I was recently asked this question. “Are there any programs that can help me buy my first home. I have a disability and need help with this hold {sic} process. Can you please help me find someone that might specialize in this area to help me and my family. Thank you.”
Well, ok. Kind of beyond the scope of what takes place in an IEP meeting, but I’ll take a stab at it. What I found was mostly federal programs and federal information, which should be applicable for New Jersey (where you listed you’re from). You may also want to contact your local Arc or other agency that helps people with disabilities. They may know about some local programs. So if you are an adult living with a disability and you are trying to purchase a home, here are some programs that may help you.
Please note, I didn’t research making a home accessible. That’s a different post for a different day. Sometimes grants and other programs are available to make a house accessible, which is different from buying a home.
Please check out my list of Federal Agencies that assist people with disabilities which includes a list of all 50 Protection and Advocacy groups. If you feel you are being discriminated against, you may need their assistance.
11 programs that help people with disabilities buy homes.
- New Jersey-Dept of Disability Services, they may be able to help.
- Article from Disabled World-lists options for USA and UK, American home buying options.
- HUD-information and guidelines for HUD programs
- Advice on getting started on home buying if you are disabled, from Realtor.com
- List of possible bank/financing options, from BankRate
- Special Home Buying Programs for people with disabilities-Pennsylvania only
- Mortgage Loan options
- HHS information on disabilities and home ownership
- Local information for the State of Maryland
- Local information-Connecticut
- Can you use SSI or SSDI to purchase a home?
If you are a disabled veteran, that should make more programs available. Contact your closest VA if that is the case.
*Please note, I am not endorsing or promoting any of the above programs. I had a reader ask me to look for information, so I did.
I hope this list helps put you on the path to home ownership! Good luck and keep us posted!
61 State and Federal agencies that can help you if you’re disabled.
5 Ways to Support and Advocate for People with Mental Illness.
{this was published in 2014 but recently republished to check links}
