Below are some frequently asked questions about the Home Adaptations for Independence program. If you have a question that is not answered below, please call 604-646-7055 or toll-free 1-800-407-7757 extension 7055.

Who will be assisted by the HAFI program?

Home Adaptations for Independence will provide financial assistance to low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities to support accessibility modifications that will promote continued safe and independent living. The assistance is available to eligible homeowners and tenants.

What kind of modifications/adaptations will be covered by this new program?

The adaptations should be items that directly address the household’s disability or diminished abilities. These could include items such as handrails in hallways or stairways, ramps for ease of access, easy to reach work and storage areas in the kitchen, lever handles on doors, walk-in showers with grab bars, or bath-tub grab bars and seats.

All adaptations should be permanent and fixed to the home. Exceptions can be made for equipment designed to give access to existing basic facilities, such as bath lifts. Supportive care, portable aids such as walkers, and household appliances, are not eligible. Emergency repairs or maintenance are not eligible.

How much money will applicants be able to apply for?

Financial assistance up to $20,000 per home (including tax) is available. The exact amount is based on the cost of materials and labour necessary for the required adaptations. The assistance is in the form of a grant or forgivable loan.

For homeowners, where underlying deficiencies within the home require remediation before adaptations can be successfully completed, further funding assistance up to a maximum of $20,000 per dwelling may be considered. The homeowner will be required to obtain quotes and applicable permits, and an inspection by the Homeowner Protection Branch of BC Housing may be required. This assistance is not available for rental unit properties.

Is the assistance repayable?

The grant or loan does not need to be paid back as long as the recipient adheres to some simple requirements, such as continuing to occupy their home for up to three years, or limiting rent increases for tenants for up to five years.

What if the costs for adaptations go beyond the original estimate submitted?

The applicant will be responsible for costs of work that exceeds the approved amount of assistance or that is not eligible.

What are the forgivable periods for the assistance provided?

For grants up to $5,000, grant obligations will cease after one year
Loans greater than $5,000 will be forgiven over three years
Assistance greater than $40,000 may be in the form of a forgivable loan or mortgage and may be forgiven over 3 - 5 years
The assistance is not taxable.

Does the program have limited funds?

Yes. Because the program has limited funds, completed applications will be reviewed on a first come first served basis until the annual provincial funding allocation is exhausted. Applications may be made in each year, starting April, until funds last.

What is the assessed value of homes in an area?

The value of a home can be found on a Property Assessment Notice from BC Assessment. The home value must be below the average assessed value for the applicant’s assessment area.

What is the rent limit for an applicant’s area?

The rent must be below the median rent level for the applicant’s area.

Will units that are owned or subsidized by government qualify for assistance?

Housing owned or subsidized by government at any level, or units that are part of a development which receives or has received government housing assistance, will not qualify.

However, units occupied by households receiving assistance through Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) or the Rental Assistance Program may be eligible.

Can only homeowners apply for a grant?

In addition to homeowner applicants, landlords of affordable rental properties can apply on behalf of eligible tenants who need adaptations to live in the home. Tenants will be required to complete a portion of the Landlord’s application to show that they need the adaptations.

Can strata corporations qualify for assistance?

No. The application must be from an individual homeowner in a strata.

Can a landlord of a multi-unit property include more than one unit within an application?

Yes. You must complete a part II and III of the landlord application for each unit or common area needing adaptations.

Are common areas eligible for assistance?

Funding for common area adaptations may be issued in addition to funding for eligible units. For each eligible unit, up to $20,000 in additional assistance will be available for common area adaptations. Where there are more than two eligible units, assistance for common area adaptations will not exceed $40,000.

Can HAFI representatives help applicants to find a qualified contractor?

Applicants are responsible for choosing someone to complete the work and for making sure the work is completed in accordance with applicable legislation, by-laws and codes. They should choose a contractor they feel will give them the best overall value.

If an application is rejected, can someone appeal?

You will have 30 days from the date of a rejection to submit in writing your reasons for appeal. Only appeals with all supporting documents will be reviewed, regardless of the reasons for rejection. If you are a tenant, your landlord must submit the appeal.