Finding a new place to live is a big decision. That’s especially true when you have a condition like multiple sclerosis (MS) that limits your mobility. Along with factors like location and size, you also need to consider accessibility when you’re house hunting.
Can your new home accommodate a wheelchair or walker if you need one? Will you have to modify the house to fit your needs? Can you afford the mortgage plus any modifications you’ll need to make?
Fortunately, federal, state, and local governments offer programs to help people with disabilities like MS find affordable housing and pay for it. There are also programs to help you modify your current home.
Both the federal government and the National MS Society can point you to a variety of housing programs.
The government’s Housing Help website offers several resources for people with disabilities. It’s a good first step, whether you want to rent or own your own home.
The National MS Society offers a Guide to Housing where you can explore different housing options and home modifications. The website lists resources by state.
Also, check with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). You can search for home buying or rental assistance in your state on their website.
Or contact your Local Public Housing Agency (PHA) to see whether you qualify for housing help.
MS is considered a disability. People with disabilities can take advantage of housing assistance programs, like:
- Public housing. Low-cost homes and apartments are available to low-income families and older adults. You can also qualify if you have a disability like MS, as long as your income is low enough.
- Rent assistance. The government offers reduced rents and vouchers. MS may qualify you to live in low-cost senior housing. Again, your income has to be low enough to qualify for these programs.
- Homeownership vouchers. HUD has a voucher program to help you buy a home. The program also provides a monthly allowance to help cover expenses. You’ll need to be a first-time homeowner and meet income requirements to qualify.
- Home loans. If you live in a rural area, you may be able to get a government loan. You can use this money to buy a home or make your current home more accessible.
Barrier-free means wheelchair accessible. It’s worth thinking about if you use a wheelchair now or you might need one in the future. Barrier-free homes can be hard to find.
There aren’t any laws that require homes to be wheelchair accessible. Disabled homeowners have to build their homes based on their needs. And not all of the accessible homes that are available meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
The website Barrier-Free Home can help. It features accessible homes all over the country within many different price ranges. You can see whether a home has wheelchair ramps, a walk-in shower, and other features to help find the one that best suits your needs.