Programs That Help Seniors with Home Repairs in Massachusetts

Living at home as you get older should be safe, comfortable, and possible-especially in Massachusetts, where so many seniors have spent decades in the same house. But what happens when the roof leaks, the stairs become dangerous, or the bathroom is too hard to use? Many seniors don’t have the money, strength, or ability to fix these problems on their own. The good news? There are real, working programs in Massachusetts that help seniors with home repairs-no matter their income level.

Massachusetts Senior Home Repair Programs Are Real-and Free

There’s no single statewide program, but there are several well-funded, local, and nonprofit initiatives that step in when seniors can’t fix their homes themselves. These aren’t just charity handouts. They’re government-backed, community-run services designed to keep older adults safe and independent.

One of the most widely used is the Massachusetts Home Repair Program run by Area Agencies on Aging. It’s funded by the state and federal Older Americans Act. In 2024, this program helped over 8,200 seniors across the state with repairs like installing grab bars, fixing broken steps, replacing faulty wiring, and repairing leaky roofs. The average repair cost covered per household was $2,100, and most seniors paid nothing out of pocket.

Eligibility is simple: you must be 60 or older, live in your own home, and have a household income below 200% of the federal poverty level. That’s about $30,000 for a single person and $40,000 for a couple in 2025. Even if you’re a little over that limit, many programs still help-just with a small co-pay.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Getting help isn’t complicated, but you need to know where to start. Here’s how it works:

1. Find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). There are 15 across Massachusetts. For example, if you live in Boston, call Boston Senior Services. If you’re in Worcester, contact the Worcester County AAA.
2. Call them and ask for the Home Repair Program. They’ll send someone to your home within 5-7 days for a free safety assessment.
3. The assessor will list needed repairs: handrails, non-slip flooring, wheelchair ramps, HVAC fixes, or even plumbing upgrades.
4. You’ll get a written plan and a list of approved contractors who work with the program.
5. Repairs start within 2-6 weeks, depending on urgency. Emergency repairs (like a broken heater in winter) are done in under 72 hours.

You don’t need to own your home to qualify. Renters can apply too-if their landlord agrees to let the repairs happen and signs a simple form.

Other Programs That Fill the Gaps

The Area Agency on Aging program is the main one, but it doesn’t cover everything. That’s where other groups come in:

• Rebuilding Together Massachusetts is a national nonprofit with a strong local chapter. They do full home makeovers for low-income seniors-think new roofs, wheelchair ramps, and bathroom remodels. In 2024, they completed 412 homes across the state.
• Massachusetts Veterans’ Services offers home repair grants to veterans 60+ with limited income. This includes repairs not covered by VA benefits, like electrical upgrades or exterior painting.
• United Way 2-1-1 is a free hotline (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211mass.org). They connect seniors to over 200 local programs, including ones that help with window replacement, insulation, and snow removal.
• Local churches and civic groups often run volunteer repair teams. In Springfield, the First Baptist Church has a “Senior Home Helpers” group that fixes leaky faucets, changes light bulbs, and clears overgrown yards-all for free.

What Kind of Repairs Are Covered?

These programs don’t do luxury upgrades. They focus on safety and basic function. Here’s what’s typically included:

• Installing grab bars in bathrooms and next to toilets
• Adding non-slip flooring or stair treads
• Building wheelchair ramps or widening doorways
• Repairing or replacing broken handrails
• Fixing leaky roofs or sealing drafts
• Replacing old or unsafe electrical wiring
• Fixing or replacing broken heating systems (especially in winter)
• Repairing or replacing broken steps or porches
• Installing emergency alert systems (like medical alert pendants)

Things they don’t cover: swimming pools, landscaping, cosmetic painting, or remodeling kitchens for style. But if your kitchen sink is broken and you can’t reach it, they’ll fix it. If your front door won’t lock, they’ll replace the lock. Safety always comes first.

What If You’re Denied Help?

Sometimes, seniors get turned down because their income is slightly too high, or their home is in a town without a local partner. Don’t give up. Here’s what to do next:

• Ask for a reconsideration. Many programs have a small emergency fund for cases just above the income limit.
• Call the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs at 800-243-4636. They can connect you to a different program.
• Check with your town’s housing authority. Many cities have local home repair funds for seniors, even if they’re not state-funded.
• Reach out to local senior centers. They often have grant writers who can help you apply for multiple programs at once.

One woman in Lowell, 78, was denied because her Social Security income was $32,000-just $2,000 over the limit. She called the state helpline, and they connected her to a nonprofit that partners with a local bank to fund repairs for seniors who are “one step above poverty.” She got a new ramp and handrails within three weeks.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Home repairs aren’t just about comfort. They’re about survival. A 2023 study from the University of Massachusetts found that seniors who had unsafe stairs or poor lighting were 40% more likely to fall. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death for people over 65 in Massachusetts.

Every repair funded by these programs reduces hospital visits, cuts nursing home admissions, and lets seniors stay in the homes they love. It’s not just a fix-it’s a lifeline.

Don’t Wait Until It’s an Emergency

Many seniors wait until they’re stuck in the house, or until a pipe bursts, before calling for help. That’s too late. The waiting list for non-emergency repairs can be 6-8 weeks long. If you’re 70 and your bathroom floor is slippery, or your porch railing is loose, call now.

There’s no shame in asking. These programs exist because the state knows: aging in place shouldn’t mean living in danger.

If you or someone you know is struggling to stay safe at home, don’t wait for a fall or a freeze to act. These programs are here. They’re ready. And they’re waiting for your call.