Financial Options for the Elderly

Elderly homeowners on limited fixed incomes or that have physical limitations may qualify for assistance from several resources. If equipment or accessibility modifications are prescribed by a doctor, there may be federal income tax benefits as well as Medicaid benefits available.

Contact your local county welfare office for Medicaid eligibility. Also contact your local Social Security office for any equipment covered under the program.

Local Vocational Rehabilitation programs have “independent living” projects that provide assistance for modifications. Also, under the Technology Related Assistance to Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988, many states offer assistance with acquiring equipment and locating funds. Contact your local Center for Independent Living for information on funding and resources.

Other Programs

Other financial help possibilities include programs that provide low-interest deferred loans for low to moderate income senior citizen homeowners.

Emergency energy repair and regular home maintenance loans may also be possible. As well as those available through private donations and major utility providers for remodeling efforts that include energy efficient furnaces, storm windows, etc.

Canada’s Senior Citizen Home Repair Program (SCHRP) is another possibility. It provides a one-time grant that enables qualifying senior homeowners to make necessary home improvement repairs.

In America, numerous resources exist for the elderly on city, county, state, and government levels. The city of Hemet, California, for instance, offers qualifying senior citizens up to $800 per fiscal year, free home repair; with no repayment required.

Kent, Washington has a home repair program funded through federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money to help their elderly with home repairs, large and small. Including plumbing, disabled access, storm doors, complete roof replacement, new heating systems, electrical system upgrades, and more

Research online for existing senior citizen home repair programs. Available on a national government level, or through local resources. Some programs offer assistance to persons 55-years and older.

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