Toolkit: Funding Your Accessible Home
by SF Walker – June 2024
Contents:
Introduction
What is covered?
How to Apply
Federal Programs
All Provinces
By Province
What low-cost modifications can I make to my house on my own?
Locating and Accessing Housing Resources
Introduction
In Canada, both provincial and local organizations provide funding and resources for accessible housing modifications. These programs are designed to help individuals with disabilities modify their homes to improve accessibility and safety. This toolkit provides an expanded overview of the primary federal programs along with some notable provincial programs.
*Please note, this toolkit only covers making accessibility-related modifications changes to your existing home. Finding housing is beyond the scope of this toolkit. Please see the “Locating and Accessing Housing Resources” section at the end of this toolkit for more information.
What is covered?
Examples of home modifications:
Physical disabilities: Ramps and stair lifts, wider doorways and halls, grab bars and handrails, lowered countertops and cabinets, adjustable shelving and closets, and accessible appliances (such as front-loading laundry and side-by-side refrigerators).
Sensory needs: Adequate and adjustable lighting, tactile indicators (such as raised surfaces on floors and walls), Smart home technology (e.g., voice-activated devices), lights or visual signals for doorbells, fire alarms and other alerts, acoustic treatments such as curtains or acoustic panels, and video intercom systems.
Many programs use the term “severe disability”. A severe disability means you can't regularly do any job that pays more than what you get from a disability pension. In other words, you usually can't make more money working than from your disability payments. This type of disability, called "Severe and Prolonged," must seriously affect your ability to work and last for your whole life.
How to Apply
Applying to any federal, provincial, or community funding or financing program requires some preparation. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started:
Before You Start
Check Eligibility: Make sure your disability, finances, and specific project meets the basic requirements for the program(s) you are applying to.
Gather Information: Ensure all required information and documents are ready and accurate. Plan Ahead: Application response times will vary, so give yourself plenty of time.
Eligibility: Generally, eligibility criteria include income thresholds, the nature of the disability, and the specific adaptation(s) needed. Each program has specific requirements that must be met.
Gather Information for the Application Process: Contact the relevant local or provincial housing authority or program administrator to obtain application forms and detailed information on required documentation. Also ask about waitlist and processing time estimates. Ensure all necessary documents, such as proof of income and disability, are prepared.
Contact Information: Provincial housing websites or local government offices typically provide contact details and instructions on how to receive further assistance. It's essential to reach out to these authorities directly to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.
For up-to-date and detailed information, it is recommended to visit the respective websites or contact the relevant authorities directly. This ensures that you have the latest information regarding eligibility, funding availability, and application procedures.
The low-income cut-off (LICO) thresholds for after-tax income in 2022, based on a 1992 base, vary by community size and family size across Canada:
|
Low-income cut-off (LICO) thresholds for after-tax income* |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
1 person |
2 persons |
Family of 4 |
|
Rural Areas – Population under 10,000 |
$15,926 |
$19,384 |
$30,112 |
|
Population under 30,000 |
$18,227 |
$22,185 |
$34,463 |
|
Population 30,000 to 99,999 |
$20,333 |
$24,748 |
$38,446 |
|
Population 100,000 to 499,999 |
$20,590 |
$25,060 |
$38,930 |
|
Population 500,000 and over |
$24,347 |
$29,632 |
$46,033 |
People/families that earn less than the thresholds listed above are considered "low income" because basic necessities will take up a large percentage of their income.
Federal Programs
In the past, the Canadian federal government had programs in place to fund home modifications for individuals with disabilities to enhance accessibility and improve their quality of life. However, federal support now primarily comes in the form of the Disability Tax Credit. All other sources of funding for home modifications are now provided by provincial and local organizations.
Tax Credits
This tax credit is designed to help individuals, especially seniors and persons with disabilities, to renovate their homes to enhance accessibility and safety. The HATC allows eligible individuals to claim up to $20,000 in qualifying expenses, which can provide a tax credit of up to $3,000 per year.
All Provinces:
For veterans, Veterans Affairs Canada offers programs to assist with home modifications to improve accessibility.
