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IE Home Safety

Financial Assistance for Home Accessibility

Find funding options for home modifications in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. From VA grants to county programs, we'll help you explore every avenue.

VA Grant Specialists
County Program Guidance
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Understanding Your Funding Options

Home modifications can be a significant investment, but you don't have to navigate the costs alone. Here's a comprehensive guide to programs and resources available in the Inland Empire.

Important Disclaimer

IE Home Safety is not affiliated with these programs but provides this information to help families find assistance. Program availability, eligibility, and funding change regularly. Contact organizations directly for current information.

Why This Matters

The average home accessibility project in the Inland Empire ranges from $800 for simple grab bars to $15,000+ for full bathroom remodels. Many families don't realize that help may be available through federal, state, county, or non-profit programs.

We've helped hundreds of IE families find funding solutions. Let us guide you through the options.

Start With an Assessment

Before applying for assistance, you need a clear understanding of what modifications are needed and what they'll cost. Our free assessment provides detailed estimates that most programs require as part of the application.

Federal Programs

National programs that may provide funding for home accessibility modifications

Medicare

Does NOT Cover

Medicare typically does NOT cover home modifications. It may cover durable medical equipment in very limited circumstances, but not structural changes like ramps or bathroom remodels.

Check with secondary insurance plans for possible coverage

Medicaid / Medi-Cal

May Cover

Medi-Cal MAY cover home modifications through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers when medically necessary. Coverage varies by individual circumstances.

Contact: Riverside County Office on Aging: (951) 867-3800

Timeline: Varies by program and county

VA Grants for Veterans

Available

Disabled veterans may qualify for substantial grants to modify their homes for accessibility needs.

Available Grants:

  • SAH (Specially Adapted Housing)Up to $112,064
  • SHA (Special Home Adaptation)Up to $44,615
  • TRA (Temporary Residence Adaptation)Up to $9,708

Eligibility: Service-connected disability related to housing needs

Contact your VA regional office to apply

HUD Programs

May Be Available

HUD offers home repair assistance for very low-income seniors and disabled homeowners. Programs vary by location and availability.

Contact local HUD office or community development agency

State & County Programs

California and local Inland Empire resources for seniors

Riverside County Office on Aging

Phone: (951) 867-3800

Typical Timeline: 30-60 days for most programs

Services:

  • Case management
  • Caregiver support
  • Senior nutrition programs
  • Information and referral

San Bernardino County Office on Aging

Phone: Contact county for specific programs

Typical Timeline: 30-60 days typical

Services:

  • Case management
  • Caregiver support
  • Senior services
  • Resource information

California Department of Aging

The California Department of Aging provides resources and information for seniors throughout the state. They work with local Area Agencies on Aging (like Riverside and San Bernardino County offices) to deliver services.

Contact: Reach out to your county's Office on Aging (listed above) for direct assistance.

Non-Profit Organizations

Charitable organizations serving the Inland Empire community

Habitat for Humanity

Riverside and San Bernardino chapters offer critical home repair programs for low-income homeowners.

Services:

  • Critical home repairs
  • Accessibility modifications
  • Safety improvements

Contact local chapter for eligibility requirements

Rebuilding Together

Inland Empire chapters provide home repairs and safety modifications for low-income seniors.

Services:

  • Home safety repairs
  • Accessibility modifications
  • Volunteer-based assistance

Contact local chapter for application process

Other Local Resources

Additional community organizations may offer assistance.

Services:

  • Faith-based assistance programs
  • Rotary Club local chapters
  • Lions Club community projects
  • Community foundation grants

Contact local organizations directly

Financing Options

When grants aren't available, these financing solutions can help make modifications affordable

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

Borrow against your home's equity at competitive interest rates.

Benefits:

  • Low interest rates
  • Flexible access to funds
  • Interest may be tax deductible

Requirements: Requires sufficient home equity and credit qualification

Reverse Mortgages

For homeowners age 62+, convert home equity into cash while staying in your home.

Benefits:

  • No monthly mortgage payments
  • Access home equity
  • Stay in your home

Requirements: Age 62+, income verification, home equity required

Contractor Financing

Many contractors offer payment plans or partner with financing companies.

