Seniors may get free repairs for their home.
Due to changing physical and lifestyle needs and a lack of funds, seniors may require government assistance to keep their homes safe and in good condition. Local agencies, nonprofit organizations and volunteers offer labor, materials or funds to homeowners over a specified age who display a need for home improvements and inability to pay for repairs. Does this Spark an idea?
USDA
The Department of Agriculture Rural Development housing program offers loans to seniors aged 62 or over for the repair, improvement and modernization of their single-family homes, or removal of health or safety hazards. Sometimes referred to as "Section 504 loans," the lending maximum is $20,000 and loans have a 1 percent interest rate and 20-year repayment term. Eligible seniors must live in a rural part of the country, as designated by the USDA, be unable to afford credit elsewhere and have a very low income, which is no more than 50 percent of the median income for their rural area. To individuals who cannot repay a Section 504 loan, USDA will make a grant, up to a $7,500 life-time maximum in free money, for eligible repairs.
Mobile/Manufactured Homes
Minimal upkeep and low cost of mobile home living make them a popular housing option for the elderly. The Mobile Home Grant Program of King County in Washington, provides $5,000 for owners who need "quality-of-life" repairs, says the county's Department of Community and Human Services. Eligible seniors may not have assets that exceed $15,000 and must meet qualifying income levels. Eligible seniors must not own the land or pad where their home sits, and the program does not charge a fee for the service. In California, the city of Garden Grove offers seniors 62 and over up to $5,000 for exterior property improvements such as roof, window, paint, patio and stair repairs, says the city's Web site. A city-licensed contractor must complete all work, and the grant may be used once every five years. Residents of other counties and municipalities may contact their local Department of Housing and Community Development or a similar agency or nonprofit in their area for assistance with home repairs.
Other Housing Type Grants
Other free services for seniors provide labor, materials or funds for other housing types, such as single family dwellings, condominiums and town homes. For instance, the Volunteers of America of Colorado's Safety of Seniors (SOS) Handyman program helps seniors over the age of 60 who live in Denver and Larim County. They provide minor home repairs and focus on installing simple home safety improvements to prevent falls, says the organization's Web site. Trained volunteers perform the work and safety assessments. The program covers the time and labor, but the senior pays for materials. In San Diego County, the Home Repair Program for Owner-Occupied Property assists single-family homeowners with up to $8,000 for repairs. A senior's total household annual gross income must be at or below 80 percent of San Diego's average median income. For similar programs in other areas, homeowners should contact their local Department of Housing and Community Development or an agency or nonprofit that serves the elderly or disabled.
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