Eligibility: Canadian veterans with service-related disabilities.
Types of Modifications Covered: Home adaptations necessary for accessibility, including ramps, stair lifts, and accessible bathrooms.
March of Dimes Canada is a national, community-based organization that offers programs and services to enhance the independence and community participation of people with disabilities, including financial support for housing accessibility modifications.
Types of Assistance: Financial assistance for accessibility modifications such as ramps, handrails, and bathroom renovations.
Provincial Programs
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland And Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Nunavut
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon
Alberta
Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP)
Provides grants for home modifications to make them more accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. Common modifications include the installation of stair lifts, wheelchair ramps, and modifications to kitchens and bathrooms.
Eligibility: Residents with a qualifying disability that affects mobility.
Funding: Up to $7,500 per year, with a maximum of $15,000 over ten years.
Contact: Alberta Community and Social Services manages this program.
Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)
The Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program provides financial assistance for medical equipment and supplies, which can include certain modifications for home accessibility.
Eligibility: Alberta residents with long-term disabilities or chronic illnesses.
Types of Modifications Covered: While primarily for equipment like wheelchairs and walkers, some modifications that are necessary for the use of these aids may be covered.
Easter Seals Alberta’s AccessABILITIES Home Automation Program equips Albertans with disabilities with essential technology to enhance their mobility, communication, and daily life activities. The program aims to improve the quality of life and independence of participants by providing home automation items. Available equipment includes smart speakers, smart displays, smart plugs, smart lighting, smart thermostats, smart locks, and video doorbells.
Accessible Housing offers a variety of programs to support individuals with limited mobility and those experiencing homelessness.
- The Bridge to Home program quickly moves homeless individuals into independent, permanent housing, providing rental subsidies and case management to foster community engagement and supportive relationships.
- Chinook House, in collaboration with Calgary Housing Company, supports long-term clients who need minor assistance and potential emergency overnight care.
- Inclusio offers fully accessible, supportive living for adults with limited mobility, promoting both independence and autonomy.
- RAD Renovations leads the way in making residential and commercial spaces in Calgary safer and more accessible, managing the entire renovation process to meet accessibility standards.
British Columbia
BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA)
Description: Helps low-income seniors and people with disabilities finance home adaptations for accessible, safe, and independent living. Adaptations might include bathroom modifications, installation of ramps, and improved lighting.
Eligibility: Homeowners or tenants with disabilities.
Funding: Up to $20,000 per project.
Contact: BC Housing provides detailed information and application processes.
Home Renovation Tax Credit for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities
The Home Renovation Tax Credit for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities is a provincial tax credit that helps with the cost of permanent home renovations to enhance accessibility or help a senior or person with a disability be more functional or mobile at home.
Eligibility: Seniors aged 65 and older or persons with disabilities and their supporting family members. This credit allows eligible individuals to claim up to $10,000 in renovation expenses.
Types of Modifications Covered: Expenses related to eligible home modifications including widening doorways, installing ramps and elevators, modifying kitchens and bathrooms to be more accessible, installing handrails and grab bars, lowering sinks and counters, improving lighting for visibility.
Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) provides funding for equipment and devices to help individuals with disabilities live more independently.
Eligibility: Individuals with disabilities who need assistive devices or equipment.
Types of Modifications Covered: Equipment and devices that enhance accessibility and independence including mobility, communication and visual aids.
Provides information and advocacy services for individuals with disabilities, including assistance with housing modifications.
Offers programs and services aimed at improving the independence and quality of life of people with disabilities, including assistive technology and accessibility solutions.
Manitoba
Residential Adaptations for Disabilities (RAD)
The Residential Adaptations for Disabilities (RAD) program provides financial assistance for home modifications to help individuals with disabilities remain in their homes.
Eligibility: Homeowners or tenants with disabilities and low to moderate incomes.
Types of Modifications Covered: Ramps, handrails, door widening, and bathroom modifications.
