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Home Renovation

There is limited assistance in helping to pay for home renovations; eligible individuals and families may be able to obtain some help from the following programs:

  • The Department of Veterans Affairs can provide low-interest loans to veterans to modify their homes. Call the Veterans Helpline at 1-800-827-1000 for information.
  • The Paralyzed Veterans of America (800-786-2039) may offer funds for home modifications including ramps, bathroom renovations, grab bars and lowering of counters, as well as prosthetic limbs and medical equipment. Applicants must meet financial eligibility guidelines, but do not have to be veterans.
  • The Assistive Technology Guaranteed Loan Program (410-554-9233 or 800-832-4827) can offer low-interest loans for home modifications and assistive devices for disabled people.
  • The Medicaid Waiver program can provide funds for home renovation for eligible individuals. Consult with the Baltimore County Medicaid Waiver office at 410-887-8739 or the local Senior Information and Assistance office for the number elsewhere in Maryland.

Reverse Mortgages

Frequently, seniors are “house rich but cash poor.” A reverse mortgage, also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, is a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) loan program that allows homeowners age 62 or older, with little or no mortgage, to borrow against the equity in their home. The money can be used for any purpose, including home improvements, medical costs or other living expenses. The amount that can be borrowed is based on one's age, the interest rate of the loan, and the value of the home. The older a person is, the more he or she can borrow (based on a percentage of the value of the home). Owners of condominiums and mobile homes are also eligible to apply for a reverse mortgage.

Reverse mortgages are most beneficial to seniors in their 70's and 80's, who will get a higher payment based on their age. However, for those receiving Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, food stamps and other programs based on income eligibility, the payments could affect continued eligibility for these programs.

A lien is placed on the house, but the owner still owns it. An applicant must attend a session with a HUD-approved counselor to make sure this is an appropriate choice. If approved, the homeowner can receive money in monthly payments or as a line of credit. You or your loved one will not have to repay the loan until you move or sell the home, or upon the borrower's death.

Home Equity Loans

With a regular home equity loan or second mortgage, you must have enough income to qualify for the loan, and you must make monthly mortgage payments to repay the loan. If you are not able to meet the payment plan, you face the possibility of losing your home.

Baltimore County Programs

Baltimore County offers a few programs that may help pay for home modifications. The local Senior Information and Assistance office in other counties and in Baltimore City can direct you to similar programs in other areas of the state.

  • The Baltimore County Housing Rehabilitation Program (410-887-3124) can provide low interest loans; payments may be deferred until you no longer live in the home, or can be repaid over 20 years. The program covers accessibility modifications, interior and exterior deficiency corrections and elimination of safety hazards. You must meet income eligibility criteria.
  • The Baltimore County Department of Aging (410-887-2594) may have small subsidies available for minor home repairs for eligible county residents age 60 or over.

Important Tax Note: The Internal Revenue Service may allow you to deduct equipment, furnishings and permanent changes for access to your home as medical expenses, if done through a doctor's prescription.