Homeownership is possible for people with disabilities, even when income comes primarily from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Federal law bars lenders from discriminating against borrowers with disabilities, and dozens of mortgage programs, grants and nonprofit resources help with down payments, home modifications and monthly mortgage costs. The page covers every category of assistance available in 2026, how disability income factors into the mortgage process and the legal remedies available when lenders cross fair lending lines.
Homeownership Programs and Support for People With Disabilities
Updated: May 26, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
The State of Homeownership for People With Disabilities
People with disabilities buy and own homes at lower rates than the general population. In 2023, about 35% of people with disabilities spent 30% or more of their income on housing, compared with about 25% of people without disabilities, according to the 2025 Annual Disability Statistics Compendium from the Center for Research on Disability. The Federal Reserve's 2024 economic well-being survey confirmed adults with disabilities are less likely to own a home and more likely to rent.
The housing affordability picture is worst for SSI recipients. People with disabilities receiving SSI cannot afford an apartment at fair market rent in any housing market in the United States without additional support, according to 2024 research from the Technical Assistance Collaborative. The maximum federal SSI payment is $994 a month for an individual in 2026, and the average SSDI payment is about $1,630 a month. Federal and state programs can bridge that gap for qualified buyers.
Federal Fair Housing and Lending Protections
Four federal laws protect people with disabilities throughout the homebuying process. Each addresses a distinct point where discrimination can occur, from mortgage applications to housing transactions to credit decisions.
- 1The Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing transactions based on disability, race, sex, religion, national origin and familial status. It applies to buyers and renters of both private and public housing. People with disabilities have the right to make reasonable modifications to their residence for accessibility. Buildings constructed after March 13, 1991 must have accessible entrances and common areas. HUD accepts housing discrimination complaints online and by phone at (800) 669-9777.
- 2The Americans With Disabilities Act
The ADA, signed in 1990 and expanded in 2009 through the ADA Amendments Act, guarantees equal opportunity in employment, public services and public accommodations. It does not govern private mortgage lending, but it reinforces anti-discrimination protections in all government-connected transactions. The 2009 amendments broadened the definition of "disability," expanding coverage to a wider set of physical and mental impairments.
- 3Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits organizations that receive federal financial assistance from denying services to people with disabilities. This applies to HUD-approved housing counselors, federally insured lenders and public housing authorities. When a federally backed program denies benefits based on a disability, Section 504 provides grounds for a formal complaint.
- 4The Equal Credit Opportunity Act
Enacted in 1974, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) requires lenders to provide a written explanation when they deny a credit application. It prohibits discrimination based on disability, race, sex, marital status and other protected classes. When a lender rejects a mortgage application without a written reason, the applicant has the right to request one.
Buying a Home on Disability Income
SSDI and SSI are accepted income sources for mortgage qualification under FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loan programs. Lenders treat disability income the same as wages when the income is documented and expected to continue for at least three years from the application date.
The SSI Asset Limit and Down Payments
SSI recipients must stay within a $2,000 asset limit for individuals and $3,000 for couples to keep their benefits. A primary home does not count toward this limit regardless of its value. Cash set aside for a down payment does count as an asset until it is spent. Money saved in an ABLE account doesn't count toward the SSI asset limit for the first $100,000, giving SSI recipients a way to accumulate down payment funds without triggering benefit reductions.
How Lenders Treat Nontaxable Income
SSI and VA disability benefits are nontaxable, which creates an advantage in the mortgage qualification process. FHA rules let lenders "gross up" nontaxable income by 15% when calculating qualifying income. A borrower receiving $994 a month in SSI can have their qualifying income treated as about $1,143 a month. That higher figure can help qualify for a larger loan. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac allow conventional loans to gross up nontaxable income by 25%, based on the borrower's tax bracket.
Lender Documentation Rights and Restrictions
Lenders must ask for documentation of disability income but cannot ask about the nature of the borrower's disability or whether benefits are likely to continue when no defined expiration date exists. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau publishes guidance on protecting borrowers with disability income from lender discrimination. Complaints can be filed at ConsumerFinance.gov or by calling (855) 411-2372.
