Most falls at home happen in familiar places, like the bathroom, the stairs or the doorway. A few changes can make a big difference.
Washington, DC’s Safe at Home program helps eligible residents get free home safety modifications, such as grab bars, handrails and other fall-prevention upgrades. The program serves adults age 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities who are at least 18.
Both homeowners and renters can apply. Here’s what you need to know.
What Does Safe at Home Install?
The Safe at Home program, administered by the DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL), helps residents make their homes safer and reduce their risk of falling.
Depending on your needs, modifications may include:
- Grab bars: Support for getting in and out of the bathtub or shower.
- Handrails: Added stability when using stairs or moving through the home.
- Bathtub cuts: Changes that create a lower entry point, making it easier to step into a bathtub.
- Shower seats: A safer way to sit while bathing.
- Stair lifts: Equipment that helps people with mobility limitations move between floors.
Not everyone will receive every modification. The upgrades depend on your home’s safety needs, the program’s assessment and available funding.
According to Home Care Partners, a Safe at Home service provider, the process includes a home assessment by an occupational therapist. Approved modifications are then arranged for installation.
Who Qualifies?
According to the official DC.gov Safe at Home page, applicants must meet these requirements:
- Live in Washington, DC.
- Be 60 or older, or be an adult 18 or older with a disability.
- Own or rent the property where the modifications will be made.
- Use that property as their primary residence.
- Have a household income at or below 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
The published 2026 income limits are:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $99,600 |
| 2 people | $113,850 |
These are the income limits listed on the DC.gov service page updated October 14, 2026. Additional eligibility requirements apply.
Renters can qualify, but they need their landlord’s permission before modifications can be installed.
If you’re unsure whether you meet the requirements, contact DACL and ask about your eligibility before ruling yourself out.
Does It Cost Anything?
Approved Safe at Home modifications are provided at no cost to eligible participants, within the program’s authorized funding limits.
Home Care Partners confirms that approved modifications under Safe at Home 1.0 are free for qualifying participants.
However, the program does not promise to pay for every improvement you might want. Work outside your approved modifications or beyond the program’s funding limits may not be covered.
Before any work begins, ask which modifications have been approved and whether you would be responsible for any additional costs.
What Is Safe at Home 2.0?
DACL previously announced an expansion called Safe at Home 2.0, designed to provide additional fall-prevention support for existing participants at higher risk of falling.
The pilot included services such as:
- Medication reviews
- Vision screenings
- Balance and strength training
These services were intended to address health and mobility issues that can contribute to falls, in addition to making physical changes to the home.
Current availability of Safe at Home 2.0 has not been confirmed. If you’re already participating in Safe at Home, ask DACL whether these additional services are still offered.
You may also come across references to a Safe at Home security camera program. That separate program has ended.
How Do I Apply?
To get started, contact the DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) and ask about the Safe at Home program.
You can find the department’s contact information and current eligibility details on the official Safe at Home service page.
Here’s what to expect:
- Contact DACL. Explain that you’re interested in fall-prevention home modifications through Safe at Home.
- Ask about eligibility. Be prepared to discuss your age or disability status, household income and whether you own or rent your primary residence.
- Complete the required assessment. The program will determine which modifications may be appropriate for your home.
- Get landlord permission if you rent. Ask DACL what documentation is needed before any work can begin.
- Review the approved modifications. Confirm what the program will cover and whether any additional work would cost you money.
Eligibility does not guarantee that every requested modification will be approved. Installation depends on your assessed needs, program funding and service availability.
Relief Recap
Washington, DC’s Safe at Home program can help eligible older adults and adults with disabilities make their homes safer without paying for approved modifications.
If you’re 60 or older, or 18 or older with a disability, you may qualify for assistance with grab bars, handrails, shower seats, bathtub modifications or even stair lifts.
Both homeowners and renters can apply, and the published income limit is $99,600 for one person or $113,850 for a household of two. Additional eligibility requirements apply.
If you’re worried about falling at home, visit the DC Safe at Home program page and contact DACL to ask about an assessment. A few practical changes could make everyday activities safer and help you stay comfortable in your own home.
