San Diego County: help paying for grab bars, ramps and home modifications
For quick, small jobs like grab bars and handrails, JFS Fix-It and Rebuilding Together San Diego are the places to start. The County's Home Repair Program handles bigger repairs but has a long wait list. If you have Medi-Cal, also ask about the statewide Medi-Cal options.
Programs that install or pay for home modifications
JFS Fix-It Service (Home Safety Modifications)
Run by: Jewish Family Service of San Diego (nonprofit)
Who it serves
Adults 60+ in the North Central, Central, South and East regions of San Diego County (the JFS page lists the ZIP codes)
What work it does
A four-point home safety check plus minor safety repairs: grab bars, handrails, shower chairs, toilet seat risers, bedside commodes, smoke and CO detectors, locks, security lights and minor plumbing or electrical work. JFS shows ramp installs on its page.
Who qualifies
Adults 60 and older who live in the service area.
Cost to you
Free. The work is done by JFS's pre-screened volunteers.
How to apply
Call (858) 637-3210. You can also take the safety checklist on the JFS page first.
Free repairs and safety changes. Its application lists wheelchair ramps, grab bars, accessibility modifications, toilets, smoke and CO detectors, electrical, plumbing and other repairs.
Who qualifies
Low-income homeowners who live in the home and can't do the repairs themselves: seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and families with children. The County's service directory says it does not work on mobile homes, condos or townhouses.
Cost to you
No cost to the homeowner.
How to apply
Download the preliminary homeowner application from the RTSD website and mail it with the required proof of income and ownership to the address on the form. Questions: (619) 231-7873 or [email protected].
Run by: County of San Diego Housing & Community Development Services
Who it serves
Unincorporated San Diego County plus Coronado, Del Mar, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Poway and Solana Beach
What work it does
Health and safety repairs. The County's 2026 environmental notice for the program lists ADA and accessibility improvements, including ADA-compliant ramps and fixing broken steps.
Who qualifies
Homeowners at or below 80% of area median income who have lived in the home at least 12 months.
Cost to you
Mobile home owners can get a grant of up to $20,000 that doesn't have to be repaid. Owners of most other homes can get a loan of up to $25,000 at 3% simple interest with no monthly payments, due when the home is sold or transferred, after 30 years, or when you move out.
How to apply
Call (858) 694-4847 to get on the wait list. The County says the wait can be 3 to 4 years and this is not an emergency program.
San Diego Habitat for Humanity: Home Preservation and VetRepair (applications paused)
Run by: San Diego Habitat for Humanity (nonprofit)
Who it serves
San Diego County. General Home Preservation is limited to areas near new Habitat builds; VetRepair is countywide.
What work it does
Mostly exterior repairs. Critical repairs are offered in limited numbers.
Who qualifies
Owner-occupants of single-family homes under 80% of area median income (for example, gross income of $61,250 to $97,950 for 1 person, effective May 6, 2026). VetRepair is for veterans.
Cost to you
Habitat asks for a $100 "pay it forward" donation, plus sweat equity if you are able.
How to apply
As of Oct 2026, Habitat says it has paused new applications. Check the page for when they reopen.
Access to Independence (Independent Living Center)
Run by: Access to Independence (nonprofit)
Who it serves
San Diego and Imperial counties (main office in Mission Valley, plus an Escondido office)
What work it does
Independent living services for people with disabilities: information and referral, advocacy, housing help and assistive technology. Ask about home access help.
Medi-Cal home modification benefits, VA grants for veterans, USDA rural repair grants and other statewide options also apply in San Diego County. See the statewide page. Before you hire anyone, read how to hire and verify a contractor.