Home Purchase Guidance for Buyers With Disability Income
The mortgage process for buyers with disability income follows the same steps as any other home purchase. A few additional considerations apply to protect benefit eligibility and strengthen an application.
- 1Credit Report and Score Review
Most loan programs require a minimum credit score of 580 to 660, depending on the loan type. Derogatory marks or outstanding debts can disqualify applicants from some programs and raise the rate in others. Free credit reports are available at AnnualCreditReport.com; resolving errors before applying improves approval odds.
- 2Debt-to-Income Ratio
Lenders divide total monthly debt payments by gross monthly income. Most conventional programs cap this ratio at 43% to 50%. FHA allows ratios up to 50% with compensating factors such as cash reserves or a strong credit score. Calculating the ratio before applying shows how much room remains for a mortgage payment.
- 3Income Documentation Requirements
Required documentation includes an SSA award letter, a benefits verification letter, recent bank statements showing consistent deposits and, if applicable, Form SSA-1099. For VA disability income, a VA award letter is usually enough. Gathering these before applying speeds up the approval process.
- 4ABLE Accounts for SSI Recipients
ABLE accounts let account holders set aside money for housing costs, down payments and other disability-related expenses without losing SSI eligibility on the first $100,000 saved. The 2026 annual contribution limit is $20,000. As of Jan. 1, 2026, anyone whose disability began before age 46 may open an ABLE account, an expansion that opened eligibility to roughly 6 million more people, including 1 million additional veterans.
- 5Lender Comparison
Different lenders apply different overlays on top of standard program guidelines. One lender may decline a 600 credit score for an FHA loan; another may approve it. Comparing at least three lenders before committing improves the chance of finding favorable terms.
- 6HUD-Approved Housing Counselors
HUD-approved counselors review a buyer's financial picture, identify programs they qualify for and explain the application process, often at no cost. The HUD housing counselor directory lists approved agencies by location.
How to Qualify for a Mortgage
Lenders evaluate credit score, debt-to-income ratio, down payment amount and income documentation. Disability income counts the same as employment income in this calculation.
- 1Credit Score Thresholds
FHA loans require a minimum 580 score for a 3.5% down payment, and 500 for a 10% down payment. Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible require at least 660. VA loans have no VA-set minimum, but most lenders require 620. A higher score earns a lower interest rate across every program.
- 2Mortgage Affordability Calculators and Counselors
After calculating the debt-to-income ratio and available savings, mortgage affordability calculators estimate monthly payments at different price points, with taxes and insurance included. HUD-approved counselors and free online calculators from established lenders are both reliable options.
- 3Prequalification
Prequalification shows how much a lender is willing to offer and signals to sellers that the buyer has financial backing. Most lenders accept online applications.
- 4Common Lender Questions to Anticipate
Lenders commonly ask about late payments or inquiries on the credit report and about income sources. Having the award letter and bank statements accessible speeds up the review process.
Recognizing and Reporting Mortgage Discrimination
Mortgage lender discrimination claims are uncommon but documented. Familiarity with legal boundaries helps buyers and advocates identify violations before closing.
MORTGAGE APPLICANT RIGHTS AND DISCRIMINATION REMEDIES
- Documentation Requirements: Lenders review the applicant's SSA benefit letter or disability award documentation. They cannot ask about the nature of the disability or whether benefits are likely to stop.
- Denial Notices and Documentation: Lenders must provide a written explanation for any denial. ECOA requires this notice within 30 days. Applicants who suspect discrimination should document the application timeline and keep all correspondence.
- Filing a Discrimination Complaint: Complaints can be filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or by calling (855) 411-2372. Fair Housing complaints can also be filed with HUD or by calling (800) 669-9777. Both agencies investigate at no cost to the complainant.
The Role of HUD-Approved Housing Counselors
HUD-approved housing counselors aren't required, but many buyers with disabilities find them useful. Counselors review a buyer's finances, explain program options and identify down payment assistance that may not be widely advertised. HUD approval can be verified through the HUD counselor directory. Many agencies provide the service at no charge through HUD's Housing Counseling Program.
Federal and Government Loan Programs
Several federal mortgage programs serve buyers with disabilities, with varying credit, income and down payment requirements. Key details are summarized in the table below.
