For more information on these individual programs and services, including basic documentation and qualification criteria, please continue reading below.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Program

Provides grants to eligible Veterans and Servicemembers with certain service-connected disabilities to help them live more independently in a barrier-free home. Grant funds may be used to build a specially adapted home, purchase and modify an existing home, or modify the Veteran's current permanent residence. The program is intended to improve accessibility and accommodate qualifying disabilities.

Basic Eligibility:

• Veterans or Servicemembers with qualifying service-connected disabilities
• Must meet VA eligibility requirements for SAH benefits
• Home must serve as the Veteran's permanent residence

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued Photo ID
• VA disability rating information
• DD-214 (if requested)
• Property ownership or purchase documentation
• Contractor estimates or construction plans (if applicable)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Program

Provides financial assistance for medically necessary home improvements that allow eligible Veterans to safely receive healthcare or access essential areas of their home. Covered improvements may include wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, accessible bathrooms, handrails, and other structural modifications prescribed by a healthcare provider. HISA benefits are separate from the VA's Specially Adapted Housing grant programs.

Basic Eligibility:

• Veterans enrolled in VA health care
• Home improvements must be medically necessary
• Modifications must be prescribed or approved by an authorized healthcare provider

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued Photo ID
• VA medical documentation or prescription
• Contractor estimates
• Property ownership or landlord approval (if applicable)
• VA application forms

U.S. Department of Agriculture – Section 504 Home Repair Program

Helps very-low-income homeowners in eligible rural communities repair, improve, or modernize their homes. The program offers low-interest loans for qualifying homeowners and grants for eligible homeowners aged 62 or older to remove health and safety hazards. Funding may be used for structural repairs, accessibility improvements, roof replacement, plumbing, electrical work, and other necessary repairs.

Basic Eligibility:

• Home located in an eligible USDA rural area
• Applicant owns and occupies the home
• Household meets USDA income requirements
• Grants are limited to eligible homeowners age 62 or older who cannot repay a loan

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued Photo ID
• Proof of home ownership
• Income verification
• Property tax records
• Contractor estimates

Illinois Housing Development Authority – Home Repair and Accessibility Program

Supports home repair and accessibility improvements through local governments and nonprofit organizations across Illinois. Funding helps eligible homeowners complete critical repairs that improve health, safety, accessibility, and long-term housing stability. Program availability varies by participating local agency and available funding.

Basic Eligibility:

• Eligibility is determined by participating local agencies
• Generally intended for income-qualified homeowners
• Program requirements vary by funding source

Common Documentation Requested Later by Local Agencies:

• Government-issued Photo ID
• Proof of home ownership
• Income verification
• Proof of residence
• Contractor estimates

Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP)

Helps income-eligible households reduce energy costs while improving the safety and efficiency of their homes. Services may include insulation, air sealing, furnace repair or replacement, water heater improvements, ventilation, and other energy-saving measures. Weatherization services are provided through local community action agencies and nonprofit organizations.

Basic Eligibility:

• Income-eligible households
• Home located in Illinois
• Priority may be given to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and households with young children

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued Photo ID
• Proof of residence
• Income verification
• Utility bills
• Social Security numbers (if applicable)

Cook County – Healthy Homes for Healthy Families

Provides eligible suburban Cook County homeowners with home improvements that address health, safety, and environmental hazards. Services may include repairs that improve indoor air quality, reduce lead and asthma hazards, increase accessibility, and improve overall home safety and energy efficiency. Program availability depends on funding and participating communities.

Basic Eligibility:

• Home located in eligible suburban Cook County communities
• Household meets program eligibility requirements
• Assistance subject to available funding

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued Photo ID
• Proof of residence
• Proof of home ownership
• Income verification
• Property information

Cook County – Leak Repair Program

Helps eligible homeowners repair plumbing leaks that contribute to excessive water usage and high utility bills. The program may also provide water-efficiency upgrades that help conserve water and reduce future utility costs. Services are available to qualifying households while program funding remains available.

Basic Eligibility:

• Home located within participating Cook County service areas
• Household meets program eligibility requirements
• Assistance subject to available funding

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued Photo ID
• Water bill
• Proof of residence
• Proof of home ownership
• Income verification

City of Chicago Department of Housing – Home Repair Program

Provides financial assistance for eligible homeowners needing critical exterior repairs that help preserve safe housing. Covered improvements may include roof repairs, porch repairs, and other eligible structural work as determined by the program. Assistance is offered when funding is available and applications are being accepted.

