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.
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:
Home:
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:
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.
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.