Finding help with home repairs, modifications, and daily living can feel overwhelming when you’re on a fixed income or dealing with mobility challenges. But a network of federal, state, and local programs exists specifically to help seniors and disabled homeowners stay safe and comfortable in their homes.

Start with Your Local Area Agency on Aging

Your first call should be to your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). These agencies coordinate services that help older adults remain in their homes through programs like home-delivered meals, homemaker assistance, and support services.

AAAs serve geographic areas covering cities, counties, or multi-county districts. To find yours, search online for “Area Agency on Aging” plus your county name.

What AAAs Can Help With:

• Home repair program referrals
• Utility assistance programs
• Transportation services
• Meal delivery programs
• Caregiver support services
• Medicare counseling and benefits information

Federal Home Repair Programs

USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program

The USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program provides both loans and grants to very low-income homeowners in rural areas. If you’re 62 or older, you may qualify for grants up to $10,000 to remove health and safety hazards like repairing damaged flooring, updating electrical systems, or fixing plumbing issues.

Key benefits:

• Grants up to $10,000 (no repayment required)
• Loans up to $40,000 at 1% interest for 20 years
• Can combine both for maximum $50,000 assistance
• Covers repairs like ramps, grab bars, plumbing, and electrical work

Qualifications: You must own and occupy your home, have very low income (typically below 50% of area median income), be unable to get affordable credit elsewhere, and live in a rural area.

Weatherization Assistance Program

The federal Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income households reduce energy costs through home efficiency improvements. Covered improvements include insulation, air sealing, and heating system repairs. Contact your local community action agency to apply.

Veterans’ Home Assistance Programs

If you’re a veteran with service-connected disabilities, the VA offers several specialized programs:

VA Specially Adapted Housing Grants

• SAH Grant: Up to $121,812 for 2025 to buy, build, or modify a permanent home
• SHA Grant: Smaller grant for home modifications related to disability needs
• TRA Grant: Helps make accessibility upgrades to a family member’s home where you’re temporarily living

These grants can fund major modifications like wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, and doorway widening.

State and Local Programs

Rebuilding Together

Rebuilding Together is a national nonprofit providing free home repairs to eligible homeowners, focusing on health and safety issues. Local chapters work with volunteers to fix hazards like unstable stairs, outdated wiring, and roof damage at no cost to qualified seniors and disabled homeowners.

State Housing Finance Agencies

Most states operate their own home repair assistance programs through housing finance agencies, offering low-interest loans for modifications, grants for accessibility improvements, and emergency repair assistance. Search for “[your state] housing finance agency” to find available programs.

Housing Choice and Assistance Options

Reverse Mortgages

For homeowners 62 and older, a reverse mortgage through the HUD Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program lets you convert home equity into cash without selling your home or making monthly payments. This money can fund needed repairs or modifications.

You remain responsible for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, and the loan becomes due when you no longer live in the home. Consult with a HUD-approved counselor before proceeding.

Housing Choice Vouchers for Homeowners

The Housing Choice Voucher homeownership program allows eligible voucher holders, including people with disabilities, to buy a home instead of renting. This HUD program helps cover mortgage payments and other housing costs for qualified buyers.

Utility and Essential Services Help

LIHEAP Energy Assistance

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps with heating and cooling bills, providing cash grants typically ranging from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. Crisis assistance is also available for heating emergencies.

Emergency Rental Assistance

While many COVID-era emergency rental assistance programs have ended, some communities still offer rental help. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rental assistance page to find current programs in your area.

How to Access These Resources

Start by calling your local Area Agency on Aging. If you can’t find your local AAA, call the national Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

When applying for assistance programs, you’ll typically need proof of income, property ownership documents, recent utility bills, medical documentation (for disability-related programs), and photo identification.

Many programs have waiting lists due to high demand and limited funding. Apply to multiple programs and stay in touch with case workers about your status.

If paperwork feels overwhelming, ask for help. Many AAAs, community centers, and senior service organizations offer assistance with applications.