
Financial Resources for Equipment & Home Modifications
There are different ways to pay for equipment and changes you need for your home.

Some of the equipment might be paid for by your health insurance. Other big changes to your home might be paid for by social resources like Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waivers, Workers Compensation, or the Veterans Administration if you qualify.
Government Programs and Grants:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several grants for service-connected disabled veterans to help with home modifications:
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Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant: This is a significant grant for veterans with severe service-connected disabilities to build, buy, or remodel an adapted home.
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Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant: This grant helps veterans with certain service-connected disabilities adapt an existing home or purchase an adapted home.
NOTE - The biggest difference between SHA and SAH grants is the amount of funds and what service-connected disabilities are eligible.
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Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant: This grant provides assistance for medically necessary home modifications for service-connected and non-service-connected disabilities.
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Temporary Residence Assistance Grant: Available for veterans temporarily living with a family member, complementing SAH and SHA grants.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants (Section 504 Home Repair Program): This program provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes, and grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards, including accessibility modifications.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
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Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): These grants are provided to states and localities, which then use the funds for various community development activities, including home repair and rehabilitation for low-income and disabled homeowners.
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HOME Investment Partnerships Program: This program provides formula grants to states and localities to fund various activities, including home repair and rehabilitation for low-income and disabled homeowners.
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Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program: This program can assist with homeownership, which may indirectly support home modifications.
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Assisted Living Conversion Program (ALCP): This HUD-funded program helps subsidize the cost of converting eligible housing units for elderly individuals with disabilities.
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Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: For those who qualify for Medicaid, HCBS waivers can provide funding for home modifications to help individuals remain in their homes rather than in institutions.
State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own grant or loan programs for home modifications tailored to the needs of their residents. Check with your local housing authority or aging and disability services for information on specific programs in your area.
Non-Profit Organizations and Assistance:
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Rebuilding Together: This national organization provides critical home repairs and revitalizes homes for low-income homeowners, including seniors and people with disabilities, to improve safety, health, and accessibility. Their "Safe at Home" program focuses on preventative home modifications.
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Habitat for Humanity: While primarily known for building new homes, some local Habitat for Humanity affiliates may offer repair programs that include accessibility modifications.
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Lions Clubs International: Local Lions Clubs often provide resources and financial help, particularly for those with hearing or visual impairments, which can sometimes extend to home modifications.
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Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks: This fraternal order may offer disability assistance programs in various states.
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ModestNeeds.Org (Self-Sufficiency Grant): This organization provides short-term financial assistance for unexpected or emergency expenses, which can include home repairs and adaptable modifications for low-income and disabled individuals.
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American Red Cross: Provides financial assistance for eligible active military service members, veterans, and their families, which can be used for home modifications.
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Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2): Provides financial assistance to qualified soldiers, veterans, and their families for various expenses related to independent living.
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National Disability Institute: Their Assistive Technology Loan Program offers loans for assistive technology, including home modifications, in specific states (e.g., New York and New Jersey).
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Independent Living Centers (CILs): These centers across the country provide information, referrals, and sometimes direct assistance with home modifications, focusing on independent living for people with disabilities. Contact the National Council on Independent Living Centers for the one nearest you.
Finding Qualified Contractors:
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Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS): The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) offers the CAPS program, which certifies contractors specializing in modifications for aging-in-place and accessibility.
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Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs): These agencies often have resources or referrals for home modification programs and contractors.
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United Disabilities Services (UDS): Offers consulting, design, and construction services for ADA-accessible home modifications, and can help explore financial assistance options.
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Online Search and Review Sites: Websites like Home Advisor, Thumbtack, and Houzz can help you find local contractors, and you can review their customer feedback.
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Referrals: Ask friends, family, and medical professionals for recommendations.
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Check Licensing and Insurance: Always verify that any contractor you consider is licensed in your state and carries appropriate insurance to protect you from liability.
SCI Foundations:
Many organizations offer programs to help individuals with SCI access necessary equipment, often through loans, grants, or equipment reuse services. These resources can make it much easier to pay for mobility aids, adaptive devices, and other essential items.
Here are some common types of spinal cord injury equipment loan resources and organizations to explore:
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Travis Roy Foundation: Offers individual adaptive equipment grants for people paralyzed from spinal cord injuries, which can be used for home modifications.
