Funding Resources

Below is a comprised list of comprehensive network of assistance and information programs for the physically handicapped and wheelchair bound, to increase access to assistive technology devices and services for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) HomeMod Program

The HomeMod program provides financial assistance to qualifying individuals with disabilities for structural alterations that increase the accessibility of homes or apartments. Typical alterations include kitchen and bathroom modifications and the addition of interior and exterior lifts and ramps. Specific modifications can include the installation of grab bars, lowering cabinets and countertops and widening doorways. Subsequent work may include, but is not limited to, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, masonry, dry walling, tiling and painting. Modifications are limited to a maximum of $10,000 per project and are performed by licensed, insured and experienced home remodeling companies.

Eligibility Requirements

• Chicago residents with disabilities under 60 years of age
• Must be head of household, spouse or legal dependant of the head of household
• Households with incomes below 80% of the area median income may qualify for a full grant; those whose income is over 80% the area median income may qualify for a partial grant
• Homeowners and renters may qualify for this program

Direct and Indirect Program Benefits

• Allows people with disabilities to achieve their maximum level of independence
• Provides a safe and suitable living environment for people with disabilities
• Enhances the independence of people with disabilities: An accessible living environment provides people with disabilities a greater opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of life, such as employment, recreation and education
• Increases the housing stock for people with disabilities: making apartments and single family homes accessible will help ensure that people with disabilities have appropriate and safe housing

Clearances that are Sought

• Environmental
• Lead based paint hazard
• Existing building code violation(s)
• Child support negligence
• Delinquent parking tickets, water bills, property taxes, etc. For more information, please contact MOPD at 312-744-7054 (Voice) or 312-744-4964 (TTY) or visit their website at www.cityofchicago.org/mowd.
  

Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs

Home Mobility Solutions is proud to provide home modification services for veterans under the VA's Specially Adapted Housing grant program. The VA has three main grant programs to assist disabled veterans with necessary home modifications.

What Is a Specially Adapted Housing Grant?
Veterans who have specific service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a grant for the purpose of constructing an adapted home or modifying an existing home to meet their adaptive needs. The goal of the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program is to provide a barrier-free living environment which affords the veteran a level of independent living that he or she may not have otherwise enjoyed. The SAH grant is generally used to create a wheelchair accessible home. This grant is currently limited to $50,000.

The SAH grant is available to veterans who have a service-connected disability due to military service, entitling them to compensation for permanent and total disability due to:

• The loss or loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair, or
• Blindness in both eyes, having only light perception, plus loss or loss of use of one lower extremity, or
• The loss or loss of use of one lower extremity together with (1) residuals of organic disease or injury, or (2) the loss or loss of use of one upper extremity, which so affects the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair or,
• The loss or loss of use of both upper extremities such as to preclude use of the arms at or above the elbow.

What Is a Special Home Adaptation Grant?
Veterans who have specific service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a grant for the purpose of modifying an existing home to meet their adaptive needs. The Special Home Adaptations (SHA) grant is generally used to assist veterans with mobility throughout their homes. This grant is currently limited to $10,000.

The SHA grant is available to veterans who have service-connected disability due to military service, entitling them to compensation for permanent and total disability due to:

• Blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or less or,
• The anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands or extremities below the elbow.

What Is a Home Improvements and Structural Alterations Grant?
Under the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) program, veterans with service-connected disabilities or veterans with nonservice-connected disabilities may receive assistance for any home improvement necessary for the continuation of treatment or for disability access to the home and essential lavatory and sanitary facilities. A HISA grant is available to veterans who have received a medical determination indicating that improvements and structural alterations are necessary or appropriate for the effective and economical treatment of his/her disability. A veteran may receive both a HISA grant and either a SHA or SAH grant.

The HISA program is available for both service-connected veterans and non service-connected veterans.

• Home improvement benefits up to $4,100 may be provided to service-connected veterans.
• Home improvement benefits up to $1,200 may be provided to nonservice-connected veterans.

How Can You Apply?
You can apply for the SAH and SHA grants by completing VA Form 26-4555, Veterans Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant, and submitting it to your local VA regional office.