Fannie Mae HomeReady | 3% | 620 | 80% of AMI | First-time buyers with limited savings |
Freddie Mac Home Possible | 3% | 660 | 80% of AMI | Very low-income borrowers |
FHA Loan | 3.5% | 580 | None | Buyers with lower credit scores |
VA Loan | 0% | No VA min.; 620 common | None | Eligible veterans and service members |
USDA Guaranteed | 0% | 640+ | 115% of AMI | Rural and suburban buyers |
Housing Choice Voucher | Varies | Set by PHA | 50% to 80% of AMI | Voucher holders ready to buy |
Section 811 PRA | N/A (rental subsidy) | N/A | Extremely low income | Non-elderly adults with disabilities |
Fannie Mae HomeReady
HomeReady requires a minimum 3% down payment and a credit score of at least 620. Household income must be at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI) for the property location. First-time buyers with incomes at or below 50% AMI may qualify for a $2,500 lender credit. A homebuyer education course is required for first-time buyers. Co-borrowers who do not live in the home can be included on the loan, and borrowers may own other property without losing eligibility.
Freddie Mac Home Possible
Home Possible also requires a 3% minimum down payment and restricts household income to 80% of AMI. The minimum credit score is 660. Down payment funds can come from gifts, grants, employer assistance or Freddie Mac's Affordable Seconds secondary financing. The 2026 baseline conforming loan limit for one-unit properties is $832,750. The high-cost area ceiling is $1,249,125.
FHA Loans
FHA loans are an option when a borrower's credit score falls below conventional requirements. The minimum score is 580 for a 3.5% down payment and 500 for a 10% down payment. FHA loans require mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) for the life of the loan unless the down payment is 10% or more. They allow more flexibility on debt-to-income ratios than conventional options. The 2026 FHA loan limit for a single-family home ranges from $541,287 in low-cost areas to $1,249,125 in high-cost markets.
USDA Home Loans
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers zero down payment loans for buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas. SSDI and disability income count toward household income for USDA purposes. The standard 2026 income limit ranges from $112,450 to $119,850 for a household of one to four people in most counties, with higher limits in high-cost areas. Three USDA loan types apply: the Section 502 Direct Home Loan for very low income, the Section 502 Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan and the Section 504 Home Repair Program. The property must be in a USDA-eligible area with a population under 35,000.
Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program, sometimes called Section 8 homeownership, lets families with a housing voucher apply it toward monthly mortgage costs instead of rent. There are no specific employment requirements for people with disabilities, and disabled households are exempt from the 10-year to 15-year time limits that apply to non-disabled families. Availability varies by Public Housing Authority. Voucher holders who currently rent can find coverage of how the program works before transitioning in MoneyGeek's guide to renting with disabilities.
HUD Section 811 Supportive Housing
Section 811 funds rental subsidies and supportive services for non-elderly adults with disabilities at extremely low incomes (below 30% of AMI). The program supports rental rather than homeownership, but it can serve as a bridge for people building credit and savings before applying for a mortgage. State housing finance agencies and local public housing authorities can confirm Section 811 availability.
BANK STATEMENT LOANS
Bank statement loans are an option for self-employed buyers with disabilities who cannot produce traditional pay stubs. Lenders review 12 months of bank statements to verify income instead of W-2s or tax returns. Borrowers usually need a 20% down payment and a low debt-to-income ratio, with maximum loan amounts that can reach $1 million or more. These loans carry more fraud risk than government-backed programs, and thorough lender research is recommended before applying.
State Housing Finance Agency Programs
Every state has a housing finance agency (HFA) that runs programs for low- and moderate-income buyers, including people with disabilities. These programs offer below-market interest rates, down payment assistance and, in some cases, disability-specific funds. The National Council of State Housing Agencies directory lists HFAs by state.
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)
PHFA's ACCESS Home Modification program provides a zero-interest, deferred-payment loan between $1,000 and $10,000 for accessibility modifications. The ACCESS Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance program offers up to $15,000 at zero interest to buyers with disabilities or households with a disabled family member.
Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA)
The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority's Home of Your Own (HOYO) program provides below-market-rate first mortgages to people with disabilities and households with a disabled family member.
