Home Modification Policies

MS activists are advancing legislation in their state legislatures to provide financial assistance for home modifications. Policies allow an individual homeowner or a family to be able to recoup some of the cost of modifying a home, or access specific funding to pay for the modification up front. 

People living with MS may find that their daily lives would be improved if they could modify their homes to increase accessibility and safety. Accessible housing can also help people with MS to cope with many of their symptoms. Modifications such as installing a roll-in shower or stairway lift can help conserve energy to manage fatigue, which is a common MS symptom. Balance—as well as issues with gait, coordination, muscle tone, and strength—can also be mitigated with the help of appropriate modifications such as handrails or grab bars. Installation of a ramp means someone using a wheelchair or scooter can gain easy entry to and exit from their home, potentially allowing them to maintain employment and avoid isolation.
 
The cost of home modifications vary widely; estimates range from $100 to $50,000. Home modification assistance programs not only benefit people with MS by allowing them to stay safe and independent in their own homes—they also result in savings for the healthcare system and for our economy overall by reducing injuries due to falls and premature admission to long-term care facilities. 

Click here to view a complete list of states with existing home modification tax credit policies. Help advance home modification legislation in your state legislature.