Massachusetts Home Modification Funding Programs
Posted on by John Burfield
Home access modifications are essential for many people who have limited mobility due to traumatic injury, progressive illness or aging. These types of adaptations allow many people stay in their current homes and live as independently as possible. Unfortunately, most health insurance policies and Medicare do not typically cover common home modifications such as ramps, stair lifts, wheelchair lifts, and accessible bathing systems.
However, if you live in the state of Massachusetts, you may be eligible for the funding programs outlined below. Lifeway Mobility has experience working with clients that utilize these types of funding sources. Here is a case study about one of our clients who used the Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program.
If you have questions about what your funding options may be, feel free to contact our Lifeway Mobility office serving Greater Boston.
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) Home Modification Resources
Vocational Rehabilitation Program
The Rehabilitation Technology Department’s Adaptive Housing Program at MRC serves consumers with disabilities who are pursuing vocational/employment goals with needs for home modification. Contact: Eugene Blumkin (617)-204-3721 or Eugene.Blumkin@state.ma.us
Independent Living Center: Title VII Part B
In Massachusetts, federal money from Title VII Part B funding is made available to many of the Independent Living Centers (ILC) in Massachusetts for the purchase of equipment and services to assist people to maintain or achieve independence. For more information, please contact a regional ILC or contact MRC at (617)-204-3628
Home Modification Loan Program
The Home Modification Loan Program provides low- and no-interest loans to modify the homes of elders, adults and children with disabilities. Such home modifications allow individuals with disabilities to remain in their homes and live independently in their communities. Any homeowner who has a disability or has a household member who has a disability, or rents to an individual with a disability may apply for this loan. Contact: Susan Gillam at 1-866-500-5599 or via email at sgillam@cedac.org or visit the website for more information www.mass.gov/mrc/hmlp.
The Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP)
The Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP) provides low-interest loans to qualified people with disabilities and their families to purchase assistive technology devices and services that will help them lead more independent lives. If you are not financially eligible for home modifications under the HMLP, you may be able to apply to the ATLP. Contact: Leonidas Tonevski at 1-800-244-2756 ext.428 or 431 TTY 1-800-564-9700 or www.massatloan.org
Other Massachusetts Agencies with Home Modification Resources
Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Individuals eligible for services for the Department of Developmental Services may be eligible to receive adaptive housing services through the Family Support Program. For more information contact your regional DDS office or visit www.mass.gov/dds.
Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF)
The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund was established by legislation in 2000 to help families bear the excessive financial burdens associated with the care of children with special health care needs and disabilities. For more information, call Division for Special Health Needs Community Support Line at 1-800-882-1435 or go to www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/family-health/cicrf
Mass Housing, Home Improvement Loan Program
Mass Housing is the state's affordable housing bank. They lend money at rates below the conventional market to support affordable rental and home ownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents of Massachusetts. The Home Improvement Loan Program provides funds to make general, non-luxury improvements to your property, which include necessary home modifications. www.masshousing.com 617-854-1000
Regional Organizations with Home Modification Resources
Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit organization, using community resources and volunteers to provide free home modifications and repairs for elders and individuals with disabilities. www.rebuildingtogether.org The following communities in Massachusetts have local Rebuilding Together chapters:
- Boston: 617-971-0058
- Worcester: 413-283-6709
- Haverhill: 978-469-0800
Disability Specific Organizations
These organizations offer a range of resources and may or may not have resources specifically related to home modifications.
Muscular Dystrophy Association at www.mda.org
- Greater Boston - Boston (617) 368-9155
- Central Mass. - Westboro (508) 898-3375
- Northeast - Beverly (978) 720-2800
Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter
www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/MAM (800) 344-4467
Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England
www.sbagreaterne.org. (888) 479-1900
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)
- UCP of the Berkshires www.ucpberkshire.org
- Pittsfield (413) 442-1562
- North Adams (413) 664-9345
- UCP of Metro Boston www.ucpboston.org
- Watertown (617)-926-5480
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association of MA
www.als-ma.org 781-255-8884 or 888-287-3257
American Heart and Stroke Association
www.americanheart.org 781-373-4500
www.strokeassociation.org
American Parkinson’s Disease Association
www.apdama.org/wcms 617-638-8466
Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts
www.biama.org 508-475-0032 or 800-242-0030
Federation for Children with Special Needs
www.fcsn.org 617-236-7210 or 800-331-0688
Source: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/hmlp-resources-and-links