Maryland Mortgage Program
The HomeAbility program provides up to $45,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for Maryland homebuyers with disabilities and their family caregivers.
Down Payment Assistance and Grants
Down payment assistance can come from federal, state, local and private sources. Most assistance targets first-time buyers, though some programs accept repeat buyers. Buyers should confirm whether the assistance is structured as a repayable second mortgage or a grant.
HUD Good Neighbor Next Door
HUD's Good Neighbor Next Door program offers a 50% discount on select HUD-owned homes to law enforcement officers, K-12 teachers, firefighters and EMTs. Buyers commit to living in the home as their primary residence for at least 36 months. Available properties are listed on HUD's website for seven days, with selection by random lottery when multiple offers arrive. The program is not designed for people with disabilities, but qualifying professionals with disabilities can combine it with other assistance programs.
Chenoa Fund
The Chenoa Fund, managed by CBC Mortgage Agency, is a nationwide down payment assistance program that offers 3.5% to 5% of the purchase price as a second mortgage. The repayable version has no income limits and requires a minimum credit score of 600. Forgivable options are available for borrowers who meet stricter income requirements. The fund works with FHA loans and some conventional products.
Bank of America Down Payment Grant
Bank of America's Down Payment Grant provides 3% of the purchase price, up to $10,000, with no repayment required. The bank also offers up to $7,500 in closing cost assistance. Availability is restricted to select metro markets, and buyers should confirm eligibility with the bank's mortgage team.
Home Modification Programs and Loans
Modification programs help cover the cost of accessibility features in an existing home, such as ramps, widened doorways, roll-in showers and stair lifts. MoneyGeek's guide to home accessibility modifications addresses costs, funding sources and legal rights in greater detail.
FHA 203(k) Renovation Loans
FHA 203(k) loans let buyers finance a home purchase and renovation in a single loan. The Standard 203(k) covers major structural rehabilitation, with a minimum renovation cost of $5,000 and no maximum repair limit (the total loan is capped at the FHA loan limit for the area). The Limited 203(k) covers repairs up to $75,000 and does not allow structural changes. Both versions require an FHA-approved appraiser and inspector.
DCU Access Loans
Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) offers Access Loans of $1,000 to $25,000 for home modifications that improve accessibility. The borrower does not need to be the person with the disability, but DCU membership is required to apply. Current APRs and terms are listed on DCU's website.
Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation
The HomeStyle Renovation loan from Fannie Mae lets borrowers finance eligible home improvements in a single conventional mortgage. It requires an approved contractor and has deadlines for when work must be completed. Income limits mirror those for the HomeReady program.
USDA Section 504 Home Repair
The USDA's Section 504 Home Repair Program offers loans of up to $40,000 and grants of up to $10,000 to very-low-income homeowners in rural areas. Grants are restricted to homeowners aged 62 or older who cannot repay a loan. Funds can pay for accessibility modifications, structural repairs and the removal of health and safety hazards. Applications are processed through local USDA Rural Development offices.
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Medicaid HCBS waivers can pay for accessibility modifications in some states, such as ramp installation, bathroom modifications and stair lifts. Eligibility, covered modifications and dollar caps vary by state. State Medicaid agencies and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services can confirm whether a state's waiver covers home modifications. For SSI recipients who already qualify for Medicaid, HCBS waivers are among the more accessible modification funding options.
TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR ACCESSIBILITY MODIFICATIONS
Accessibility modifications made for medical reasons are deductible as medical expenses on federal income taxes under Schedule A (Form 1040). Homeowners can deduct the portion of eligible medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of adjusted gross income. Qualifying improvements include ramps, stair lifts, grab bars, widened doorways, roll-in showers, accessible kitchen modifications, lever-style door handles and non-slip flooring. When a modification increases the home's market value, only the cost above that value increase qualifies as a deductible medical expense. Maintaining a doctor's note, receipts and modification records supports the deduction.
Housing Help for Veterans With Disabilities
Veterans with service-connected disabilities have access to grants and programs beyond the standard VA home loan. The VA offers four housing adaptation grants in 2026, summarized below.
