Home Accessibility Funding Options in 2026: Grants, VA Benefits, and State Programs
February 12, 2026
Paying for home accessibility upgrades can feel overwhelming. In 2026, there are more home accessibility funding options than many families realize—but they’re spread across federal programs, VA benefits, Medicaid waivers, state initiatives, and nonprofit resources. There are so many places to look, how would anyone know where to find these resources, never mind the appropriate avenue for each person’s specific case?
Below, we’ve outlined multiple resources to help you get a head start on finding which is the best avenue for you or your loved one to explore for home modification grants. Whether you’re a senior aging in place, a caregiver planning ahead, or a veteran exploring benefits, this article helps you identify the fastest path to action—and shows how funding sources can often be combined.
What Funding Can Mean for Home Accessibility
Home accessibility funding generally falls into a few main categories:
- Grants and benefits (money that does not need to be repaid)
- Waivers and public programs (often tied to Medicaid or aging services)
- Low-interest loans and financing
- Nonprofit and community assistance
- State and local repair or modification programs
Availability, eligibility, and covered improvements vary by location and program.
Home Modifications vs. Medical Equipment
Many funding rules depend on this distinction:
- Home modifications: structural or permanent changes to the home
(e.g., door widening, roll-in showers, ramps, stair or level-change access) - Medical equipment: devices used by an individual
(e.g., walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds)
Most accessibility solutions fall into the home modification category, which is why coverage varies widely.
Best First Calls to Make
If you’re unsure where to start, these are often the fastest first steps:
- Department of Veterans Affairs (if applicable)
- State Medicaid office or HCBS waiver intake line
- Local Area Agency on Aging
- State Assistive Technology Loan Program
VA Benefits for Home Modifications
For eligible veterans, VA programs are often the strongest funding pathway for accessibility improvements.
VA Home Modification Grants to Know
HISA Grant (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations)
- For medically necessary home modifications
- Available to veterans with qualifying service-connected or non-service-connected conditions
SAH Grant (Specially Adapted Housing)
- For veterans with specific service-connected disabilities
- Can support major structural changes or new construction
SHA Grant (Special Housing Adaptation)
- For veterans with qualifying mobility or vision impairments
Temporary Residence Adaptation Grant
- Helps modify a family member’s home where the veteran is temporarily residing
Commonly Covered Projects
- Roll-in showers and accessible bathrooms
- Widened doorways and hallways
- Ramps and entry modifications
- Kitchen accessibility changes
- Stair and level-change improvements
VA Application Readiness Checklist
- Medical justification or prescription
- Photos of the area to be modified
- Contractor bids or estimates
- Proof of homeownership or landlord permission
Preparing these documents early can significantly reduce delays.
Medicaid and HCBS Waivers That May Cover Home Modifications
Many states offer Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers designed to help individuals remain safely at home instead of entering institutional care.
What to Know About Medicaid Home Modifications
- Coverage varies by state and by waiver type
- Prior authorization is often required
- Modifications must support health, safety, or independence
How to Start the Process
- Contact your state Medicaid office or waiver intake line
- Ask specifically whether home modifications are covered
- Request documentation requirements and approval timelines
Tips to Speed Approval
- Obtain a home safety or occupational therapy assessment
- Prioritize high-risk areas (stairs, bathrooms, entrances)
- Submit itemized, contractor-ready estimates
Federal and National Programs That Can Help in 2026
USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program
This program assists eligible very-low-income homeowners with:
- Repairs and improvements
- Removal of health and safety hazards
- Accessibility-related modifications
Availability and funding levels vary by location, and applications are typically handled through local USDA offices.
Where National Programs Are Often Accessed
Many federal and national initiatives are administered locally. Check with:
- City or county housing departments
- Community development agencies
- Regional housing nonprofits
State and Local Home Modification Programs
Many states, counties, and cities offer state home modification programs for seniors, people with disabilities, or income-eligible homeowners.
How to Find Programs Quickly
Search by:
- State + “home modification program”
- County or city + “senior home repair”
- State aging or housing finance agency
Common Eligibility Filters
- Age or disability status
- Income limits
- Primary residence and homeownership
- Approved contractor lists
- Program waitlists
Assistive Technology Financing and Low-Interest Loan Options
When grant timelines are slow—or when a project is urgent—financing may be the most practical option.
Assistive Technology Loan Programs
Many states offer assistive technology loan programs that:
- Provide low-interest financing
- May cover accessibility upgrades
- Are often administered through nonprofit partners
When Financing Makes Sense
- Immediate safety concerns
- Predictable monthly payments preferred
- Partial funding needed to supplement grants
Nonprofits and Community Programs That Provide Modifications
Local nonprofits often focus on preventive, safety-driven modifications, especially for fall prevention.
What Nonprofits Commonly Cover
- Grab bars and railings
- Small ramps
- Lighting improvements
- Minor accessibility repairs
These programs often have waitlists and service-area limits, so early application is key.
What Is Typically Not Covered (and Common Misconceptions)
Many accessibility upgrades are not considered covered medical equipment.
- Coverage varies widely across programs
- Medicare Advantage and private plans differ by carrier
- Always confirm directly with the program or insurer
Simple Call Script to Use
“Can you tell me whether home modifications—such as accessibility upgrades for stairs or level changes—are covered under this program, and what documentation is required?”
How to Choose the Right Funding Path Based on Your Situation
Decision Flow
- Veteran: Start with VA benefits
- Medicaid-eligible: Ask about HCBS waiver coverage
- Low-income homeowner: Check USDA Section 504 and local grants
- Not eligible: Explore financing, nonprofits, and state programs
Prioritization Framework
- Safety
- Independence
- Comfort and convenience
Funding Stack Examples
- Local minor repair grant + financing for larger accessibility upgrades
- VA benefits + out-of-pocket funding for non-covered items
- Nonprofit safety modifications + long-term accessibility planning
How Harmar Supports Accessibility Planning
Pollock helps families plan for long-term independence by focusing on home access solutions that remove barriers between floors and mobility lifts to help transport mobility devices safely.
Through professional assessments and documentation-ready quotes, Harmar certified dealers can help support funding readiness by:
- Evaluating home layout and mobility needs
- Identifying appropriate accessibility solutions
- Providing clear estimates suitable for grant and benefit applications
Accessibility Solutions May Include
- Residential home elevators
- Stairlifts (curved and straight rail solutions)
- Ramps
- Vertical platform lifts
Questions to Ask During a Home Assessment
- Which areas of the home pose the greatest accessibility risk?
- What solutions support both current and future mobility needs?
- What documentation is typically required for funding applications?
- How can improvements be phased over time?
Final Thoughts on Accessibility Funding in 2026
Home accessibility funding in 2026 doesn’t have to be confusing—but it does require a clear roadmap. By understanding available programs, preparing documentation early, and combining funding sources where appropriate, families can move forward with confidence.
With thoughtful planning and the right accessibility solutions, aging in place isn’t just possible—it’s sustainable.
Are you ready to learn more about how you can make your home more accessible? Contact a local Harmar certified dealer today!
