Free Home Repairs For Senior Citizens

Since seniors’ homes were built several years ago, they are prone to damages every now and then. For instance, during a storm, such homes can get damaged and thus expose the seniors to the risk of getting sick. Besides getting sick, the seniors can get accidents and fall as they maneuver from one room to the other.

Since these individuals might not have a lot of money to make the necessary repairs, they might end up living in dilapidated houses for ages. As a result, most of them end up passing on even before their time. Luckily, several home repair programs can help modify and repairs these homes free of charge for senior citizens. In this article, we shall take a closer look at some of these programs so that you can know them better.

Eligibility For Free Home Repair Programs

As we have mentioned above, senior citizens with a low income can apply for the Free Home Repairs program. Also, seniors who are disabled can readily apply for this program. By applying for any of these programs, you will be able to repair your home and thus live in a more comfortable home.

Application Process For Free Home Repairs For Senior Citizens Programs

You can now apply for any of these programs from either the federal or state government. Better still, you can apply from charities, non-profit community groups, or even community action agencies near you.

Understanding Free Home Repair Program

To start with, the terms of each program are not homogenous. Instead, they vary in terms of availability and scope. However, the ultimate goal of each one of them is to help senior citizens modify or repair their homes to make them safe and more comfortable to live in. From making these homes more energy efficient to roof repairs, these programs have a plethora of modifications. It all depends on what the senior wants for their home.

Like we have previously mentioned, these programs help not only low-income seniors but also the disabled or the handicapped stand a chance to get the much-needed help as far as home repairs are concerned. Here, they usually receive financial aid in the form of grants or better still, a loan that comes with a low interest rate. Therefore, they will have the much-needed financial muscle to repair their homes the way they please. These programs also help people who have encountered disasters as well. In this case, they will get emergency home repairs and thus make their current homes more habitable.

As far as the funding of these programs is concerned, it mainly comes from multiple sources. Like we mentioned above, the federal and state government offers free money that facilitates the operation of these programs. Besides this, volunteers, local businesses, and certain individuals usually donate funds every now and then towards these programs.

As we speak, there are many charities, agencies, and even non-profit agencies that administrate Free Home Repair programs. Sometimes, they usually come together and contribute towards making the home of a particular senior citizen more habitable. For you to enjoy the services offered by these programs, you should apply from your local community action agency. From there, you will get the much-needed help, as far as the home repair program is concerned.

If you are able to get a grant from these programs, you will not need to repay them. Thus, you will be lucky to have your home repaired free of charge. Finally, it is essential to note that home repair programs usually offer much-needed financial aid once in a while to a homeowner.

Some Of The Modifications Done By Free Home Repair Programs

Free Home Repair programs usually pay for several modifications to be done to your house. Some of these modifications include:

• Window replacement
• Installation of new furnaces
• Roof repairs
• Installation of new heating units
• Septic tank repairs
• Electrical repair services
• Installation of new air conditioners

Best 11 Sources Of Free Home Repairs For Senior Citizens

As we mentioned above, several organizations offer much-needed home repair assistance to different seniors all over the country. They include the following:

1. Area Agencies on Aging

Once the Older Americans Act of 1965 was amended, these agencies got established. As we speak, they are about 600 of them all over the country. Area Agencies on Aging aim at connecting seniors to community-based services.

Once a senior contacts any of these agencies, he can be assured that he will have a good place to age. From roof repair to window replacement, many repairs can be done to his house. Unlike other agencies, these also deal with meal delivery programs and even transportation assistance services.

2. Medicare and Medicaid

Unlike other programs, these ones usually help your loved ones to get the much-needed medical equipment to use in his or her home. Some of this equipment includes:

• Grab bars
• Bathroom transfer benches
• Toilet safety frames

For you to get this equipment, you should visit the Social Security Administration website. Better still, seniors can book an appointment at their nearest Social Security Administration office. If you are eligible for this program, you can even get an in-home caregiver who will take care of you as you age.

3. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

If your energy bills have been skyrocketing in the recent past, time is ripe for you to apply for LIHEAP. The good news is that this program will help you weatherize your home and thus offer much-needed help as far as your monthly energy bills are concerned. As long as you meet the requirements, the program mentioned above will cover the following:

• Heating and cooling expenses
• Energy-related repairs
• Weatherization

4. ReBuild Together

The program mentioned above is an affiliate network that offers more than 10000 home repairs annually. Like the other programs mentioned above, this one provides these services to senior citizens from low-income families.

Rebuild Together are able to get vital repairs and renovation of their homes. Besides this, they can get energy efficiency upgrades in their homes. As a result, seniors can live in a comfortable home and thus age gracefully.

5. Section 504 Home Repair Program

As we speak, the Section 504 Program mentioned above is funded by the U.S Department of Agriculture. You will note that it offers a plethora of loans and grants to seniors from low-income families. After that, they will use the money given to modify and modernize their current homes. Besides repairing and modernizing homes, these loans can be used to eliminate health hazards at home. Some good examples include black mold and asbestos.

6. Local contractor Discounts

If your loved one does not qualify for the programs mentioned above but still needs financial assistance to repair or modify his or her house, you can contact your local contractor directly. The good news is that many private companies can offer repair or renovation services at a discounted price. This way, you will be able to get the value for your hard-earned money.

7. Insurance

Some seniors have been able to insure their homes against various risks. From fire to floods, there are many risks that one can ensure his or her home against. Although most insurance companies do not cover many upgrades, they might be able to pay for common home repairs. If the senior has a home warranty, he can use it to make his claim. However, every home warranty is different in its own way. Some of the common issues covered here include:

• HVAC systems
• Electrical systems
• Rood repair
• Kitchen appliances

If the senior had taken a long-term insurance cover, be sure that all the above-mentioned home repairs will be well-taken care of. Consequently, these seniors will be able to live comfortably in their homes.

8. Habitat for Humanity

The Habitat for Humanity charity organization mentioned above usually helps seniors do several repairs in their homes. As long as the senior in question comes from a low-income family, he or she can benefit from this charity.

All you need to do is visit your local affiliate charity near you and then express your desire for renovation work. Besides carrying out renovation works, this charity also builds affordable housing for seniors from low-income families.

See More: How To Get Habitat For Humanity Cars For Single Moms

9. Catholic charities

Most people in need have benefited immensely from Catholic charities. Seniors are not an exception as they too can benefit from these charity organizations. The above-mentioned charity group has networks all over the country.

Therefore, seniors can contact their nearest offices and get the much-needed home repair services. All these efforts are geared towards eliminating people from the streets, thus enabling them to have decent and comfortable homes.

10. Samaritans Purse

The Samaritans Purse charity group is faith-based and usually helps seniors do home repairs due to natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and so forth. Therefore, if any of these disasters damaged your home, this charity will help you rebuild it.

11. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

The agency mentioned above usually helps families that have encountered disasters in the recent past. Whether your home experienced an earthquake or was damaged by floods, this agency will be able to help you rebuild it. Beneficiaries here are able to get the much-needed money in the form of grants to repair the damages caused by the disasters mentioned above. The agency also offers temporary housing to the affected families.

Finally, FEMA caters to the housing needs of veterans or seniors through the Special Housing Adaptation and Adapted Housing Program. The two programs mentioned above help seniors to renovate or even repair their homes the way they please. Also, disabled seniors benefit from this program as they are able to get ramps and lifts that they can use in those houses. Consequently, they are able to become more independent in life.

Difference Between Free Home Repair Programs And Home Loan Rehabilitation Programs

As the name suggests, Free Home Repair programs aim at repairing or modifying the homes of different seniors free of charge. However, the Home Loan Rehabilitation program is actually a typical loan awarded to qualified seniors at low interest rates. Sometimes, these loans are offered at zero interest rates. After that, seniors can now use the money to repair or modify their homes the way they please. Generally, the latter is not a grant and thus has to be refunded.

Final Recap

It is no secret that home repair can be a daunting and expensive task for senior citizens. Since these individuals need to live in decent homes during their golden or sunset years, there is a need for them to seek assistance from the organizations mentioned above and charity groups. By contacting these organizations, they will enjoy free home repairs and thus make their homes more habitable. Consider the above-mentioned organizations and charity groups today, and you senior will age gracefully in a comfortable home.