The state-funded Home Modification Loan Program provides loans to make access modifications to the primary, permanent residence of elders, adults with disabilities, and families with children with disabilities. Such modifications allow people to remain in their homes and live more independently in their communities.

There are six agencies throughout the state that administer the program for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC). The program lends money to homeowners who wish to start new modification projects, but does not reimburse for work that has been already completed.

Based on the income guidelines, from $1,000 up to $30,000 (inclusive of all costs) may be borrowed in either a deferred payment loan (DPL) or an amortized loan, which is secured by a promissory note and a mortgage lien, except in cases of loans that are under $2,500 which are only secured by the promissory note.  An HMLP loan may be obtained only one time per property.  Borrowers may not come back for more funding for the same property once their project is complete.

Homeowners eligible for a 0% DPL will not have to repay the loan until the property is sold or has its title transferred. 3% DPL or 3% amortizing loans must be repaid in 5 to 15 years, depending on the amount of the loan, and require monthly payment schedules.

The program has disbursed over $15.3 million to 613 borrowers to support the home modification needs of elders, adults with disabilities and families with children with disabilities.

A brochure for the program can be downloaded here Home Mod Brochure (PDF). 
In addition, for more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/mrc/hmlp or take the time to review the Home Modification Impact Assessment Executive Summary (PDF)