Small home repairs can become a big expense, especially when you’re living on a fixed income. A broken step, unsafe flooring, or another household problem can make it harder to stay safe at home.
The City of Columbus, Ohio, offers a Chores Program that helps eligible older adults and people with physical disabilities pay for minor home repairs related to health and safety.
The program covers eligible repairs costing $2,000 or less, including supplies and labor. You must meet specific age, income, and homeownership requirements to qualify.
Here’s how the program works and how to request help.
What Does the Columbus Chores Program Provide?
The City of Columbus Chores Program helps eligible homeowners address minor repair needs that affect their health or safety.
To qualify, the total cost of an eligible repair must be $2,000 or less, including materials and labor.
The program focuses on smaller repairs that help residents remain safely in their homes. It is not intended for major renovations, cosmetic improvements, or general home remodeling.
The city reviews repair needs to determine whether they meet the program’s requirements.
The $2,000 limit is not a cash payment or guaranteed award. It is the maximum allowable cost of an eligible repair.
Who Qualifies?
The Chores Program serves qualifying homeowners who live within the City of Columbus.
To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age or disability: Be at least 60 years old, or be at least 55 years old with a physical disability.
- Income: Have household income at or below 80% of the area’s median income (AMI).
- Homeownership: Own the home where repairs are needed.
- Residency: Live within the City of Columbus limits.
- Length of occupancy: Have owned and occupied the home for at least one year before applying.
- Repair need: Need a minor repair related to the health or safety of the qualifying older adult or person with a disability.
The program is specifically for City of Columbus residents. Living elsewhere in Franklin County does not automatically make you eligible.
What Are the Income Limits?
The city uses income limits based on household size.
According to the city’s HOME income limits effective June 1, 2026, the maximum annual household incomes at 80% AMI include:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $62,450 |
| 2 people | $71,400 |
| 3 people | $80,300 |
| 4 people | $89,200 |
The limits increase for larger households.
When determining eligibility, household income includes income from all adults ages 18 and older living in the home. Household size includes everyone living there.
For example, if you’re 65 and live with an adult child who works, their income may count toward the household income limit.
You can check the complete, current income chart on the City of Columbus Chores Program page.
Does It Cost Anything?
The Chores Program provides assistance with qualifying minor home repairs, subject to its eligibility requirements and funding.
The city limits eligible repair costs to $2,000, including supplies and labor.
That doesn’t mean every applicant automatically receives $2,000 in repairs or that every requested project will be approved.
Before work begins, ask the program administrator whether your proposed repair qualifies, whether funding is available, and whether you would be responsible for any costs.
If your repair would cost more than $2,000, it falls outside the Chores Program’s stated repair limit.
You can also review the city’s other housing assistance programs to see whether another option might fit your situation. Program availability and application status vary.
How Do You Apply?
LifeCare Alliance is the service contact for the Columbus Chores Program.
You can begin by visiting the LifeCare Alliance referral page, which includes Home Repair Services among its referral options.
Here’s how to get started:
- Review the eligibility requirements. Make sure you meet the age or disability, income, homeownership, and residency rules.
- Describe the repair you need. Explain what is damaged or unsafe and how the problem affects your health or safety.
- Submit a referral or request assistance. Use the LifeCare Alliance referral page to begin the process.
- Provide any requested information. You may need to document your age, disability status if applicable, household income, homeownership, and occupancy.
- Wait for an eligibility and repair review. The program will determine whether your situation meets its requirements and whether assistance is available.
You can also review LifeCare Alliance’s referral information for additional guidance.
Submitting a referral does not guarantee approval or immediate repairs. Assistance depends on eligibility, program funding, and available services.
What If You Need More Extensive Home Repairs?
If your home needs repairs costing more than $2,000, the Chores Program may not be the right fit.
However, other home repair assistance programs may be worth exploring.
Start with our guide to Ohio home repair grants and assistance programs, which covers additional resources that may help qualifying homeowners.
You can also check the City of Columbus housing assistance programs for other options.
Some programs may have different income requirements, repair limits, or application restrictions. Others may not currently be accepting applications, so confirm availability before making plans.
Relief Recap
The Columbus Chores Program may help eligible older adults and people with physical disabilities address minor home repairs that affect their health or safety.
To qualify, you generally must be 60 or older, or at least 55 with a physical disability, have household income at or below 80% of area median income, and have owned and occupied a home within the City of Columbus for at least one year.
Eligible repairs must cost $2,000 or less, including materials and labor. This is a repair cost limit, not a guaranteed cash award.
If a small repair is making your home unsafe, visit the LifeCare Alliance referral page to ask about the Chores Program and find out whether assistance is available.
