The Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI) program will be available to low-income seniors and people with disabilities over a three-year period from 2012 to 2014.
The federal and provincial governments will contribute a combined total of $5 million a year toward the program.
Program benefits
• Financial assistance of up to $20,000 a home in the form of a forgivable loan. The exact amount is based on the cost of materials and labour required.
• The loan will not need to be paid back if the applicant adheres to program requirements, which include continuing to occupy the home or limiting rent increases for tenants.
• For homeowners, where underlying deficiencies within the home require remediation before adaptations can be successfully completed, further funding assistance up to a maximum of $20,000 a dwelling may be considered. The homeowner will be required to obtain quotes and applicable permits, and an inspection by BC Housing may be required.
Adaptation types
• Examples of eligible adaptations include handrails, access ramps and walk-in showers with grab bars.
• All adaptations should be permanent and fixed to the home. Exceptions can be made for equipment designed to give access to existing basic facilities, such as bath lifts.
Eligibility
Low-income seniors and persons with disabilities living in their own home or in market rental accommodation are eligible for assistance if:
• You are a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant and permanently reside in British Columbia.
• You or any member of your household has a permanent disability or loss of ability that causes difficulty with daily living activities.
• Your total household income and assets are below the limits established.
• The assessed value of your home is less than the limit established for your area.
Tenants in market rental accommodation will be able to apply with the assistance of their landlord.
More information on the program, including eligibility requirements, step-by-step guide and application are available at: www.bchousing.org/HAFI.