Financial Assistance for Home Modification

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers two national financial assistance programs for home modification. Funding is available for both homeowners and renters. Call (800) 704-6488 for more information.

Home Adaptation for Seniors' Independence (HASI) makes a one-time forgivable loan of up to $2,500 for adaptations to the homes of Canadians 65 years and older, who are having difficulty performing the activities of daily living because of age-related disabilities. HASI can be used to cover modifications, such as handrails, grab bars, door lever handles, walk-in showers with shower seats; and to create easy-to-reach work and storage areas in kitchens. Certain age and income eligibility requirements apply.

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities, Low-income Homeowners and Rental and Rooming House Owners(RRAP) provides a loan to a maximum of $12,000, $14,000 or $18,000 for modifications that will improve a disabled personÃs accessibility to his own home. RRAP can be used for modifications, such as installing wheelchair ramps, widening doorways and making adaptations to accommodate hearing and sight impairments. Low-income homeowners can repair their homes; owners can rehabilitate a property to a minimum level of health and safety. Certain income eligibility requirements, loan caps and repayment conditions apply.

Both programs provide financial assistance to Band Members of a First nation Community who live in substandard dwellings and cannot afford repairs necessary to make their homes safer and healthier.

Additional sources of funding for home modification may include service clubs and organizations, such as the March of Dimes, local community organizations and provincial home adaptation programs.