Basic Eligibility:

• Owner-occupied home located in Chicago
• Household meets program income requirements
• Property must meet program eligibility requirements

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued Photo ID
• Proof of home ownership
• Income verification
• Property tax information
• Contractor information (if applicable)

City of Chicago Department of Housing – Emergency Heating Repair Program

Assists eligible Chicago homeowners whose heating systems have failed or require emergency replacement during qualifying program periods. Assistance may include furnace repair or replacement to restore safe heat during the heating season. The program is offered only when funding is available and applications are open.

Basic Eligibility:

• Owner-occupied home located in Chicago
• Household meets income eligibility requirements
• Heating system requires emergency repair or replacement

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued Photo ID
• Proof of home ownership
• Income verification
• Utility bills
• Documentation regarding the heating system

Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA)

Administers weatherization services through the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP). Eligible households receive energy-efficiency improvements that help lower utility costs while improving comfort, safety, and the overall condition of the home. Services are provided based on household eligibility and available funding.

Basic Eligibility:

• Income-eligible households
• Home located within CEDA's service area
• Must meet Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program requirements

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued Photo ID
• Income verification
• Utility bills
• Proof of residence
• Social Security numbers (if applicable)

Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago

Provides free home repairs and accessibility modifications to qualifying homeowners through volunteers, contractors, and community partnerships. Repairs focus on improving health, safety, accessibility, and allowing older adults, Veterans, and individuals with disabilities to remain safely in their homes. Services vary based on available funding and volunteer capacity.

Basic Eligibility:

• Homeowner meets program eligibility requirements
• Priority may be given to older adults, Veterans, and individuals with disabilities
• Assistance subject to available funding

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued Photo ID
• Proof of home ownership
• Income verification
• Proof of residence
• Property information

Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity – Home Repair Program

Partners with local Habitat affiliates to provide qualifying homeowners with critical home repairs and home preservation services. Eligible repairs may include accessibility improvements, exterior repairs, health and safety improvements, and deferred maintenance projects. Available services vary by affiliate and available funding.

Basic Eligibility:

• Homeowner meets participating Habitat affiliate requirements
• Household meets income guidelines established by the local affiliate
• Property located within participating service areas

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued Photo ID
• Proof of home ownership
• Income verification
• Proof of residence
• Property information

Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS)

Connects eligible homeowners with financial assistance, loans, grants, and home repair programs that preserve safe and affordable housing. Assistance may include critical repairs, accessibility improvements, rehabilitation financing, and referrals to additional housing resources. Programs vary depending on funding availability and neighborhood eligibility.

Basic Eligibility:

• Homeowner meets individual program requirements
• Property located within eligible service areas
• Assistance subject to available funding

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued Photo ID
• Proof of home ownership
• Income verification
• Property information
• Contractor estimates (if applicable)

North West Housing Partnership – Home Repair Programs

Provides minor home repair and handyman services to eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities living in participating northwest suburban communities. Repairs are intended to improve safety, accessibility, and allow residents to remain independent in their homes. Available services depend on the municipality and program funding.

Basic Eligibility:

• Resident of a participating community
• Senior or individual with a disability meeting program guidelines
• Assistance subject to available funding

Common Documentation Requested:

• Government-issued Photo ID
• Proof of residence
• Proof of home ownership
• Age or disability documentation (if applicable)
• Income verification (if required)

Chicago Bungalow Association

Connects homeowners with grants, rebates, educational resources, and technical assistance for home repairs and energy-efficiency improvements. The organization also helps homeowners navigate available city, state, and utility-sponsored improvement programs that preserve Chicago's historic housing stock. Programs vary based on funding availability and the specific improvement project.

Basic Eligibility:

• Home located within eligible service areas
• Individual programs maintain their own eligibility requirements
• No eligibility requirements to receive information and referrals

Common Documentation Requested Later by Individual Programs:

• Government-issued Photo ID
• Proof of home ownership
• Income verification
• Utility bills
• Property information

 If you have further questions regarding these services, please contact our main office at 312.433.6010 and select Menu Option 4 to speak with a representative who can assist you with navigating this issue.