What is the Access to Home Program in NY?

Oct 23, 2025 3 min read •

Disability services Housing Assistance New York State Programs

According to New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), the Access to Home program has multiple funding streams to support modifications that allow disabled individuals to remain safely in their residences. This state-funded grant program offers financial assistance for home modifications, enabling low- and moderate-income New Yorkers with disabilities to continue living independently rather than moving to institutional settings. The program supports a range of accessibility upgrades for both homeowners and renters throughout the state.

Quick Summary

The Access to Home program is a New York State initiative providing financial grants for accessibility modifications to the homes of low- and moderate-income residents with disabilities, including specific support for veterans and Medicaid recipients.

Key Points

Core Purpose: The program provides financial grants to low- and moderate-income New Yorkers with disabilities for home modifications to enhance accessibility.
Avoids Institutionalization: By enabling individuals to remain safely and comfortably in their homes, the program helps prevent costly institutional placement.
Specific Modifications Covered: Common modifications include ramps, lifts, stair glides, widened doorways, and accessible bathroom and kitchen adaptations.
Specific Sub-Programs: The Access to Home initiative includes dedicated programs for Medicaid recipients and disabled veterans, each with slightly different eligibility criteria.
Apply Through Local Administrators: The application process is managed by Local Program Administrators (LPAs), such as municipalities and non-profits, rather than directly through the state.
Income-Based Eligibility: Eligibility is tied to household income, generally capped at 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with a higher limit (120% AMI) for disabled veterans.
Covers Renters and Owners: Both homeowners and tenants (with landlord approval) can apply for assistance to modify their primary residence.

Understanding the New York Access to Home Program

The New York State Access to Home program, administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), offers financial assistance for home modifications. The goal is to help low- and moderate-income New Yorkers with disabilities safely remain in their homes and communities, preventing the need for institutionalization. The program is delivered through Local Program Administrators (LPAs), such as municipalities and non-profit organizations.

Access to Home includes different funding streams to cater to specific needs, including a general program, one for Medicaid recipients, and another for disabled veterans. Each has specific eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for Participants

General eligibility for the main program requires a documented physical disability causing a substantial limitation, the home being the primary residence, and a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Disabled veterans can have an income up to 120% of the AMI. A separate program for Medicaid recipients requires the applicant to be a qualified Medicaid recipient in addition to disability and income criteria.

What Modifications Are Covered?

The program funds modifications up to $25,000 per unit, focusing on functional accessibility. Covered modifications include:

Wheelchair ramps and lifts
Widened doorways
Grab bars and roll-in showers
Kitchen adaptations like lowered counters
Relocating bedrooms or bathrooms to the first floor
Stair glides
Adaptations for visual or hearing impairments

How to Apply

Application is done through Local Program Administrators (LPAs), not directly with the state. The process generally involves contacting a local LPA, verifying eligibility based on income, disability, and residency, and undergoing a home inspection to determine necessary modifications. Upon approval, the LPA manages the project. Availability of funds can be limited, and applications are often processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Access to Home Program vs. Other Housing Assistance

The Access to Home program is distinct from other housing assistance in NY, focusing specifically on accessibility modifications for individuals with disabilities.


Feature	Access to Home Program	NYS HOME Program	Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Primary Goal	Provides grants for specific home accessibility modifications to prevent institutionalization.	Offers a broad range of funding for affordable housing activities, including acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation.	Provides assistance for rent and utility arrears to prevent homelessness.
Funding Type	Grants that are often fully forgiven after a regulatory period (e.g., 5 years).	Federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds for a variety of affordable housing projects.	Grant-based assistance for rental arrears.
Eligibility Focus	Low- to moderate-income residents with disabilities, with specific streams for veterans and Medicaid recipients.	Low-income individuals and families, based on broader affordable housing needs.	Households with income at or below 80% AMI who have experienced financial hardship.
Covered Expenses	Home modifications like ramps, lifts, bathroom and kitchen adaptations, etc..	Costs related to acquisition, rehabilitation, and construction of housing units, as well as tenant-based rental assistance.	Rental and utility arrears, and forward rental payments.
Application Process	Handled through Local Program Administrators (LPAs), including municipalities and non-profits.	Applications are submitted by units of local government and non-profit corporations, not individual residents.	Applied for directly by eligible individuals through the state's portal or local social services.

Conclusion

The Access to Home program in New York is a crucial resource, offering financial grants for home modifications that allow individuals with disabilities to live more independently and safely in their own homes. This program helps prevent institutionalization by addressing architectural barriers. To learn more or apply, contact a local program administrator. The program demonstrates New York's commitment to supporting its disabled and aging residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

To be eligible, an applicant must be a low- or moderate-income resident with a documented substantial physical disability. The assisted dwelling must be their primary residence. Income limits are generally set at 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), but rise to 120% for disabled veterans.

The program covers a wide range of accessibility modifications. Examples include wheelchair ramps, lifts, stair glides, grab bars, roll-in showers, widened doorways, and adapted kitchens.

Grants are available for up to $25,000 per unit, and costs must be related to necessary accessibility modifications. The maximum amount can vary by program and local administrator.

Yes, renters can apply for the program, but they must secure written consent from their landlord before any modifications can begin.

The first step is to contact a local program administrator (LPA) in your area, which can be a municipality or a non-profit organization. You cannot apply directly to the state for this program.

Yes, there is a specific initiative called the Access to Home for Heroes/Veterans Program. It provides assistance to disabled veterans with service-related or age-related disabilities, with a higher income limit of up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

No, the assistance is typically provided as a grant that is fully forgiven after a defined regulatory period, which can last up to five years. This is contingent on the resident living in the home for the specified timeframe.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.