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) | $126,526 | Major adaptations or new home construction for severe disabilities | Up to 6 |
Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) | $25,350 | Modifications for upper-body or vision disabilities | Up to 6 |
Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) | $50,961 (SAH) / $9,100 (SHA) | Modifying a family member's home while the veteran's primary home is being built or adapted | Counts toward SAH/SHA cap |
Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) | $6,800 service-connected / $2,000 non-service-connected | Medically necessary improvements for veterans of any disability rating | Lifetime cap |
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)
The SAH grant covers veterans with severe service-connected disabilities, including loss or loss of use of more than one limb, blindness in both eyes, certain severe burn injuries and loss or loss of use of one lower extremity after September 11, 2001 requiring mobility assistance. The 2026 maximum is $126,526. Veterans may use SAH and SHA grants up to six times over their lifetime, up to the cumulative cap.
Special Housing Adaptation (SHA)
The SHA grant funds modifications for veterans with specific service-connected disabilities, including loss or loss of use of both hands, certain respiratory injuries, severe burns or blindness. The 2026 maximum is $25,350. The grant pays for modifications such as bathroom adaptations, kitchen accessibility upgrades and other modifications that support independent daily living.
Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA)
TRA grants help SAH- or SHA-eligible veterans modify a temporary residence, such as a family member's home, while their own home is being built or adapted. The 2026 maximum is $50,961 for SAH-eligible veterans and $9,100 for SHA-eligible veterans. TRA amounts count against the lifetime SAH or SHA cap.
Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA)
HISA grants pay for medically necessary improvements regardless of whether the disability is service-connected. The lifetime cap is $6,800 for service-connected veterans and $2,000 for non-service-connected veterans. HISA is administered through VA medical centers and often pairs with SAH or SHA to cover costs those grants don't.
Homes for Our Troops
Homes for Our Troops builds and donates custom-adapted homes to post-9/11 veterans with severe service-connected injuries, including traumatic brain injury, paralysis and limb amputation. Veterans choose where they want to live. Applicants must be retired from military service, hold a VA SAH letter of eligibility and pass a background and credit check. The organization maintains contact after the home is donated to address ongoing needs.
Nonprofit Programs for Homebuyers With Disabilities
Nonprofits fill needs that government programs and private lenders leave unmet. Two organizations operate in nearly every state and have clear disability eligibility paths: Habitat for Humanity, which builds and sells affordable homes to qualifying low-income buyers, and Rebuilding Together, which makes free safety and accessibility repairs for elderly, disabled and veteran homeowners. Both prioritize housing need over income or credit score, a distinction that matters for applicants who fall below conventional financing thresholds.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity's eligibility requirements include demonstrated housing need, the ability to pay an affordable mortgage and a willingness to contribute sweat equity. Household income usually cannot exceed 60% of area median income, though local affiliates set their own limits. Habitat follows the Fair Housing Act and does not factor disability status into selection, but inaccessible housing qualifies as a documented housing need. Monthly mortgage payments are capped at 30% of the homebuyer's gross income at closing.
Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together operates through local affiliates across the U.S. and provides free home repairs to qualifying homeowners. Priority goes to elderly, disabled and veteran homeowners. Household income must fall at or below 80% of area median income. Services range from minor repairs to roofing and electrical work. Applications open annually; local affiliates are listed at RebuildingTogether.org.
ABLE Accounts: Savings Without Losing Benefits
ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Funds grow tax-free and can be spent on housing, transportation, education, health care and other disability-related expenses without affecting SSI eligibility on the first $100,000 saved. Medicaid eligibility is not affected by any ABLE balance.
As of Jan. 1, 2026, anyone whose disability began before age 46 is eligible. The annual contribution limit in 2026 is $20,000 from all sources. Employed account holders who do not participate in an employer retirement plan may contribute an additional amount equal to the federal poverty guideline for a one-person household, which is $15,650 in 2026. This brings the maximum potential annual contribution to $35,650 for working ABLE beneficiaries. Most states run ABLE programs, and many accept out-of-state residents. Program options can be compared at ABLEnrc.org.
Planning for the Full Picture of Disability Finances
Homeownership is one piece of a broader financial picture for people with disabilities. Income protection and transportation access also affect financial stability.
