Program Description
Maryland Accessible Homes for Seniors is a statewide program available to low-income elderly individuals that allows them to make improvements to their home to increase accessibility. This program aids in allowing seniors to continue to live independently in their homes, rather than require institutionalization. A variety of improvements can include installing ramps, railings, grab bars, and widening doorways.
This program offers eligible seniors 0%-6% interest rate deferred loans with terms of up to 30 years. The loan must be repaid if the home is sold or transferred, or if it is refinanced. Funds given outright as a grant to improve the accessibility and safety of one’s home are also possible for those who do not qualify for a loan.
Maryland Accessible Homes for Seniors is a part of the Maryland WholeHome program, via the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
Eligibility Guidelines
In order to be eligible for the Maryland Accessible Homes for Seniors program, there are both individual and home criteria that must be met.
Individual:
- Must be a resident of Maryland.
- One member of the household must be at least 55 years of age.
- Financial requirements state that income can be no greater than 80% of the Maryland median or 80% of the Washington, D.C. MSA median. As of July 2022, a single person household with income less than $63,000 or a two-person household with income less than $72,000 should meet financial eligibility requirements. In the event the senior lives in a relative’s home, financial eligibility is based on all people residing in the household. There is no asset limit in order to be eligible for this program.
Home:
- Must be located in Maryland
- Must be structurally sound and not pose any major safety or health issues.
- Applicant must own and be present in the home that needs repairs/improvements. However, senior applicants who are residing with family members will still be considered.
- Must not have any pending financial cases or owe back taxes on the house.
Benefits and Services
The Maryland Accessible Homes for Seniors program, via the WholeHome program, offers financial assistance for a variety of home improvements to increase accessibility for elderly Maryland residents. Improvements and modifications may include the following:
- Addition of exterior ramps or stair lifts
- Widening of doorways
- Addition of hand railing
- Bathroom modifications, such as adding grab bars, a hand held shower attachment, or a bathtub or shower seat
- Addition of lever handles for faucets and doors
- Addition of rocker light switches and/or relocation of electrical outlets
- Addition of lighting
- Addition or renovation of a first floor bathroom
- Addition of a first floor bedroom
- Relocation of the laundry area
- Closet adjustments
As mentioned previously, financial assistance comes in the form of deferred loans, offered up to 30 years at 0%-6% interest. Loans are limited to the value of the home owned, debt free, up to 110%. These loans become due when a home is sold, transferred, refinanced, or the loan recipient moves from the home. If an applicant is not eligible for a loan, a grant of up to $25,000 may be available.
How to Apply / Learn More
To apply for the Accessible Homes for Seniors program, one can download an application or pick one up at their county’s Maryland Access Point Agency. Completed applications can be emailed or mailed through the postal service:
Email
[email protected]
Mail
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, CDA
Special Loan Programs
7800 Harkins Road, 3rd Floor
Lanham, MD 20706
For those who are eligible for the program, a housing inspection will be required. Applicants will need to get bids for the work to be done and then review them with the inspector to decide which bid to accept. The DHCD will require a loan commitment letter to be signed and will schedule a loan closing. After the closing, home modifications can begin. Payments will be processed by DHCD to pay the contractor.
To learn more about the Maryland Accessible Homes for Seniors program, click here or call the DHCD at 301-429-7409 or 844-369-4150. You may also contact the Maryland Access Point Agency for your particular county.
