Program Description
The New York RESTORE program, Residential Emergency Services to Offer (Home) Repairs to the Elderly, is an assistance program for low-income, elderly homeowners in the state of New York. This program was designed to eliminate unsafe conditions in the home where the homeowner cannot afford the cost of emergency repairs within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the local program administrator.
The New York RESTORE program covers a variety of repairs, including structural, electrical, plumbing, and heating. “Hazardous” conditions should not be limited to faulty wires and leaky roofs. Measures to improve accessibility, such as grab bars and wheelchair ramps, may also be covered under this program. As can other improvements, such as the replacement of appliances, intended to help the elderly remain living independently and safely in their homes.
The RESTORE program is regulated by the Division of Housing Community Renewal (DHCR) and is administered by non-for-profit organizations and New York municipalities that apply and receive funding from The Housing Trust Fund Corporation. This program is available in all counties of New York.
Eligibility Guidelines
In order to be eligible for the New York RESTORE program, both individual and home requirements must be met.
Individual Requirements:
- Applicant must be at least 60 years of age
- Applicant must be a resident of New York
- As of 2022, an applicant’s income must be less than 100% of the regional average for their geographic location. This means that in the urban areas of New York, especially around New York City, such as in New York County and Richmond County, single individuals with income less than approximately $93,400 should be eligible. In the rural areas of the state, such as in Hamilton County and Schuyler County, average incomes are less. Applicants with an annual income less than approximately $79,200 should qualify for this program.
At this time, assets are not considered an eligibility factor. Nor is the value of the home.
Home Requirements:
- Must be a one to four unit residence. This includes mobile homes.
- Applicant must own the home; renters are not eligible.
- Applicant must be up to date with paying property taxes and insurance.
- Applicant must reside in the home.
- The home condition must pose a threat to the safety, health, or life of the applicant.
Benefits and Services
The benefits outlined in this program are restorations within eligible one to four unit residences. As of 2022, the amount of funding available is capped at $20,000 per residence. Up to 10% of the awarded amount may go to cover the cost of administrative fees and an additional 10% may go toward project delivery fees. Home modifications may include the following:
Long Term Care Solutions – these can include a number of modifications and repairs to help ensure home and / or health safety of the applicant such as:
- Wheelchair ramps
- Grab bars in the bathroom
- Door modifications to allow enough room for a wheelchair or walker to easily pass
- Reparation or modification of flooring, decks, and porches to make them wheelchair accessible
- Walk-in bathtub in the bathroom
- Hand railings on staircases or reparation of broken stairs
- Chair lift
- Appliances
Home Structural Deficiencies – such as:
- Foundation, roofs, and gutters
- Heating, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, and air conditioning (replacement or repair)
- Windows, screens, and doors (repair and replacement)
- Painting (interior and exterior)
Each home modification needs to be approved in advance by the program administrators.
Did You Know? New York seniors are eligible for free quotes on home modifications, which enable aging in place, such as walk-in tubs and stair lifts.
How to Apply / Learn More
The New York RESTORE program is administered by a number of non-for-profit organizations and New York municipalities. To determine RESTORE program administrators in your vicinity, contact the Division of Housing Community Renewal (DHCR) at 1-866-ASK-DHCR (275-3427). Waiting lists may exist.
For additional information on the RESTORE program, click here or download a program administrator manual. While the manual is not meant for a consumer audience, it does contain a lot of information about the RESTORE program.
