A loose stair rail. A slippery tub. A leaky faucet you can’t fix yourself. Small problems at home can turn into big safety concerns as we get older.
Once you turn 60, you can ask your local Area Agency on Aging about help with home repairs and safety upgrades. Some of this assistance is supported by a federal law called the Older Americans Act.
It’s not a guaranteed home repair grant, and help isn’t offered everywhere. But your local agency is a good place to start.
Here’s what to know.
What Kind of Home Repair Help Is Available?
The Older Americans Act allows Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to support services that help older adults remain safely in their homes.
The U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) specifically recommends that people age 60 or older check with their local Area Agency on Aging to find out whether they qualify for home modification or repair funds through Title III of the Older Americans Act.
Depending on your local program, help may include:
- Safety upgrades: Installing grab bars, handrails, raised toilet seats or ramps.
- Minor home repairs: Fixing leaky faucets, broken steps or doors that won’t lock properly.
- Fall prevention: Improving lighting, addressing tripping hazards or making other changes that help prevent falls.
Not every agency offers these services, and the types of repairs covered vary by location.
In a 2019 national survey of Area Agencies on Aging, 61% of responding agencies reported providing home modification or repair services. Another 46% reported referring older adults to local programs for assistance.
That means your agency may be able to help even if it doesn’t perform or pay for repairs directly.
How Much Can I Get?
There’s no single nationwide dollar amount you can expect to receive.
Older federal regulations once limited certain minor home modifications to $150 per client. However, that federal limit was removed under the updated Older Americans Act regulations in 2024.
That doesn’t mean every agency can pay for expensive repairs.
Your local program may have its own funding limits, approved project types and availability requirements. Some agencies may only cover small safety improvements, while others may offer additional help through state funding, grants or community partnerships.
That’s why many Area Agencies on Aging work with local repair nonprofits, churches and city programs.
Your agency might not pay for the whole job, but it may be able to connect you with another organization that can help.
Who Qualifies for Home Repair Assistance?
The Older Americans Act generally serves adults age 60 and older, but each local program has its own eligibility and service requirements.
Depending on the agency, you may need to:
- Be 60 years old or older.
- Live in the home where the work is needed.
- Own the home or have permission from the property owner if you rent.
- Have a repair or modification that helps you remain safely at home.
Some programs prioritize older adults with the greatest economic or social needs, including people with limited incomes, disabilities or difficulty managing everyday activities.
You don’t necessarily have to be a homeowner to ask for help. Renters may qualify for certain services, although modifications to a rental property may require the landlord’s approval.
Major remodeling projects, roof replacements and weatherization work may fall outside the services offered by a particular agency.
However, don’t assume your repair is too large to qualify. Your local agency can explain what it covers and whether another program might help.
How Do I Apply?
Start by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging.
You can find your agency through the Eldercare Locator, a public service supported by the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Once you reach your local agency, explain what needs to be repaired and how the problem affects your safety or ability to remain at home.
Ask about several types of assistance at once:
- Home repair and home modification programs
- Handyman or chore services
- Home safety assessments
- Fall prevention equipment and supplies
- Utility assistance or other programs that could help with household expenses
You can also ask whether the agency works with local nonprofits that provide free or reduced-cost home repairs.
The agency may need to assess your situation before determining which services are available. Depending on the program, you may be asked about your age, income, living arrangements or the repairs you need.
If funding isn’t currently available, ask whether there’s a waiting list or another organization you can contact.
Some programs have limited budgets or serve only certain communities, so it’s worth asking early.
Relief Recap
Turning 60 can open the door to home repair and safety assistance that many people don’t know about.
Through the Older Americans Act and local partnerships, some Area Agencies on Aging help older adults with grab bars, handrails, minor repairs and other changes that make their homes safer.
There’s no guaranteed payment amount, and services depend on local funding and eligibility rules. But even if your agency can’t pay for a repair, it may know another program that can.
Start with the Eldercare Locator to find your local Area Agency on Aging and ask what home repair or modification help is available.
For more options, explore our guide to free home repair grants for low income Americans.