Community Living disABILITY Services (CLDS)
Community Living disABILITY Services (CLDS) supports adults with intellectual disabilities, including assistance with housing modifications.
Eligibility: Adults with intellectual disabilities who are eligible for CLDS.
Types of Modifications Covered: Modifications to enhance accessibility and safety in the home.
The Manitoba Home Care Program provides various supports to help individuals with disabilities live independently, which can include funding for home modifications.
Eligibility: Manitoba residents who require health and social support services to live independently.
Types of Modifications Covered: Modifications necessary for the safe and independent living of clients.
New Brunswick
Home Improvement Assistance Program
The Home Improvement Assistance Program administered by the New Brunswick Department of Social Development provides financial assistance for home modifications to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Eligibility: Low-income homeowners or landlords with tenants who have disabilities that affect their mobility or ability to perform daily activities.
Types of Modifications Covered: Ramps, lifts, widening doorways, bathroom modifications, and other adaptations to enhance accessibility.
The Homeowner Repair Program is for homeowners in need accessibility modifications and/or adaptations to facilitate independent living. Assistance is in the form of a loan, a portion of which may not have to be repaid.
Eligibility: Modifications required for disabled residents must be housing-related and/or provide access to permanently installed, basic facilities within the dwelling.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Home Modification Program (HMP)
The Home Modification Program (HMP) provides financial assistance to homeowners and landlords for modifications to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Eligibility: Homeowners or landlords with low-to-moderate income and a household member with a disability that impairs mobility or daily living activities.
Types of Modifications Covered: Ramps, lifts, widening doorways, accessible bathrooms, and other necessary adaptations to improve accessibility.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC). Visit the NLHC website or contact their office for application forms and detailed guidelines.
Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) - Disabilities
The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) - Disabilities is a federal program administered by the NLHC that provides financial assistance for major home modifications to improve accessibility.
Eligibility: Low-income homeowners or landlords with tenants who have disabilities that impede mobility or daily activities.
Types of Modifications Covered: Ramps, lifts, bathroom adaptations, and other significant modifications to enhance accessibility.
How to Apply: Applications are managed through the NLHC. Visit the NLHC website for more information and application forms.
Provincial Home Repair Program (PHRP)
The Provincial Home Repair Program (PHRP) offers financial assistance for home repairs, which can include accessibility modifications for individuals with disabilities.
Eligibility: Homeowners with low income who require repairs or modifications to their homes to ensure safety and accessibility.
Types of Modifications Covered: Structural repairs, electrical, plumbing, and heating system repairs, as well as modifications to improve accessibility.
Empower, The Disability Resource Centre
Offers resources and support for individuals with disabilities, including assistance with accessibility modifications.
Northwest Territories
NWT Housing Corporation Mobility Modifications Program
Financial assistance is available to homeowners to enhance home accessibility for individuals with disabilities, supporting modifications that promote continued independent living. Eligible costs include the expenses for materials, labor, building permits, inspections, certificates, drawings, specifications, legal fees, and any applicable taxes.
Eligibility: Homeowners with low to moderate incomes, have lived in their home for at least one year, and have lived in NWT for 3 years.
Types of Modifications Covered: Ramps, lifts, widening doorways, accessible bathrooms, and other necessary adaptations.
Emergency Repair Program (ERP)
Provides financial assistance for emergency repairs, which can include accessibility modifications.
Eligibility: Homeowners with urgent repair needs that threaten health and safety.
Types of Modifications Covered: Repairs that address immediate health and safety concerns, potentially including accessibility enhancements.
Nova Scotia
Home Adaptations for Seniors’ Independence (HASI) Program
The Home Adaptations for Seniors’ Independence (HASI) Program provides financial assistance for home modifications that help seniors with disabilities maintain their independence.
Eligibility: Homeowners or tenants aged 65 and older with a permanent disability that affects their mobility or ability to perform daily activities. The household income must be below a specified threshold.
Types of Modifications Covered: Installation of handrails, grab bars, ramps, and other minor adaptations to improve accessibility.
