You may apply for a home grant for a variety of reasons, including a home more accessible for the disabled.
The Canadian government offers a variety of grants meant to help homeowners live in a more environmentally friendly home or assist homeowners with making their home more accessible. The grant amounts vary depending on what the money is being used for. Some grants vary depending on where you live. Make certain that your house project will be covered by the grant, or you may need to get additional assistance.
Home Grants for the Disabled
Government grants are available in Canada for those who are disabled and low income. The grants can also be obtained by the landlord who owns property in which such individuals live. The grants are meant to make the property safer and easier to maneuver for those with a disability. Eligible installations include handrails in chair lifts and bath lifts, among others.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
700 Montreal Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P7
613-668-2642
cmha.ca
Grants for Seniors
Grant money is available in the form of a forgiveable loan, for senior citizens who need some alterations done to their home. As long as the senior lives in the home for six months, the $3,500 loan given for the upgrade is forgiven. Eligible upgrades include handrails placed in the hallways. Walkers or appliances are not eligible for funding.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
700 Montreal Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P7
800-668-2642
cmha.ca
(see ref 2)
Emergency Repair Fund
The Emergency Repair Fund is meant to help low-income individuals who live in rural areas make needed repairs to their home. Eligible projects include repairs to the chimney, electrical systems and heating systems, among other projects. Assistance is available for the southern parts of the country with the grant totaling $6,000 per unit. For the northern areas of the country the grant totals $9,000 per unit. For the far northern part of the country, the grant totals $11,000 per unit.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
700 Montreal Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P7
800-668-2642
cmha.ca
Energy Star Canada
The EnergyStar for New Homes Initiative is a program which is only in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Ontario as of August 2010. The program provides rebates to homeowners for building an EnergyStar home. Such homes have to comply with the rebate program's specifications. Components of an energy efficient home include efficient heating and air conditioning systems, better performing windows and insulation upgrades, among others. Houses with an Energy Star Qualified Home designation have windows, patio doors, and skylights which meet the nation's Energy Star requirements, among other qualities. A decrease in 10 percent of energy costs is the goal. Energy Star appliances like washers, dryers and ovens may be purchased as well to make the home more energy efficient and reduce the cost of utilities.
Natural Resources Canada
580 Booth
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E4
613-995-0947
Oee.nrcan.gc.ca
Residential Rehabititation Assistance Program-RRAP On-Reserve
The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program-RRAP On-Reserve is meant to help those individuals who are members of First Nations and First Nations councils who need to repair on-reserve housing. To be eligible for the grant, the housing needs to be at a minimum 5 years old, the household income should be at or below the established limit based on location and size of household, lack essential facilities, need structural repairs or need repairs to plumbing, electrical, heating and fire safety systems. Other stipulations may apply as well. The funding may also be used to aid those with disabilities or to reduce overcrowding. If you are a member of a First Nation (Native Canadian), you should apply for the grant through your council.
The grants differ depending on where in Canada the housing is located. If you live in the Yukon, Northwest Territory, Northern Quebec and Labrador, the grant totals $24,000. If you live in the southern part of the country, the grant totals $16,000, and in northern parts of the country, the grant is $19,000. In more distant parts in the northern areas, Northwest Territory and like far northern areas may be increased by another 25 percent. You can get more information at different Aboriginal Housing Centers.
Atlantic Aboriginal Housing Centre
Barrington Tower, 9th Floor
1894 Barrington St.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3K 5W9
902-426-4941
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