Low-income elderly residents in Tennessee can apply for a grant to have a wheelchair ramp installed at their home.
Tennessee works with the federal government, local governments and nonprofit organizations to administer elderly home improvement grant programs. Each home improvement grant program has its own income and age requirements seniors must meet to qualify for a grant. These home repairs help low-income elderly households reduce energy bills and make their home more accessible.
Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides funding for Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency's Minor Home Repair Program. Low-income seniors aged 62 years of age or older living in Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, Meigs, McMinn, Rhea, Sequatchie, and Polk counties qualify for services. Eligible home improvements include installing ramps, rails, nonskid surfacing or grab bars. The senior's income must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level to qualify for the Minor Home Repair Program.
Tennessee Housing Development Authority
The Tennessee Housing Development Authority provides $2 million to the statewide Emergency Repair Program for the Elderly. Low-income homeowners aged 60 years and older can apply for a grant up to $10,000 to repair or replace systems or correct structural problems. Eligible types of repairs include roofs, electrical systems, plumbing systems, or structural repairs to floors or walls. The senior must own and occupy the home in need of repair and her income must be at or below 60 percent of the area's median income to qualify for the grant.
USDA Elderly Home Improvement Grant
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Tennessee Rural Development Agency provides grants up to $7,500 to help low-income seniors correct health and safety hazards or improve the accessibility of their homes. Typical improvements include roof repair or replacement, adding ramps or insulation. To qualify for the grant, the senior must be 62 years of age or older and cannot afford to pay back a 1-percent interest rate home repair loan. The grant award does not have to be repaid as long as the senior does not sell the home for at least three years after the repairs have been completed.
Tennesee Department of Human Services
The Tennessee Department of Human Services administers the Weatherization Assistance Program to all 95 counties in Tennessee. Low-income seniors are eligible to apply for weatherization services. These services make the home more energy-efficient and lower the costs of utility bills. Typical measures include repairing or replacing air and heating systems or installing insulation. The homeowner's income must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Both homeowners and renters can apply for weatherization services.
Tags: below percent, income must, income must below, must below, must below percent, qualify grant