Benefits:

  • Quick approval process
  • 0% APR programs available
  • Flexible payment terms
  • Immediate project start

Requirements: Credit qualification required

Timeline: Immediate if approved

Application Timelines

Understanding how long different funding options take

Federal Programs (VA, HUD)

2-6 months

Extensive application process

County Programs

30-60 days

Riverside & San Bernardino County

Non-Profit Applications

Varies

Depends on organization

Contractor Financing

Immediate

If credit qualifies

Pro Tip: Apply to Multiple Sources

Don't rely on a single funding source. Many families successfully combine programs—for example, using a county grant for part of the project and financing the remainder. Start with your free assessment to get accurate cost estimates, then apply to all programs you might qualify for. Our team can help you understand which options might work best for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about financing home accessibility modifications

Does Medicare cover home modifications?
No, Medicare typically does not cover home modifications like ramps, bathroom remodels, or stairlifts. Medicare Part B may cover durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs or walkers) in limited circumstances, but not structural changes to your home. For modifications, you'll need to explore other funding options like VA grants, Medi-Cal waivers, or financing.
What VA grants are available for disabled veterans?
Disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for three main grant programs: (1) Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) - up to $112,064 for veterans with severe disabilities, (2) Special Home Adaptation (SHA) - up to $44,615 for accessibility improvements, and (3) Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) - up to $9,708 for modifications to a family member's home. Contact your VA regional office to determine eligibility and begin the application process.
How do I apply for Medi-Cal HCBS waivers?
To apply for Medi-Cal Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that may cover home modifications, contact the Riverside County Office on Aging at (951) 867-3800 or your local San Bernardino County Office on Aging. They can help determine your eligibility, explain available waiver programs, and guide you through the application process. Coverage varies based on medical necessity and individual circumstances.
Are there grants for seniors in Riverside County?
Yes, several options exist for Riverside County seniors. The Riverside County Office on Aging (951-867-3800) offers various assistance programs. Additionally, non-profits like Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together have local chapters that provide critical home repairs. Some cities within Riverside County may also have their own senior assistance programs. Contact the Office on Aging for a comprehensive list of current programs.
What financing options are available for home accessibility?
Several financing options can help fund home modifications: (1) Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) offer low interest rates for those with home equity, (2) Reverse mortgages allow homeowners 62+ to access equity while staying in their home, (3) Contractor financing with payment plans or 0% APR promotions, (4) Personal loans from banks or credit unions, and (5) Some long-term care insurance policies may cover modifications. During your free assessment, we can discuss which options might work for your situation.
How long does it take to get financial assistance?
Timelines vary significantly by program: Federal programs like VA grants typically take 2-6 months due to extensive application and review processes. County programs through Offices on Aging usually process within 30-60 days. Non-profit assistance varies widely depending on the organization and their current capacity. Contractor financing can be approved immediately if you qualify. We recommend starting with a free assessment to understand your needs and costs, then applying to multiple programs simultaneously.
Can I get help from non-profits like Habitat for Humanity?
Yes, Habitat for Humanity has Riverside and San Bernardino chapters that offer critical home repair programs, including accessibility modifications for qualifying low-income homeowners. Rebuilding Together also serves the Inland Empire with similar programs. Eligibility typically depends on income level, homeownership status, and the nature of needed repairs. Contact local chapters directly to learn about current programs, eligibility requirements, and application processes. Note that demand often exceeds capacity, so apply early.
What's the first step to finding financial assistance?
The first step is to get a free in-home assessment to understand exactly what modifications you need and what they'll cost. Having a detailed estimate helps when applying for grants or financing. During the assessment, our contractors can also share information about programs their previous clients have used successfully. Then, contact the Riverside County Office on Aging at (951) 867-3800 to learn about current programs, and consider applying to multiple funding sources to increase your chances of approval.

Related Services

Learn more about specific home accessibility services

Bathroom Safety

Grab bars, walk-in showers, non-slip flooring

Learn More

Stair Solutions

Stairlifts, handrails, platform lifts

Learn More

Ramps & Lifts

Wheelchair ramps, porch lifts, entry access

Learn More

Full Home Assessment

Complete home safety evaluation

Learn More

Need Help Navigating Financial Options?

Our team can help you understand costs and explore funding options. Every situation is unique, and we'll guide you through what's available.

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