You can apply for a HISA grant by completed VA Form 10-0103, Veterans Application for Assistance in Acquiring Home Improvement and Structural Alterations, and submitting it to your local VA medical center.

For More Information, Call Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000 or Visit Our Web Site at http://www.homeloans.va.gov/sah.htm or www.va.gov.

Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging

For over twenty five years, Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging has developed and coordinated services that enable older persons to live independently in their own homes. As a leading provider of knowledge management solutions, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life for an aging society. The Agency serves DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties.

Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging
245 West Roosevelt Rd., Bldg. # 6, Suites 41-43
West Chicago, IL 60185
630-293-5990
Fax: 630-293-7488
1-800-528-2000
E-mail: dchCaregiving@AgeGuide.org
Web: www.AgeGuide.org

Serving DuPage County:
DuPage County Department of Human Resources, Senior Services Division
421 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
630-682-7000
Fax: 630-682-7382
1-800-942-9412
E-mail: seniorsvcs@dupageco.org
Web: www.dupageco.org

Serving Grundy County:
Grundy County Health Department, Senior Programs Unit
1320 Union Street
Morris, Illinois 60450
815-941-3121
Fax: 815-941-2389
E-mail: healthdept@grundyco.com
Web: www.grundyco.com

Serving Kane County:
Senior Services Associates
101 S. Grove Ave.
Elgin, IL 60120
847-741-0404
Fax: 847-741-2163
1-800-942-1724
E-mail: ssaelgin@aol.com

Serving Kankakee County:
Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet
270 N. Schuyler
Kankakee, Illinois 60901
815-932-1921
Fax: 815-933-4601
E-mail: dbaldauff@cc-doj.org
Web: www.cc-doj.org

Serving Kendall County:
Senior Services Associates
518 Countryside Center
Yorkville, Illinois 60560
630-553-5777
Fax: 630-553-6979
1-800-942-1724
E-mail: ssaelgin@aol.com

Serving Lake County:
Catholic Charities of Lake County
116 N. Lincoln Avenue
Round Lake, Illinois 60073
847-546-5733
Fax: 847-546-7114
1-800-942-3930
E-mail: MWashbur@catholiccharities.net

Serving McHenry County:
Senior Services Associates
3519 N. Richmond Road
McHenry, Illinois 60050
815-344-3555
Fax: 815-344-3593
1-800-339-3200
E-mail: ssaelgin@aol.com

Serving Will County:
Senior Services Center of Will County
251 N. Center Street
Joliet, Illinois 60435
815-723-9713
Fax: 815-740-4218
1-800-892-1412
E-mail: TBrandolino@agingspecialists.com
Web: www.willcountyseniors.org

DeKalb County: Elderly Care Services

330 Grove Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-758-6550
Fax: 815.758.4239
E-mail: ecsdekalb@tbcnet.com ecsdekalb@tbcnet.com

McHenry County Housing Authority

The County funds home rehabilitation programs as part of a home rehabilitation project.  Information on Housing Authority rehabilitation program can be obtained at 815-338-7752.

Lake County Rehabilitation Assistance Program

This program is available to existing or new property owners in designated areas of the village. The program is aimed at eliminating potential health and safety hazards and improving the general condition of buildings in designed areas through the use of direct funds, counseling, and technical assistance. For information contact Housing Rehabilitation and Neighborhood Services at 847-546-8919, or contact the Lake County Housing Authority at 847-223-1170. Also check Affordable Housing Corporation of Lake County at 847-263-7478.

Illinois Senior HelpLine

Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST
Toll-free within Illinois: 1-800-252-8966 (Voice & TTY)
FAX: 217-524-6968
E-mail: ilsenior@aging.state.il.us
421 East Capitol Avenue, #100
Springfield, IL 62701-1789

DuPage County Human Services
Single Family Rehab Program

421 N. County Farm Road,
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 407-6500
1-800-942-9412

This program is intended to assist low and moderate-income homeowners in maintaining the value of their homes. Services include replacing roofs, doors/windows, siding, furnaces and air conditioning. Assistance is also provided to fix electrical and plumbing problems. The program offers two types of loans, depending on income levels. Deferred loans are zero-interest loans, with no payments until the title is transferred. 3% interest loans have simple-interest payments scheduled over 10 years. Qualified homeowners may borrow up to $20,000.