- Life Insurance: People with disabilities can qualify for life insurance, though terms and available product types vary based on the disability. MoneyGeek's guide to life insurance for people with disabilities covers coverage types, underwriting practices and insurer accessibility.
- Transportation: A home's accessibility often depends on more than the structure itself. Vehicle modifications and adaptive driving technology affect daily independence, especially in areas without dependable public transit. MoneyGeek's guide to vehicle modifications and insurance for drivers with disabilities covers modification costs, funding sources and auto insurance rights.
Loading...
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy a house on SSDI or SSI income alone?
Yes. Both are accepted income sources for FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans as long as the income is documented and expected to continue for at least three years. SSI's monthly maximum is $994 for individuals in 2026. Lenders can gross up nontaxable SSI income by 15% (FHA) or up to 25% (conventional), increasing the qualifying amount. The SSI asset limits can restrict down payment savings, but a primary home does not count toward those limits, and ABLE accounts allow savings without triggering asset cap issues.
Will buying a home affect my SSI benefits?
No. A primary residence is excluded from SSI resource calculations regardless of its value. Homeownership does not affect the monthly SSI payment or Medicaid eligibility. What can affect benefits is how a buyer saves toward a down payment. Cash in a regular bank account counts as an asset. Saving through an ABLE account avoids this issue because balances up to $100,000 don't count against the SSI resource limit.
What documentation do I need to qualify for a mortgage with disability income?
Lenders require an SSA award letter, a proof-of-income or benefit verification letter, recent bank statements showing consistent deposits and, sometimes, Form SSA-1099 or federal tax returns. For VA disability income, a VA award letter is usually enough. Private long-term disability insurance requires policy documents confirming the benefit amount and expected duration.
What are ABLE accounts and how do they help with homeownership?
ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts that let people with disabilities save for housing costs, transportation, health care and other qualifying expenses without losing SSI eligibility on the first $100,000 saved. As of Jan. 1, 2026, anyone whose disability began before age 46 can open one. The 2026 annual contribution limit is $20,000, with up to $15,650 in additional contributions for working beneficiaries who don't participate in an employer retirement plan. Funds can be applied to down payments and closing costs.
What is the VA SAH Grant and who qualifies?
The Specially Adapted Housing grant from the VA helps veterans with severe service-connected disabilities buy, build or modify a permanent home. The maximum grant in fiscal year 2026 is $126,526. Qualifying disabilities include loss or loss of use of more than one limb, blindness in both eyes and certain severe burn injuries. Veterans can use the grant up to six times over their lifetime, up to the cumulative cap.
Can a lender ask about my disability?
No. Lenders cannot ask about the nature of a borrower's disability or whether disability benefits are likely to continue when no defined expiration date exists. They can request documentation of the income amount and a continuance period. Questions about a borrower's diagnosis or medical condition may violate the Fair Housing Act and ECOA. Such questions should be reported to HUD or the CFPB.
Are there tax benefits to making my home accessible?
Yes. Accessibility modifications made for medical reasons are deductible as medical expenses under Schedule A (Form 1040). Homeowners can deduct the portion of eligible medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of adjusted gross income. Qualifying improvements include ramps, grab bars, stair lifts, widened doorways and roll-in showers. When a modification increases the home's market value, only the cost above that value increase qualifies as a medical expense deduction. Maintaining a doctor's note, receipts and modification records supports the deduction.
Does USDA Section 504 offer grants for accessibility modifications?
Yes. The USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program offers loans of up to $40,000 and grants of up to $10,000 to very-low-income rural homeowners. Grants are restricted to homeowners aged 62 or older who cannot repay a loan. Funds can pay for accessibility modifications, structural repairs and the removal of health and safety hazards.
