As a senior citizen, you have worked hard your whole life. You have paid your taxes and contributed to society. Now it’s time for society to give back to you. When it comes to improving your house, there are many free home improvement grants for seniors from the government and private organizations.
All you need to do is look for them and send in an application. Here is a guide on how to find and apply for these grants.
To understand where you should apply, you need to know the home improvement grants available for seniors. These are the common sources you can check:
The HUD regularly conducts Home Investment Partnerships Program and Community Development Block Grant Program for low-income families, including seniors, to build and improve their homes. These programs are implemented through local state agencies and non-profit organizations.
The USDA has several programs to help seniors and low-income families improve their houses. Popular programs include the Section 504 Home Repair Program and the Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Program.
The DOE helps seniors implement energy efficiency improvements that provide better home insulation. Check out their Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
The HHS conducts another government energy-efficient home improvement program, called Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), for seniors to modernize their homes with energy-saving fixtures.
Aside from federal government grants, there are also statewide and local free home improvement grants for seniors. One example is California’s Earthquake Brace and Bolt program to help retrofit older homes against earthquakes. These programs are available through the local government, and you can inquire through them.
You can also check out programs from private institutions like Habitat For Humanity's Home Preservation program and Rebuilding Together program.
Once you’ve selected the free home improvement grant program you’re applying for, get in touch with their local chapter to determine the eligibility requirements and necessary next steps.
Most of these institutions have local counterparts who willA legal document that states how a person's property should be managed and distributed after death. assess if you qualify for the grant. In case you don’t qualify, they will provide resources for other free home improvement grants for seniors available to you.
You can also contact your area’s Community Development Corporation or CDC. These organizations are typically non-profit and exist to improve the quality of lifeThe general well-being of individuals and societies, outlining negative and positive features of lif... in low-income seniors. They may have programs specifically for seniors or know of other programs that can help you.
The best way to determine if you qualify for a grant from one of these organizations is to contact them directly and inquire about their requirements.
Different home improvement grants have various requirements, but most consider income and age as eligibility factors. Prepare documentary requirements and submit them as soon as possible. Some grants have limited slots, so the sooner you submit your application, the better your chances are.
Once your application has been submitted, all you have to do is wait for the approval. Depending on the grant you’ve applied for, you can receive the cash directly, or it will be coursed through a non-profit organization.
Once you receive the approved grant, you can proceed with your home improvements.
If you don’t qualify for any free home improvement grants for seniors, you can pay for specific home improvements through MedicareA federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disab... or MedicaidA state and federal program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income adults, children, p.... Technically, it’s not a grant but a benefit from state health insurance.
“Home improvements” such as medical equipment like bath transfer benches, toilet safety frames, and others can be covered by health insurance if there’s a doctor’s prescription. While technically not a home modificationChanges made to adapt living spaces to increase usage, safety, security, and independence of elderly..., these are home improvements that enhance senior living.
There are many ways for seniors to get help with home improvement projects through grants and other assistance programs. Retrofitting a home to fit senior living or repairing it to meet modern safety standards and achieve energy efficiencies is not impossible.
Even if you lack sufficient funds to make these changes, the government and society are there to help. With a little bit of effort, you should be able to find the perfect grant program for your needs.
Learn how you can afford life’s necessities and luxuries through our articles at Senior Strong.