DuPage County Human Services
Senior Citizen Services

421 N. County Farm Road,
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 407-6500
1-800-942-9412

Provides limited funding for minor home modifications to frail older adults, which will enhance their ability to function independently.

DuPage Senior Citizens Council
Home Maintenance Program

2200 S. Main Street, Suite 308,
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 620-0804

Provides affordable home repair services to DuPage County residents (age 60 and older) to help maintain the safety and beauty of their home. Repairs include, but are not limited to, electrical and plumbing problems; repairing windows, stairs, railings, porches and decks; installing smoke detectors; cleaning gutters; touch-up painting and other miscellaneous small jobs. Repairs are completed for approximately half the cost of the regular consumer rate. They also maintain a list of contractors to handle
jobs outside the realm of their services. Priority is given to seniors who have safety or health concerns or those living on a low fixed income.

Dekalb County Home Health

Located at 2727 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, IL  60115 Telephone: 815-787-8900.  Skilled Nursing; Physical Therapy; Speech Therapy; Occupational Therapy; Medical Social Worker; Home Health Aides.

Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)

There are several offices located throughout the state servicing people with disabilities from ages 18-59. Government funding is available those qualifying for home accessibility modifications. For details call 1-800-252-4382 (voice) or 312-793-9350.

Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC)

Available to eligible patients under 21 years old, this agency serves children with certain chronic physical disabilities and health impairments. Administered by the University of Illinois, it serves children statewide through 13 regional offices. Call the main number at (312) 996-7775.

DuPage Regional Office
8205 South Cass Avenue
Suite #110
Darien, IL 60561-5319
Phone : 630-964-9887
TDD : 630-964-9603
FAX : 630-964-7640
Toll Free: 800-455-2639

Chicago North Regional Office
1919 W. Taylor Street
Room 701, M/C 618
Chicago, IL 60612-7254
Phone : 312-996-2723
TDD : 312-996-7584
FAX : 312-996-7820
Toll Free: 800-425-1068

Chicago South Regional Office
1919 W. Taylor
Room 709 , M/C 618
Chicago, IL 60612-7254
Phone : 312-996-7055
TDD : 312-413-3896
FAX : 312-996-3922
Toll Free: 800-905-9995

South Cook Regional Office
6160 S. East Avenue
Suite 400
Hodgkins, IL 60525-4125
Phone : 708-482-0633
TDD : 708-482-1103
FAX : 708-482-2629
Toll Free: 800-425-5454

North Cook Regional Office
8609 Bryn Mawr
Suite 202
Chicago, IL 60631-3524
Phone : 773-444-0043
TDD : 773-444-0178
FAX : 773-444-0176
Toll Free: 800-924-0623

Rockford Regional Office
State Regional Office Building
4302 North Main Street
Room #106
Rockford, IL, 61103-1209
Phone: 815-987-7571
Toll-free within Illinois:800-651-9319
FAX 815-987-7891
TDD 815-987-7995
email: rockford@uic.edu

Centers for Indepencent Living

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) exist to empower individuals with disabilities to take charge of their lives and make their own choices and decisions in order to be as self-sufficent as possible. Run by people with disabilities who have successfully established independent lives of their own, the staff has a deep commitment to assisting other disabled people in achieving independence.

