7 Sources of Home Repair Assistance for Seniors

Keeping an older adult safe at home often starts with a few smart modifications. From fixing hazards to improving accessibility, home updates can support independence and prevent injuries.

Home Modifications Help Seniors Live Safely and Independently

Home repairs and modifications help seniors maintain homeownership and live in their homes for as long as possible.

Creating more livable homes helps make your loved one's home safer and more accessible, reducing their fall risk, preventing accidents, and increasing their independence.

The most common home repairs and modifications for seniors are:

• Grab bars and handrails
• Walk-in showers
• Ramps
• Widened doorways
• Improved lighting

In addition, home updates can reduce energy usage, which lowers utility bills. This is especially helpful for older adults on a fixed income.

The good news is that many financial assistance programs are available to help people get needed home modifications. These programs help offset the cost of home repairs, making safety more affordable.

We found seven organizations that offer home repair assistance for seniors.

Contact them directly through the links below to get the home repairs needed to improve your loved one's safety and quality of life.

7 Sources of Home Repair Assistance for Seniors

1. Area Agency on Aging

You can contact your county's Area Agency on Aging to learn about home modification and repair funds provided by the Older Americans Act.

Grants may also be available through other local government programs. Check with the local city or county housing, community organizations, or community development department to learn about these.

Each program may have its own eligibility requirements, so be sure to ask.

2. Home Energy Update Assistance Programs

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income families and seniors pay for heating and cooling energy costs, energy crisis assistance, weatherization, and energy-related home repairs.

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) gives financial assistance to update homes to be more energy-efficient and weatherized.

Programs may have income requirements based on household size.

3. Rebuilding Together

Rebuilding Together is a national nonprofit organization that works through collaboration with volunteers and donors to help with repairs and home modifications to promote health, safety, and independence. 

Use their locator tool to find your local affiliate's office. Many local nonprofits participate in the Rebuilding Together network.

4. U.S. Department of Agriculture

The Section 504 Home Repair program provides free home repair grants to elderly, low-income homeowners to fix health and safety hazards.

It also provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes. Use the USDA eligibility site to check if your location qualifies. Most general eligible areas are outside city centers.

Check with your city’s housing or urban development office for more urban solutions.

5. Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare and Medicaid won’t pay for home modifications, but they will pay for qualified durable medical equipment with a doctor’s prescription.

That could include a bath transfer bench, toilet safety frame, hospital bed, walker, wheelchair, and more.

Talk with your loved one's doctor to find out if durable medical equipment could be used to improve their health and safety at home.

6. Sliding scale and reduced fee contractor services

Some contractors are willing to do home modifications for seniors at a reduced fee or sliding scale, depending on their income.

When calling contractors for estimates, ask if this is an option for your loved one.

7. Insurance

Some long-term care insurance policies cover home modifications, and some may cover major renovations needed for mobility or safety.

Check the policy for details.

What Documentation Is Needed to Apply?

When applying for home repair assistance programs, be prepared to provide basic documents that verify your identity, income, and housing status. Commonly requested items include:

• Proof of income (such as Social Security statements, tax returns, or pay stubs)
• Government-issued ID
• Proof of homeownership (deed, mortgage statement, or property tax bill)
• Proof of residency (utility bill or lease agreement)
• Documentation of the needed repairs (photos, contractor estimates, or doctor’s notes for medical-related updates)

Some programs may also require you to meet specific income requirements or live in an eligible rural area, so having accurate records on hand can help speed up the process.

Home modifications can make a big difference in helping older adults stay safe and independent at home. From grab bars to energy-efficient upgrades, these changes support aging in place and reduce fall risk.

For seniors, especially those on a fixed income or living in rural areas, financial help is available through national programs, local agencies, and nonprofit groups.

Whether you're a homeowner or renter, explore the resources above to find home repair services, free home repair grants, and affordable credit options that meet your needs.

Always check each program’s eligibility requirements and reach out directly to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kinds of home repairs are typically covered by assistance programs?
Home repair programs often cover repairs that address health, safety, or accessibility, like installing grab bars, fixing electrical hazards, improving insulation, or building ramps.

2. Who qualifies for free or low-cost home repair services?
Eligibility varies by program, but most focus on helping low-income older adults, on a fixed income, or living in rural areas. Proof of homeownership is usually required.

3. Can renters apply for these home modification programs?
Some programs allow renters to apply with written permission from the landlord. Others may only offer help to homeowners.

4. Where can I find out if I live in an eligible area for USDA assistance?
You can check the USDA eligibility site to see if your address qualifies for USDA Rural Development home repair programs.

Recommended for you:

• Find Financial Help for Seniors: 2,500+ Federal, State, and Private Benefits Programs
• Home Modifications for Seniors: A Room-by-Room Guide for Safety and Independence
• Increase Senior Independence with This Fall Risk Checklist

About the Author

Connie Chow

Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.