps keep the application from rolling around at the bottom of a large pile of paperwork.”

Options if you don't qualify for a grant

While grants are a great way to fund a home improvement, there are other options if you don’t qualify or if you need funds urgently.

When shopping around for other funding sources, try to avoid high-interest loans. Fesman warns that “taking out a high-interest personal loan is often a risky path for people who are already dealing with medical debt.”

Instead, these other sources of funding may be able to help ease the financial pressure of a new home repair or modification.

Home equity loans and HELOCs: A home equity loan or line of credit can be a good way to tap into your home’s equity at relatively low interest rates. This option is good if you need a large injection of cash fairly quickly, although be aware that you’ll be taking on additional debt. Plus, you’ll need sufficient equity and have to meet creditworthiness requirements.

HUD Title I Property Improvement (TI PI) Loans: These are federally insured loans that don’t require you to have any equity, so they’re generally available to people who may otherwise struggle to access loans. For a single-family home, you can access up to $25,000 in secured funding or $7,500 in unsecured funding. Because HUD TI PI loans aren’t grants, you will need to pay them back, with repayment terms ranging from 6 months to 20 years.

Low-interest personal loans: Some nonprofits and credit unions offer low-interest loans for home modifications to improve accessibility. For example, Digital Federal Credit Union has Access Loans for products, vehicles, and building modifications. The National Disability Institute also maintains a list of state-level alternative financing programs for funding assistive technologies.

Tax deductions: You may be able to deduct some accessibility modifications, such as ramps, roll-in showers, and stairlifts, as medical expenses on your federal tax return. Generally, you can deduct costs that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, although the full cost can be deducted for some smaller modifications.

How to estimate repair costs

You’ll need to estimate your repair costs before applying for most grants. The table below gives typical cost ranges of common accessibility modifications.

These are general ranges. Your actual costs will vary based on many factors, such as your location, the age and condition of your home, and local labor rates.

To find general estimates, sites like Angi and HomeAdvisor are excellent resources.

If you want more accurate estimates for your specific situation, you’ll need to get quotes from local contractors.

Reach out to at least three licensed contractors who have experience with accessibility modifications. Ideally, look for contractors who are Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) by the National Association of Home Builders, as they’ll have training in accessibility design and will likely be familiar with grant program requirements.

For many grants, especially VA and Medicaid ones, your quotes will need to be itemized, with separate expenses for labor, materials, permits, and inspections. To increase your chances of a successful grant application, ask for an itemized quote from each contractor you contact.

FAQ about home repair grants and accessibility assistance

Related reading