DuPage Center for Independent Living
739 Roosevelt Rd. Building 8, #109
Glen Ellyn , IL  60137
Phone: 630-469-2300
Fax: 630-469-2606
TTY: 630-469-2300
dcil@mcs.com

Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago
614 West Roosevelt
Chicago , IL  60607
Phone: 312-253-7000
Fax: 312-253-7001
TTY: 312-253-7002
generalinfo@accessliving.org

Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living
2415-A W. Jefferson St.
Joliet , IL  60435
Phone: 815-729-0162
Fax: 8I5-729-3697
TTY: 815-729-2085
Will.Grundy.C.I.L@juno.com

Options Center for Independent Living
61 Meadowview Center
Kankakee , IL  60901
Phone: (815) 936-0100
Fax: (815) 936-0117
TTY: (815) 936-0132
options@daily-journal.com

Lake County Center For Independent Living
377 North Seymour Avenue
Mundelein , IL  60060
Phone: (847) 949-4440
Fax: (847) 949-4445
TTY: (847) 949-4440
lccil@dls.net

Fox River Valley CIL
730 B.W. Chicago St.
Elgin , IL  60123
Phone: 847-695-5818
Fax: 847-695-5892
TTY: 847-695-5868
FRVCIL@mail.com

Progress CIL
7521 Madison St.
Forest Park , IL  60130
Phone: 708-209-1500
Fax: 708-209-1735
TTY: 708-209-1826

E-Z Access Loan

This program offered by the Amalgamated Bank of Chicago targets two specific groups, individuals with disabilities and businesses that are seeking to comply with requirements of the ADA. The Bank has funds to make loans available at reduced rates. Important features include their willingness to lend as little as $500 over a 12 month period (60 months for larger purchases). Their credit terms are relaxed, i.e., items not often included as income are for this program (social security benefits, disability checks, etc.) For information call the Amalgamated Bank (312) 822-3000.

Ready Access Program

• Loans for Accessibility: Depending on an individual's needs, there are many ways to make your home and vehicle accessible. These include: van lifts, entrance ramps, electronic door openers, lower cabinets and counters, motorized scooters
• Who is Eligible? Persons with disabilities who need assistive technology to enhance their quality of life in order to maintain a more independent lifestyle.
• Financial Eligibility
  The total gross income per household shall not exceed $100,000. The combined net worth of the household shall not exceed $500,000.
• Loan Facts: Available through participating financial institutions. Maximum amount - $50,000. Available for up to 5 years at a fixed rate of interest that is below market rate. The Ready Access Program does not provide for medical services, pharmaceuticals, psychological services, therapy and/or therapeutic devices.
• How to Apply? Borrowers can contact one of the participating Ready Access lenders or call the Illinois Treasurer's Office at 312-814-8951 and ask for Michael Smith for more information.
  

Home Equity Loan

A home equity is a loan that is guaranteed by your home. They can have either fixed or adjustable interest rates. The interest paid is usually tax -deductible. They can be used for vehicle purchases, home improvement or freeing of equity for investment in other real estate or investments. Contact your local bank and ask about a home equity loan or call Steve Rooney at Bank One at 630-416-4722.

TechConnect Low Interest Loan Program (Illinois Assistive Technology Project)

Provides loans to Illinoisans with disabilities and their families to purchase assistive technology equipment and services. For more details, call 800.852.5110.

Reverse Mortgage

A reverse mortgage is a special type of loan that enables you, as a senior homeowner, to borrow against the equity of your home and receive cash without selling the home, giving up the title or making monthly payments. Special features include:

• No monthly payments
• Money is tax free
• Does not interfere with Social Security Benefits, Medicare, or Medicaid payments
• Remaining equity goes to heirs
• Retain full ownership of Your Home
• No mandatory repayment until your are no longer living in the home
• You cannot outlive your loan
• Use the money as you wish

This program is SAFE because it is guaranteed by the Federal Government – FHA.
This program is SMART because you can lower your monthly debt and increase your monthly retirement income.
The program is EASY because there are no income or credit qualifications.

Call Sharon Lee Golz, Reverse Mortgage Specialist, at 800-323-3404

Rebuilding Together (formerly Christmas in April)

The nation's largest volunteer housing rehabilitation organization and the only national-level organization that focuses exclusively on the home repair and improvement needs of lower-income homeowners, Rebuilding Together is uniquely qualified and poised to deliver home modification services across the country. A certain area is selected, and 90% of modifications are done the last Saturday in April. Contact the affiliate in your area to learn about upcoming workdays. 1800-4REHAB9.

