Home rehabilitation assistance increases accessibility.
There are an estimated 43 million people living with a disability in the United States, according to the University of Buffalo. Hundreds of disabilities exist, which have a direct affect on an individual's ability to earn sufficient income. Consequently, many persons with disabilities require assistance that supplements a fixed or low income. Several federal and private programs provide housing assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness, difficulty meeting payment obligations or prohibitive damage to the home.
Eviction Prevention Programs
Eviction prevention programs offer a one-time grant that pays an applicant's rental obligation for one month. The amount an applicant is eligible to receive depends on several factors, such as household income and available resources. This one-time grant is typically distributed once in a rolling 12-month period depending on the state regulations.
The county department of social services oversees the application and distribution process. Applicants must provide documentation of a court proceeding, a lease, income, resources and identification documents. If approved, the department generates a check payable to the landlord or management company.
Housing Choice Voucher
The Department of Housing and Urban Development's, HUDs, Housing Choice Voucher, HCV, program provides rental assistance to disabled and very low-income households. The program was designed to ensure disabled individuals access to safe, clean and suitable housing at an affordable price. Persons who receive a voucher pay no more than 30 percent of the household's income toward rental payments and utilities. The program is administered at the state level and requires an application and interview process. Applicants must provide detailed information about their income, resources and assets. Once approved, an applicant can select a home or apartment that participates in the program.
Home Purchase Programs
Persons with disabilities face several barriers to homeownership, such as unemployment, low income and modest assets. As a result, several organizations and agencies, including HUD, offer homeownership programs. These programs provide a variety of housing assistance options such as free or low-cost housing counseling, down-payment assistance and income-based mortgages. Furthermore, HUD offers a Homeownership Voucher Program, which is available to disabled persons that have a current HCV contract. Habitat for Humanity also provides housing assistance to eligible applicants in the form of affordable loans and sweat equity.
Home Repair and Rehabilitation Programs
Heating and cooling systems, structural support, the roof and disability-related equipment, amongst other things, drive the cost of maintaining a home upward. Consequently, persons living on a fixed or low income run into difficulty maintaining their homes. Ideally, an emergency repair account would fund much needed repairs, but several organizations offer assistance with home maintenance costs.
Tags: Applicants must, Applicants must provide, Choice Voucher, fixed income, household income
