When your home needs repairs that can’t wait, such as a leaking roof during a storm or a heating system that breaks down, there are resources available to help you with the cost of these emergency home improvements. The government offers assistance to help homeowners make certain kinds of repairs, and there are also home improvement grants that offer a lower interest rate than typical loan options.
The home improvement programs offered by the federal government, states, counties and cities vary widely as well, so check with your local authorities to see what is available in your area. Your state’s housing agency will have information on a range of different programs from homebuyer help to homeowner funding, and many major counties and cities will also have their own specific programs for seniors.
If you are a senior citizen, there are some special programs that provide free home improvement help to improve safety and health. For example, Rebuilding Together provides a program called RESTORE that provides funds to very low-income elderly homeowners to repair homes to address health and safety hazards. It also assists with weatherization, including air sealing (caulking), attic and wall insulation, insulating hot water tanks and pipes and improving lighting. It may also cover radon mitigation, if needed.
Some long-term care insurance policies also pay for home modifications or assistive devices, such as a bath transfer bench, toilet safety frame or hospital bed. Medicare and Medicaid usually don’t pay for these items, but some organizations will provide them to eligible seniors at a reduced fee or on a sliding scale, depending on income.