Funding:
Grants of up to $20,000 are available for homeowners and renters. At least 50% of the work needs to be accessibility-related; the remaining funds can be used for other life-safety and health repairs.
Homeowners: assistance is structured as a 0%-interest forgivable loan with no monthly payments. Grants are forgiven 1/60th each month (fully forgiven after 5 years in the home).
Renters: the property owner must agree to the improvements and commit to keeping the unit available for a low-income senior or person with a disability for at least 5 years. The grant is fully forgiven at the completion of the 5-year period.
Home Accessibility Program grants may also be paired with CPAH’s Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation grant program.
Eligible improvements:
- Ramps
- Lifts
- Accessibility improvements to kitchens and bathrooms
- Flooring
- Widening doorways
- Grab bars
- Other accessibility, health and safety improvements
Key eligibility criteria:
- Assistance is available to homeowners and renters living anywhere in Lake County or Evanston
- Property value limits apply: $276,000 for Cook County and $271,000 for Lake County
- At least one member of the household must be 62 years old or older or have a disability which substantially limits one or more major life activities
- Renters must get full cooperation from the property owner
- Homeowners and tenants must use the home as their principal residence
- Annual GROSS household income (i.e. the combined pre-tax income from all sources for all members of the household) cannot exceed the below limits. Income limits are based on household size.
Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
80% AMI | $58,350 | $66,700 | $75,050 | $83,350 | $90,050 | $96,700 | $103,400 | $110,050 |
How to apply:
Please call 847.263.7478 ext. 10 for a pre-screening to determine potential eligibility.