Plan For Achieving Self-Support (PASS)

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) under this program allows recipients to set aside income and resources towards an approved plan for achieving self-support without jeopardizing benefits. This plan will cover modifications to a home through an SSI savings plan. Additional information is available through local Social Security Administration offices. For details, call 800-772-1213.

Ramp Up Foundation (United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Chicago)

Enhances home accessibility for individuals with disabilities. For details, call 708-444-8460, extension 270.

Home Improvement Structural Alterations (HISA)

This program is administered by the HISA Department of the Veteran's Hospitals. Eligibility requires that the veteran has been hospitalized at a Veteran's Hospital within 1 year of the application date and that the accessibility modifications or equipment requested be deemed medically necessary. If the disability is non-service related, the VA may grant up to $1,200 for accessibility improvements. If the disability is service related, they may grant up to $4,100 for installation construction costs and the prosthetics department of the VA may donate lifting equipment such as chairlifts or vertical porch lifts. Call 1-800-827-1000 to speak with a Benefits Counselor.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

Two loan guarantee programs from the Federal Housing Administration, Title 1 and 203K loans have loan size limits. The FHA programs can provide direct loans with below market interest rates (to 1%), higher than normal debt ratio (to 1%), extended terms (to 33 years), low down payments or financed closing costs. These loans can be used for acquisition or rehabilitation. The 203K program will also loan up to 80% of the repaired value of the home, making it useful for a household that chooses to move and make accessibility improvements in the new home. For details, call 312-866-2729.

Fraternal Clubs

Organizations such as Knights of Columbus or Kiwanis may have in their annual budgets assistance for the disabled.

Special Gift Funds

The Department of Social Services at some of the hospitals may be aware of in-hospital grants that may be available to those qualified. Well worth asking about.

Townships/Villages

Townships serving many local villages often times have a Disabilities Coordinator. On occasion, grants are in place with funds available for home modifications.

Income Tax Deductions

Many people can take advantage of income tax deductions under the federal tax code. To do so, the cost of the modifications must be treated as a medical deduction and be itemized and shown as an expense on federal tax form 1040 "Schedule A". In order for home modifications or equipment to be treated as a tax deduction, they must be certified by a physician as being required for health reasons. For a renter, the cost of accessibility modifications becomes a deduction from taxable income. Homeowners can also deduct modifications cost from income but need to account for any increase in the value of the home. A written opinion from a competent real estate appraiser specifying how much and why the home's value has increased is necessary and an experienced accountant should be contacted.

Landlords

A good tenant is hard to find, and a good landlord knows that. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 stated that tenants have the right to make reasonable modifications to their apartments . . . accessibility modifications are considered reasonable. Accessible rental units are assets not liabilities. The wise landlord may welcome the opportunity to have such a unit not only for today but for tomorrow. Seeking financial assistance from the landlord may prove to be well worth it.

Christian Fund for the Disabled

A matching grant program designed to meet the spiritual and practical needs of people affected by disability. For details, call 818-707-5664 (tty 818-707-9707).

Local Chapters of Disability Organizations

These informational resources may make grants to individuals and families who demonstrate financial need if funds are available. Contacting the Multiple Sclerosis Society, United Cerebral Palsy, National Easter Seals, etc., may be worth the try.

ALS Association

The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. ALSA covers all the bases - research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy - in providing help and hope to those facing the disease. The mission of The ALS Association (ALSA) is to find a cure for and improve living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

ALSA helps patients and families cope with the day to day challenges of living with ALS by providing information, resources, and referrals to many sources, including a wide variety of community services.
ALSA's 40 chapters provide localized patient and family support in communities across the country. To better serve people with ALS and their families, ALSA is currently working with its network of free-standing support groups to expand the number of ALSA chapters nationwide.
To find the regional office nearest you, go to their website. On the left side, there is an area to search by state or zip code.

The ALS Association, National Office
27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150
Calabasas Hills, CA 91301-5104
Phone: (818) 880-9007
Fax:     (818) 880-9006
www.alsa.org