Access-A-Home Program

The Access-A-Home Program provides assistance to people who must adapt their homes for wheelchair use. The amount of assistance depends upon income. The maximum grant available is $5,000. The grant does not have to be repaid.

Eligibility

Participants must meet the following criteria:

• They be limited to a wheelchair by reason of a long-term disability or have a member of his or her immediate family limited to a wheelchair by reason of a long-term disability
• They must be expected to become limited to a wheelchair by reason of long-term disability within six months of the date of application, have a member of his or her immediate family be expected to become limited to a wheelchair by reason of a long-term disability within six months of the date of application, and provide proof by way of medical documentation of this likelihood
• The housing unit must be the principal place of residence of the individual limited to a wheelchair
• They must provide written approval of the owner, if the participant is not the owner of the housing unit
• They must have an annual income, as defined herein, of less than or equal to $39,000.00

Eligible properties

Any existing family residential housing unit is eligible provided

• It is occupied as the permanent residence of the participant
• It contains architectural barriers which restrict the use of a wheelchair

Eligible alternations

• Additions and alterations shall be related to housing and shall be permanently installed, and improve access to the housing unit and/or basic facilities within the dwelling and/or increase the safety of the person limited to a wheelchair.
• Eligible costs include materials, labour and related costs and taxes.

Ineligible alternations

• Any alterations carried out prior to approval of assistance are not eligible.
• Supportive care related items and special equipment required for therapeutic purposes whether permanently fixed or not, and portable appliances and aids are not eligible for funding.
• Repairs, alterations or adaptations not related to the use of a wheelchair are not eligible.

Next steps

Contact the nearest Housing Services office of the Department of Community Services.

Related information

• Access-A-Home policy (PDF)