The Home Adaptation for Seniors’ Independence Program provides financial assistance for people aged 65 or older, on low incomes, who need to make minor adaptations to their house or apartment in order to continue to live there safely and independently.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for the Program if:

• You are 65 years of age or older
• You find it difficult to perform certain everyday activities in your home
• Your total household income does not exceed certain maximum admissible levels that vary according to the number of people living with you and the municipality in which you live

Other conditions may apply.

Available assistance

Financial assistance takes the form of a grant of up to:

• $3,500 if you have the work done by a contractor who holds the appropriate licences from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec
• 
  $1,750 if the work is not done by a licensed contractor. In such cases, only the price of materials and equipment will be considered

Admissible work

Work is admissible if it helps to relieve the difficulties you experience in performing certain everyday activities in your home – for example:

• installing a handrail along a corridor or staircase
• installing grab bars near the bathtub, and installing faucets or handles that are easier to use
• installing switches or electrical outlets in practical locations

Costs incurred to purchase, maintain or repair aids to mobility, such as wheelchairs and walkers, do not qualify for support.

Applications

The Société d’habitation du Québec entrusts the management of this Program to the municipalities and regional county municipalities (RCMs).

Steps in the application process

1. Contact your municipality or RCM to see whether you qualify for the Program. You will be told which documents are needed to complete your file.
2. If you qualify for the Program, a representative from the municipality or RCM will visit your home to help you to identify your needs and complete your application for assistance. He or she will then draw up a list of admissible work.
3. You must wait for authorization from the municipality or RCM before beginning the work.
4. The grant will be paid when the work has been completed and the municipal or RCM inspector has checked to make sure it has been performed correctly.

For further information

Please contact your municipality or RCM , or the Société d'habitation du Québec.