There are very few people without financial concerns. When you own a home, those concerns often weigh heavy at the best of times, let alone after a spinal cord injury. Often I've heard people say that it's when you leave the hospital that the REAL rehab even begins. I mean, how are you going to negotiate that uneven walkway at your house, and wouldn't it be easier if the bathroom on the main floor was accessible?
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If you are not moving, there is a very good chance that your home may need modification - and the Community Services department of the Government of Nova Scotia wants to help you get those modifications completed by providing grants to eligible households.'
Whoa whoa, I know - Eligible. Always a catch.
Depending on your total household income, you *may* be eligible for one of two grants that I will review with you today.
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The grants are:
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OK, so how do they work?
1. The Disabled Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Homeowners is an up to $16,000 forgivable loan that is intended to help low income homeowners make needed repairs or home modifications. Ramp construction and installation, for example, would qualify. The income limit is dependent on home location and applicants household size - which means if you are part of a household with one working member, an injured spouse, and you also have to support two children, your income limit might have a greater allowance than a household with a single person with no dependants. OH, and you might also be wondering about that forgivable loan part (as was I). In this instance, if you received the grant, used the loan to renovate, then moved - you need to pay back the loan as you basically just made money off of it. However, if you use the loan and do not move for the required amount of years then it will be forgiven - will not require you to pay it back. And I believe we are talking less than 10yrs, but again each case varies. Also - currently the income limit, for HRM in 2011, is up to or less than $29 000 - but again, this limit varies considerably depending on your own personal situation.
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2. Access-A-Home Program.
This program is a $5000 grant, and the income limit for eligibility, in the HRM in 2011, generally starts around $39,000 (again, can vary significantly, this just to provide an idea). This program is also specific to individuals who must adapt their home to facilitate wheelchair use. The way this program works, once you have completed the application, is an inspector will visit your home and provide specifications that you (the home owner) will then take to two contractors of your choice to receive quotes. And I believe the inspector will ensure that construction meets the specifications prior to releasing the funds for payment - that is why it is crucial that NO construction begins prior to having the inspector set specifications, otherwise the grant will not be provided. In a similar situation, construction that does not meet the inspector set specifications will not be funded. Again, more information is available on the website.
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Finally, a note about the paperwork.
Applications are often lengthy processes, that take a considerable amount of time and effort. Often this process may seem both daunting and intimidating. That being said, the end product is making your home safe and accessible so you can function independently once you leave the hospital. If you need to seek help to complete these applications; your local housing office should be able to help answer questions and you may already be working with a social worker or occupational therapist who are familiar with this sort of thing.
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There are likely other funding options out there if you do not qualify for these.
Don't be afraid to contact involved parties, ask questions and network to find out what other resources are out there.
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