Private and Government Home Modification Resources

Illinois Programs

Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) - We provide services to help individuals with disabilities become more independent.
Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) - The University of Illinois at Chicago, Division of Specialized Care for Children provides home modification and assistive technology services and serves children under 21 years old with certain chronic physical disabilities and health impairments through 13 regional offices.
Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) - To provides services and supports that will help you live more independently in your home.
IATP ATLOAN$ - The Program is restricted to Illinois residents with disabilities, 18 years and older. The loan can be used to purchase assistive technology devices and limited home modifications. ATLOAN$ can range from $250 to $30,000.00.
Trust Fund Home Modification Program - Under the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), $2 million was made available for funding to local government agencies and non-profit organizations for providing accessibility modifications and addressing related health and safety issues for income eligible elderly persons and for persons with disabilities.

Plan For Achieving Self-Support (PASS) program assists individuals who are receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income) to set aside resources towards an approved plan for achieving self-support without impacting SSI benefits. This plan will cover home modifications and assistive technology through a SSI savings plan.
Home Improvement Structural Alterations (HISA) - Administered by the Department of Veterans Hospitals. Eligibility requires that the veteran has been hospitalized at a Veteran"s Hospital within one year of the application date and that the accessibility modification or equipment requested be deemed medically necessary.
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) - The FHA has two loan guarantee programs. These programs can provide direct loans at below market interest rates, low down payments or financed closing costs. These loans can be used for the purchase or rehabilitation of residence. The program will also loan up to 80% of the repaired value of the home, making it useful for an individual or family that chooses to make accessibility improvements in a new home.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development - USDA services are available for communities with up to 10,000 residents. Applicants can receive up to $20,000 in low interest loans and/or up to $7,500 in grant funds. There are age and income requirements.

Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) - The HomeMod Program, assists with homes occupied by Chicago residents with disabilities 59 years of age or younger, may be modified with accessible features such as ramps, lifts, widened doorways, accessible kitchens, bathrooms with assistive technology devices, and other alterations. The cost of the modifications per household may not exceed $10,000.
Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors (SARFS) - SARFS is for Chicago seniors who earn no more than 80 percent of the area's medium income and are at least 60 years of age. Qualified recipients may be owners or renters residing in a one- to four-unit building (a renter must have permission from the landlord and the landlord needs to certify that he or she will not increase the rent as a direct result of SARFS improvements).

Rebuilding Together (formerly Christmas in April) - This volunteer-based organization provides help with home rehabilitation, repair, and improvement for low-income homeowners. They have over 300 sponsors around the country. Rebuilding Together provides services nationwide. Certain areas are selected, and 90% of modifications are done on the last Saturday in April. Contact the affiliate in your area to learn about upcoming workdays.
E-Z Access Loan - The Amalgamated Bank of Chicago provides loans for individuals with disabilities and businesses that are seeking to comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. The Bank provides loans at lower rates. They lend as little as $500 for over a 12 month period and up to 60 months for larger purchases.
Ramp Up Foundation (United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Chicago) - The UCP Ramp Up program receives grants for ramp construction and home modification. The goal is to provide assistance to those who cannot pay privately.
Wells Fargo Housing Foundation (WFHF) - The WFHF provides funding to nonprofit housing organizations that provide permanent supportive housing to adults living with disabilities. The foundation will support a specific program or project such as down payment and closing cost subsidies, housing predevelopments, construction or rehabilitation costs and employment or career development programs.