RI Livable Home Modification Grants

RI Livable Home Modification Grants

Administrator: RI Governor's Commission on Disabilities

Purpose: Provides funding to assist homeowners and renters in retrofitting (adapting) homes or apartments to nationally recognized accessibility standards.

Award Details: The grant reimburses 50% of the cost of modifying homes and apartments, up to a total of $5,000.

Geographic Scope: Rhode Island

Focus Areas:

Accessibility modifications to allow individuals with disabilities to remain safely and independently in their homes

Prevents displacement to costly long-term care facilities

Modifications include chair lifts, ramps, accessible bathrooms and kitchens

Eligibility Criteria

Income Requirements:

Eligibility is determined by the individual resident with disability's income (not household income) from the prior year

If the resident with disability was not required to file a federal tax return in the prior year, they are automatically eligible

For residents who filed a federal tax return, countable income must not exceed 120% of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's Area Median Income for Rhode Island

Must not be eligible for modifications funded through other local, state/federal programs

Property Requirements:

Applicant must be a homeowner or renter

Retrofitting must include at least one accessibility feature or sensory modification

Allowable Accessibility Modifications

• Accessible route to a zero-step entrance
• Zero-step entrance into residence
• Doors with at least 32 inches of clear width
• Hallways and passages with at least 36 inches of clear width
• Accessible light switches, electrical outlets and environmental controls
• Accessible bathroom
• Accessible and useable kitchen facilities

Allowable Sensory Modifications

• Alarms, appliances and controls designed to assist sensory disabled persons that are structurally integrated into the residential unit
• Must be built-in appliances (permanent installations)
• Removable/reinstallable appliances do not qualify

Timeline Requirements

• Applications must be submitted and received prior to the start of modification activities
• Projects must be completed prior to end of State fiscal year (June 30)
• Post-modification documentation must be submitted no later than July 10 of the same calendar year

Contact: RI Governor's Commission on Disabilities at 401-462-0100