Related MoneyGeek Guides
MoneyGeek covers related disability and housing topics in the following guides:
- Vehicle Modifications and Insurance for Drivers With Disabilities: Modification costs, funding programs, auto insurance rights and adaptive driving resources
- Life Insurance for People With Disabilities: Available coverage types, how underwriting works and which insurers are most accessible
- A Guide to Renting With Disabilities: Fair Housing Act rights for renters, how to find accessible properties and rental assistance programs
- Home Accessibility Modifications: 2026 Costs, Funding and Legal Rights: Full cost breakdowns, VA grants, Medicaid waivers and contractor guidance for modifying a home
- Setting Up a Home for Children With Disabilities: Room-by-room equipment, safety features and accessibility planning for families
- Driving a Child With Special Needs: Vehicle safety, transportation planning and adaptive equipment considerations for families
About Nathan Paulus
Nathan Paulus is Head of Content and SEO at MoneyGeek, where he leads content strategy and produces original data research across insurance, consumer costs, transportation safety, housing, public policy and personal finance. He also reviews published studies for methodology, source quality and factual accuracy before they reach readers.
Research and Analysis
In nearly six years at MoneyGeek, Paulus has published more than 100 original studies and explanatory guides. His insurance research includes 50-state comparisons of health care outcomes, costs and access; an analysis of how uninsured rates track with state Medicaid expansion decisions and electoral patterns; full coverage auto rate analyses across major insurers in all 50 states; and a study of how premium trends track with industry underwriting losses, with combined ratio data sourced from Fitch Ratings, AM Best and Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI figures. His research also covers vehicle pricing trends across the U.S. new car market, summer traffic fatality rates by state, homeowner underinsurance ratios using mortgage and policy data, and housing affordability across all 50 states.
His research has been cited by Bloomberg, the Los Angeles Times, Forbes, Fast Company, the San Francisco Chronicle, USA Today and NBC Los Angeles. Harvard, MIT, Stanford and Yale have also referenced his work.
Career
Growing up, Paulus developed an early interest in personal finance through his grandmother, who emphasized saving over earning as the foundation of financial stability. Her framing still shows up in how he writes about money for people without a financial background.
Paulus joined MoneyGeek in July 2020 as Director of Content Marketing. In that role, he led the content team and directed data journalism production across insurance and personal finance verticals. He was promoted to Head of Marketing and Communications in December 2023, where he took on digital PR and communications strategy. He has held his current role as Head of Content and SEO since January 2025.
Before MoneyGeek, he served as Director of Content Marketing and SEO at Ventrix Advertising. There, he helped build two content sites from scratch, contributed to link-building programs that secured more than 1,500 unique referring domains within a year, and co-managed a marketing team of more than 20 people. Earlier, he spent two and a half years at ABUV Media, moving up from Marketing Research Analyst to Senior Marketing Tactics Analyst, where he built his grounding in audience research, content strategy and SEO.
Sources
- ABLE National Resource Center. "The ABLE Age Adjustment Act Fact Sheet." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- ABLE National Resource Center. "What Are ABLE Accounts?." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- Center for Research on Disability. "2025 Annual Disability Statistics Compendium." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "Home and Community Based Services." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- Chenoa Fund. "Down Payment Assistance Guide." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "Guidance to Help Lenders Avoid Discrimination Against Consumers Receiving Disability Income." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- Digital Federal Credit Union. "Access Loans." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- Fannie Mae. "Home Possible Mortgage." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- Fannie Mae. "HomeReady Mortgage." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- Federal Housing Finance Agency. "FHFA Announces Conforming Loan Limit Values for 2026." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- Federal Register. "Loan Guaranty: Assistance to Eligible Individuals in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing; Cost-of-Construction Index for Fiscal Year 2026." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- Federal Reserve. "Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2024." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- Habitat for Humanity. "Qualifications for a Habitat Homeowner." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- HUD. "FHA Announces 2026 Loan Limits." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- HUD. "Good Neighbor Next Door." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- HUD. "Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- IRS. "Publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- National Council of State Housing Agencies. "Find a State Housing Finance Agency." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. "ACCESS Programs." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- Rebuilding Together. "Find Your Local Affiliate." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- Social Security Administration. "SSI Federal Payment Amounts for 2026." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- Social Security Administration. "What's New in 2026 (The Red Book)." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- Technical Assistance Collaborative. "Priced Out 2024." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. "Disability Housing Grants for Veterans." Accessed May 26, 2026.
- USDA Rural Development. "Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (Section 504)." Accessed May 26, 2026.