You May Not Have to Pay Out of Pocket
Grants, VA benefits, Medicaid programs, and state assistance can cover grab bars, ramps, stair lifts, and walk-in showers, at little or no cost to you.
Programs That May Cover Your Home Modifications
We serve Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia. Each area has its own set of programs. Federal programs apply to all three.
VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
The largest single funding source available anywhere. Veterans with service-connected disabilities can receive up to $126,526 to modify their home for accessibility, covering everything DMV Accessibility installs. See our full veterans guide →
- Wheelchair ramps
- Walk-in showers & bathroom remodels
- Stair lifts & grab bars
- Doorway widening
USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program
The USDA provides grants up to $10,000 for elderly low-income homeowners in rural and semi-rural areas to remove health and safety hazards, which explicitly includes accessibility modifications. Much of Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia qualifies.
- Grab bars & safety modifications
- Wheelchair ramps
- Accessibility hazard removal
Long-Term Care Insurance
Many long-term care insurance policies include home modification benefits. If your loved one has a policy, review it carefully: grab bars, ramps, and bathroom modifications are commonly covered as "home care" benefits.
- Bathroom safety modifications
- Grab bars & handrails
- Ramps and accessibility aids
Accessible Homes for Seniors
The Maryland DHCD provides grants up to $25,000 and 0% interest deferred loans for seniors who need accessibility modifications: grab bars, ramps, walk-in showers, and widened doorways.
Apply Through Maryland DHCD →- Maryland resident, age 55 or older
- Own and occupy the home
- Income under 80% of area median
- Home structurally sound
- No outstanding federal/state tax liens
Call DHCD: (301) 429-7409 or contact your local Maryland Access Point
Medicaid HCBS Waiver
Maryland's Medicaid Home & Community-Based Services waiver program can cover home modifications for eligible individuals with disabilities or seniors who need help staying at home.
- Grab bars & railings
- Walk-in showers
- Wheelchair ramps
- Stair lifts (select waivers)
Maryland Assistive Technology Loan Program
The Maryland Department of Disabilities offers low-interest loans for home modifications and assistive technology, a good option for those who don't qualify for grants.
- Home modifications
- Assistive technology
- Accessibility equipment
Maryland Access Point (MAP)
Not sure what you qualify for? Maryland Access Point is a free statewide service that connects seniors and individuals with disabilities to every local funding program. One call does it all.
- Identifying all local programs
- Applying for grants & loans
- Connecting to county resources
DHCD Single Family Rehabilitation — Accessibility Grant
The DC Department of Housing and Community Development provides grants up to $30,000 for accessibility modifications that remove physical barriers within a home: the highest accessibility grant amount in the entire DMV service area.
Apply Through DC DHCD →- Wheelchair ramps & lifts
- Walk-in shower conversions
- Grab bars & handrails
- Doorway & hallway widening
- Bathroom accessibility remodels
Call DC DHCD: (202) 442-7200 (TTY: 711) to start the process
Safe at Home Program
DC's Department on Aging and Community Living (DACL) provides free, in-home preventative adaptations to eligible DC residents, at no cost to the homeowner or renter.
- Grab bars & handrails
- Stair lifts
- Bathtub cuts (tub-to-shower)
- Shower seats
Call intake: (202) 724-5626
DC Area Agency on Aging — Home Support
DACL administers multiple programs for DC seniors beyond Safe at Home, including home care coordination, caregiver support, and referrals to the SFRRP accessibility grant.
- Identifying DC funding options
- SFRRP grant applications
- Safe at Home referrals
- Caregiver support resources
DC Aging Hotline: (202) 724-5622
Granting Freedom — VA Military Home Modification Grant
A partnership between the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. Applications open January 1 – April 30 each year. See our full veterans guide →
- Wheelchair ramps
- Walk-in showers
- Grab bars & railings
- Doorway widening
Emergency Home & Accessibility Repair Program (EHARP)
Virginia's DHCD funds local administrators to make physical repairs that improve housing conditions and address accessibility barriers. Homeowners and renters are both eligible.
- Wheelchair ramps
- Grab bars & shower seats
- Accessibility barrier removal
- Urgent health & safety repairs
Virginia Livable Home Tax Credit (LHTC)
Virginia offers a state income tax credit of up to 50% of the cost of retrofitting an existing home with accessibility features, capped at $5,000.
- Accessible entrances & ramps
- Doorway & hallway widening
- Accessible bathroom modifications
- Roll-in showers
CCC Plus Medicaid Waiver — Home Modifications
Virginia's Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus waiver provides home modifications for Medicaid-eligible individuals who meet a nursing facility level of care but choose to remain at home.
- Grab bars & railings
- Wheelchair ramps
- Walk-in shower conversions
- Bathroom safety modifications
VHDA Rental Unit Accessibility Modification Grant
If you rent your home in Virginia, you're not left out. VHDA offers accessibility grants up to $6,000 specifically for renters with disabilities.
- Grab bars & ramps
- Shower & bathroom modifications
- Other independent living modifications
Virginia DARS & Area Agency on Aging
DARS and local Area Agencies on Aging connect Northern Virginia seniors and people with disabilities to all available local resources, similar to Maryland's MAP program.
- Identifying all local programs
- Grant & waiver applications
- Connecting to county resources
We Help You Navigate the Process
Most contractors just give you a quote. We go further: during your free assessment, our specialist helps identify which funding programs you may qualify for, whether you're in Maryland, DC, or Northern Virginia.
Free Assessment
We visit your home and identify what modifications are needed. No charge, no obligation.
Funding Review
We discuss your age, veteran status, income, insurance, and state, then point you to programs you likely qualify for.
Clear Quote
You receive an itemized quote priced with grant funding in mind, so you know your real out-of-pocket cost.
Fast Installation
Most projects complete within 1–3 days. You approve everything before we leave.
Important Note About Program Eligibility
DMV Accessibility does not administer these programs and cannot guarantee eligibility or approval. Program availability, funding amounts, and requirements change frequently. We recommend contacting your local resource agency (Maryland Access Point, DC DACL, or Virginia DARS) before applying. Our role is to make you aware of your options. The rest is between you and the program administrators.