Key Takeaway Box:
- The DHHS program Canada is a federal initiative that provides grants of up to $40,000 to eligible homeowners who need to make accessibility and safety improvements to their homes.
- To qualify for the program, you must meet certain criteria, such as having a household income below a certain threshold, owning and living in a home that is at least 15 years old, and having a permanent disability or reduced mobility.
- You can apply for the program online or by mail, and you will need to provide supporting documents, such as proof of income, proof of ownership, proof of disability, and a quote from a contractor.
- The program is open until March 31, 2024, or until the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. You can receive up to $20,000 per fiscal year, and up to $40,000 in total.
Are you a homeowner with a disability or reduced mobility who needs to make some modifications to your home to improve your accessibility and safety? If so, you might be eligible for the DHHS program Canada, a federal grant program that can help you cover the costs of your home improvements.
In this article, we will explain what the DHHS program in Canada is, how it works, who can apply, and how to apply. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about the program and provide some tips on how to make your application successful.
By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to apply for the DHHS program Canada and get up to $40,000 in grants for your home renovations. Let’s get started!
What is the DHHS program Canada?
The DHHS program Canada stands for Disability Homeowner Housing Support Program Canada. It is a federal initiative that was launched in September 2023 as part of the National Housing Strategy¹. The program aims to help low-income homeowners with disabilities or reduced mobility to make their homes more accessible and safe.
The program provides grants of up to $40,000 per household to cover the costs of eligible home modifications, such as:
- Installing ramps, lifts, or stairlifts
- Widening doorways or hallways
- Lowering countertops or cabinets
- Adding grab bars or handrails
- Replacing flooring or carpets
- Installing accessible showers or bathtubs
- Installing smart home devices or alarms
- And more
The program is administered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)², the national housing agency of Canada. The program has a budget of $150 million and is expected to benefit about 4,000 households across Canada.
The program is open until March 31, 2024, or until the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. You can apply for the program online or by mail, and you can receive up to $20,000 per fiscal year, and up to $40,000 in total.
Who can apply for the DHHS program Canada?
To be eligible for the DHHS program Canada, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
- You must own and live in a home that is your primary residence and that is at least 15 years old
- You must have a household income below the maximum income limit for your area, which varies by province and territory³
- You or a member of your household must have a permanent disability or reduced mobility that requires home modifications
- You must have a quote from a contractor or a supplier that shows the cost and details of the modifications you plan to make
- You must not have received or be receiving any other federal, provincial, or municipal funding for the same modifications
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for the DHHS program Canada and get up to $40,000 in grants for your home improvements.
How to apply for the DHHS program Canada?
To apply for the DHHS program Canada, you will need to follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the program and read the program guide and the [application form] carefully.
- Gather all the required documents, such as proof of income, proof of ownership, proof of disability, and a quote from a contractor or a supplier.
- Fill out the application form online or print it and fill it out by hand.
- Submit your application online or by mail to the address provided on the form.
- Wait for the approval of your application, which can take up to 12 weeks.
- Once approved, sign the agreement and start your home modifications within 90 days.
- Complete your home modifications within 12 months and submit the receipts and invoices to CMHC for reimbursement.
- Enjoy your improved home and quality of life!
Frequently asked questions about the DHHS program Canada
Here are some common questions and answers about the DHHS program Canada that you might find helpful:
Q: Can I apply for the program more than once?
A: Yes, you can apply for the program more than once, as long as you do not exceed the maximum grant amount of $40,000 per household. You can receive up to $20,000 per fiscal year, which runs from April 1 to March 31.
Q: Can I use the grant for any home modifications I want?
A: No, you can only use the grant for home modifications that are eligible under the program. The modifications must be related to your disability or reduced mobility and must improve your accessibility and safety. You can find a list of eligible modifications in the program guide.
Q: Do I need to hire a contractor or a supplier to do the modifications?
A: Yes, you need to hire a contractor or a supplier who is licensed, insured, and qualified to do the modifications. You also need to get a quote from them that shows the cost and details of the modifications you plan to make. You cannot do the modifications yourself or hire a friend or a family member who is not a professional.
Q: How long does it take to get the grant money?
A: It can take up to 12 weeks to get the approval of your application, and up to 8 weeks to get the reimbursement of your expenses. You will need to pay for the modifications upfront and then submit the receipts and invoices to CMHC for reimbursement. You will receive the grant money by direct deposit or by cheque.
Q: What if I need more information or assistance with my application?
Tips on how to make your application successful
Here are some tips on how to make your application successful and increase your chances of getting the grant:
- Apply as soon as possible, as the program is open until March 31, 2024, or until the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
- Make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents before applying.
- Fill out the application form completely and accurately, and provide clear and detailed information about your disability and your home modifications.
- Choose home modifications that are cost-effective, durable, and suitable for your needs and preferences.
- Hire a reputable and reliable contractor or supplier who can provide a reasonable and realistic quote and complete the work on time and on budget.
- Keep all the receipts and invoices of your expenses and submit them to CMHC as soon as possible after completing the modifications.
- Follow the terms and conditions of the agreement and report any changes or issues to CMHC promptly.
Conclusion
The DHHS program Canada is a great opportunity for low-income homeowners with disabilities or reduced mobility to make their homes more accessible and safe. The program provides grants of up to $40,000 per household to cover the costs of eligible home modifications, such as ramps, lifts, showers, and more.
To apply for the program, you need to meet certain criteria, such as having a low income, owning and living in an old home, and having a permanent disability or reduced mobility. You also need to provide supporting documents, such as proof of income, proof of ownership, proof of disability, and a quote from a contractor or a supplier.
You can apply for the program online or by mail, and you can receive up to $20,000 per fiscal year, and up to $40,000 in total. The program is open until March 31, 2024, or until the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you are looking for more tips and resources on how to improve your home and your lifestyle, check out our blog at [HustleHub], where we share the latest news and trends for hustlers like you. Thanks for reading and happy hustling! 🙌
Source: (1) Grants and funding from the Government of Canada – Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/government/grants-funding.html. (2) Grant and contribution funding opportunities for the Public Health …. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/funding-opportunities/grant-contribution-funding-opportunities.html. (3) Benefits Finder – Canada.ca. https://benefitsfinder.services.gc.ca/hm. (4) Grants and funding from the Government of Canada – Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/government/grants-funding.html. (5) Health Canada – Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html.