Whether you have recently become disabled or have been living with a disability for some time, home repairs can be especially difficult. In the United States, there are an estimated 11.9 million people with a disability who own their homes.
The average cost of home repairs for disabled homeowners is estimated to be around $2,000, while the average cost of home modifications for disabled homeowners is around $15,000.
These are steep amounts, especially as one in four households with a disabled person is living in poverty. Fortunately, the U.S. provides grants to help disabled homeowners afford home repairs and modifications.
Let’s explore these free home repair grants for the disabled.
Grants For Free Home Repair For The Disabled
In 2017, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated $1.5 billion to help disabled homeowners with home repairs and modifications. At the same time, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides grants to disabled veterans to help with home repairs and modifications.
203K Loans – Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
The FHA 203k loan is an incredibly helpful tool for homeowners as it allows them to purchase, renovate, and repair a property in one loan. It also assists those looking to purchase a property that needs work and charges just a 3.5% down payment instead of the usual 20%.
Moreover, FHA 203K loans are easier to qualify for than traditional forms of financing due to their lower credit score and minimal paperwork requirements.
Overall, the FHA 203k loan is an excellent mortgage option for new and existing homebuyers who need extra cash for repairs or renovations, making homeownership possible even on a tight budget.
The Think Alive Achievement Grant
The Think Alive Achievement Grant encourages disabled young people to realize their potential and gives them the resources and support they need to do so. The grant provides up to $500 for young people passionate about achieving their dreams, such as those attending college, pursuing entrepreneurship, or leading a humanitarian cause.
The application process is straightforward and simple: submit your story of why you are passionate about accomplishing your goals, provide references who will vouch for your character and abilities, and document how The Think Alive Achievement Grant funding would help you reach your full potential.
Self-Sufficiency Grant
Self-Sufficiency Grants are like a helping hand provided to individuals who need assistance overcoming financial instability. These grants, ranging from several hundred to thousand dollars, provide short-term aid to help recipients become more self-sufficient and can be used for anything from job training to rental assistance and beyond.
To apply for a Self-Sufficiency Grant, applicants must demonstrate financial difficulty and have an acceptable goal that the grant will help them achieve if awarded. Funds received through Self-Sufficiency Grants are not required to be paid back, making them an incredibly valuable resource for those needing support during challenging times.
Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together is a national organization with a local — and powerful — river of impact. It mobilizes volunteers and resources to provide free home repairs for low-income homeowners, particularly seniors and veterans who cannot afford the necessary repairs.
The organization is committed to improving the safety and health of the homes in their programs. From simple critical repair tasks to more complex construction needs, Rebuilding Together donates time and limited resources to ensure those struggling financially are never without a safe home environment that boosts their economic security and encourages upward mobility.
Rural Housing Repair Loans And Grants
Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants are government-backed loans offered through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to rural residents who may not be able to take out traditional housing loans. These government-funded loans provide money for home repairs and improvements, such as repairing roofs, electrical work, upgrading plumbing systems, etc.
Eligibility requirements vary based on the program being applied for, but applicants must meet income guidelines.
Housing Improvement Program
The Housing Improvement Program is a state initiative designed to rehabilitate and reconstruct housing for at-risk populations. Participants can receive grants, loans, or other funding that help cover the cost of repairs to the home.
Depending on the state, eligibility is based on various factors such as income level, age of residence, and more. The process involves applying all required documents to state agencies, who will then review them and determine whether the applicant meets the criteria.
Specially Adapted Housing – Home Modification Grants For Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established the Specially Adapted Housing Grant program to help veterans with disabilities live independently by providing grants for modifying their homes. The modifications provided must be intended to make a home wheelchair accessible and can include widening doors and hallways, installing ceiling lifts and ramps, and adding wheelchair tracks.
To be eligible for this grant, veterans must have a service-connected disability.
Special Housing Adaptation – Home Modification Grants For Veterans
The Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) was created to help veterans who suffer from blindness, loss of hearing, limb impairment, and other similar injuries modify their homes to be more accessible.
To be eligible, injuries must be sustained during service.
Start Taking Advantage Of Free Home Repair Grants
The government is invested in helping disabled citizens regain their independence. The grants above are designed to help make a disabled person's home adapted to their condition.
Start taking advantage of these grants and live a better life.
Need more information about free home renovation programs? Visit our article about it today to learn more.
Aside from home repairs, you can get other free things as a disabled person. Learn how to get a free air conditioner for disabled people in this blog.
