Aging in Place Funding in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents can access both federal and state programs to help pay for aging-in-place home modifications. Below is every program we've verified, with eligibility details and direct application links.
Federal Programs Available in Pennsylvania
These programs are available nationwide but may have state-specific administrators or requirements in Pennsylvania.
VA SAH Grant
Grant — Federal
Up to $126,669
Veterans with service-connected disabilities including loss of limbs, blindness, or severe burns
VA SHA Grant
Grant — Federal
Up to $25,000
Veterans with service-connected disabilities including blindness, loss of hands, or severe respiratory injury
VA HISA Grant
Grant — Federal
Up to $6,800
Veterans with any service-connected disability needing home modifications
USDA Section 504
Grant — Federal
Up to $10,000 (grant) or $40,000 (loan)
Rural homeowners 62+ with income below 50% of area median (grants) or below 80% (loans)
HUD OAHMP
Grant — Federal
Up to $5,000 per household
Low-income older adults (60+) in participating communities
Medicaid HCBS Waivers
Waiver — Federal
Varies by state
Medicaid-eligible individuals who would otherwise need institutional care; 47 states cover some home modifications
AAA Programs
Grant — Federal
Varies by locality
Adults 60+ in the service area of their local AAA; typically prioritizes low-income, minority, and rural populations
Pennsylvania-Specific Programs
These programs are unique to Pennsylvania and may have limited funding or geographic restrictions.
PA OPTIONS
Program — PA State
Varies (based on care plan)
PA residents 60+ with difficulty with daily activities who want to stay home. No financial eligibility requirement — co-payments on sliding scale. Covers home modifications.
PA CHC Waiver
Waiver — PA State
Varies (individualized care plan)
Medicaid-eligible PA residents 21+ requiring nursing facility level of care. Covers wheelchair ramps, stair glides, walk-in bathtubs, safety bars.
PA ACCESS
Loan — PA State
Up to $15,000 (zero-interest, deferred)
Homebuyers with disabilities purchasing through PHFA mortgage programs. Zero-interest loan with no monthly payments — repaid only when you sell or move out.
PA Caregiver Support
Grant — PA State
Up to $5,000 (lifetime reimbursement)
Caregivers of seniors or disabled individuals can get reimbursed up to $5,000 for home modifications and assistive devices. Sliding scale based on care receiver income.
Philly AMP
Grant — Local
Varies (grant-based)
Low-income Philadelphia residents with permanent physical disabilities. Grants reimburse contractors for wheelchair lifts, stairway elevators, first-floor bathrooms, railings, and kitchen modifications.
PA SHARP
Grant — PA State
Up to $2,500
PA homeowners 60+ funded by the PA Lottery. Covers grab bars, railings, stair repair, electrical and plumbing fixes. Free if income is at or below 200% FPL.
Contractor Licensing in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has no state-level contractor license, but home improvement contractors doing $5,000 or more in work annually must register with the PA Attorney General's Office ($50 per two-year period). Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors require state licensure. Insurance requirements: minimum $50,000 general liability and property damage coverage. Workers' compensation is mandatory for all contractors with employees — Pennsylvania has zero exemptions and severe penalties (up to $15,000 fines, criminal prosecution) for non-compliance. Always verify your contractor's registration and insurance before hiring.
Find Services by City in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
14.1% of residents over 65
Pittsburgh, PA
16.2% of residents over 65
Allentown, PA
13.5% of residents over 65
Erie, PA
16.8% of residents over 65
Reading, PA
12.9% of residents over 65
Scranton, PA
16.3% of residents over 65
Harrisburg, PA
14.1% of residents over 65
Bethlehem, PA
14.7% of residents over 65
Lancaster, PA
13.4% of residents over 65
York, PA
12.8% of residents over 65