Disabled Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (DRRAP)
The Disabled Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (DRRAP) provides financial aid for major home modifications to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Eligibility: Eligibility for this program is determined based on the value of your home and your total household income. Property values and income thresholds can vary based on where your home is located and the size of your household.
Types of Modifications Covered: Ramps, lifts, bathroom adaptations, and other major modifications to enhance accessibility.
The Access-A-Home Program is offered by the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services and provides financial assistance to families requiring home modifications for accessibility.
Eligibility: Families with a household member who has a permanent disability that significantly affects mobility or daily living.
Types of Modifications Covered: Ramps, door widening, accessible bathrooms, and other necessary adaptations.
Nova Scotia Loans for People with Disabilities
The Nova Scotia Department of Community Services offers loans for people with disabilities to cover costs related to accessibility modifications.
Eligibility: Individuals with permanent disabilities.
Types of Modifications Covered: Modifications that improve accessibility and independence.
Nunavut
Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC):
This program provides financial assistance for necessary repairs and modifications to improve the accessibility of homes for individuals with disabilities. The assistance is based on household income and the type of repairs needed.
Emergency Repair Program (ERP)
Although primarily for emergency repairs, this program can also cover urgent modifications required to make a home accessible for someone with disabilities.
On-Reserve Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP): For Indigenous individuals living on reserves, this program provides financial assistance to make homes more accessible. It covers modifications such as ramps, widened doorways, and bathroom adaptations.
Ontario
Ontario Renovates is a program under the Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) initiative, administered by local Service Managers across Ontario. It provides financial assistance for home modifications to improve accessibility.
Eligibility: Homeowners and landlords may apply. The applicant must have a disability or have a family member with a disability living in the home.
Types of Modifications Covered: Installation of ramps, lifts, handrails, and other accessibility modifications.
Home and Vehicle Modification Program (HVMP)
The Home and Vehicle Modification Program (HVMP), funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services, provides financial assistance to help people with disabilities modify their homes and vehicles for accessibility.
Eligibility: Ontario residents with a substantial mobility impairment or a disability that impedes daily living activities.
Types of Modifications Covered: Ramps, stair lifts, bathroom modifications, and other necessary adaptations.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) offers benefits to individuals with disabilities, including support for home modifications.
Eligibility: Must be a recipient of ODSP income support.
Types of Modifications Covered: Accessibility modifications required for the home.
Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)
The Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) program provides financial assistance to families to cover the costs associated with caring for a child with a severe disability, which can include home modifications.
Eligibility: Families with a child under 18 who has a severe disability.
* In Canada, a severe disability is defined as a condition that significantly restricts a person's ability to perform basic activities of daily living, encompassing physical, mental, cognitive, or sensory impairments. To be considered severe, the disability must be prolonged, lasting for at least 12 months or being permanent, and must substantially limit the individual’s ability to perform activities such as walking, dressing, feeding oneself, personal hygiene, communicating, or managing personal finances. This definition is utilized in various contexts, including eligibility for disability benefits, tax credits, and support services provided by the government and other organizations.
Types of Assistance: Funding for necessary home modifications to improve accessibility, based on their individual needs.
Prince Edward Island
The PEI Home Renovation Programs provide financial assistance to homeowners for repairs, including modifications to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Eligibility: Homeowners with low to moderate incomes. Specific criteria may apply depending on the program.
Types of Modifications Covered: Ramps, lifts, widening doorways, accessible bathrooms, and other necessary adaptations to improve accessibility.
Quebec
Residential Adaptation Assistance Program (RAAP)
The Residential Adaptation Assistance Program (RAAP) is administered by the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ) and provides financial assistance to make homes more accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Eligibility: Homeowners, tenants, or landlords with a person with a disability living in the home. The disability must be permanent and significantly affect mobility or ability to perform daily activities.
Types of Modifications Covered: Ramps, lifts, widening doorways, bathroom modifications, and other necessary adaptations to improve accessibility.
Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ)
In addition to RAAP, The Home Adaptation Program (PAD) by the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ) is designed for individuals with disabilities, defined as those with an impairment causing a significant and persistent disability, leading to difficulties in performing daily activities. The program aims to enable these individuals to safely enter and exit their homes, access essential rooms (such as the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and living room), and perform daily living activities, thereby supporting their ability to remain at home.
Eligibility: Owners of homes occupied by persons with disabilities, i.e., landlords and homeowners.
Types of Assistance: Financial aid for accessibility modifications and improvements.
Service Canada offers the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF), a federal program that provides funding for projects that improve accessibility in communities and workplaces. Please note that this fund is only available in Quebec.
Eligibility: Non-profit organizations, small businesses, and municipalities can apply for funding to make buildings more accessible.
Types of Modifications Covered: Ramps, accessible washrooms, elevators, and other structural changes.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC)
The Saskatchewan Home Repair Program - Adaptation for Independence offers financial support to homeowners or landlords with low incomes to modify their homes, making them more accessible for individuals with housing-related disabilities.
Eligibility: Low-income homeowners needing essential repairs or adaptations for disabilities. Based on household income and the need for repairs or modifications.
Coverage Amount: Up to $23,000 per household.
Yukon
Yukon Housing Corporation (YHC) Programs
The Yukon Housing Corporation (YHC) provides various programs that may assist with housing modifications to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Eligibility: Homeowners and landlords with tenants who have low to moderate income and require accessibility modifications.
Types of Modifications Covered: Ramps, lifts, widening doorways, accessible bathrooms, and other necessary adaptations to improve accessibility.
Eligibility: Individuals with disabilities who need modifications to enhance accessibility.
Types of Modifications Covered: Modifications to make homes more accessible for individuals with disabilities.
What low-cost modifications can I make to my house on my own?
Low- and no-cost modifications for accessibility | CMHC (cmhc-schl.gc.ca)
If you don't qualify for certain assistance programs or wish to make changes while on a waitlist, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation offers a list of modifications that are either free or low-cost. Some examples of these include:
- Improving visibility by painting the threshold in a contrasting color, and ease entry for those with limited strength by removing storm or screen doors.
- Simplifying door opening with a doorknob gripper or lever handle and widening doorways using swing-away hinges.
- Arranging furniture to create clear travel paths, securing or removing area rugs, and using different colors or textures on floors for easier navigation.
- Choosing slip-resistant flooring or applying a slip-resistant coating to tiles.
- Using a folding or wall-mounted table to create more space for mobility aids.
- Adding a safety mat and grab bars in the tub.
- Installing a shallow sink usable from standing or seated positions.
- Installing motion detectors for automatic lighting.
Locating and Accessing Housing Resources:
As mentioned above, we are not including community living programs as they do not specifically fund modifications to one's existing home. If you want more information about housing in general, please explore the AIDE Canada housing resources and organizations below:
AIDE Canada Housing Resources:
Community Living Organizations:
Alberta
Inclusion Alberta: Provides support and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
British Columbia
Inclusion BC: A provincial federation advocating for the rights and opportunities of people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Manitoba
Inclusion Winnipeg: Offers services and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in Winnipeg and surrounding areas.
New Brunswick
Inclusion NB: Supports individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in achieving inclusion in all aspects of life.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Inclusion Canada Newfoundland and Labrador: Works to promote the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities in all aspects of community life.
Nova Scotia
Inclusion Nova Scotia: Advocates for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and provides support services to help them live independently.
Northwest Territories
Inclusion NWT: Supports individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in achieving full community inclusion.
Nunavut
Nunavut Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society (NDMS): Advocates for and supports individuals with disabilities, including developmental disabilities, in Nunavut.
Ontario
Community Living Ontario: A provincial association that advocates for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Prince Edward Island
Inclusion East: Provides support and services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in eastern PEI.
Quebec
Association du Québec pour l’intégration sociale (AQIS): Advocates for the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in Quebec.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL): Supports individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in achieving full community inclusion.
Yukon
Yukon Association for Community Living (YACL): Provides support and advocacy for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in Yukon.
These organizations offer a range of services, including advocacy, support for independent living, and community inclusion initiatives.
