Heard about BC’s HAFI program? Read on to find out how you may be able to receive up to $20,000 in funding for renovations and equipment designed to keep you safe in your home for longer.

In this post we’ll teach you all their is to know about the program, who’s eligible, how to apply, and much more.

Remember, if you have any questions about HAFI funding in BC, contact Home2Stay today for more information.

What is HAFI?

Home Adaptations for Independence is run by BC Housing in British Columbia. The HAFI program offers financial support for low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities in order to helt them continue living in their own homes.

The program is designed to help eligible homeowners, landlords, and tenants fund a variety of home adaptations. These adaptations include home renovations and the installation of equipment in order to allow the occupant/s of a home to continue living comfortably and safely.

Individuals are able to receive up to $20,000 in financial support towards these renovations. The exact amount of funding an individual receives depends on the cost of materials and labour necessary to complete the renovation.

HAFI assistance is provided in the form of a grant or a forgivable loan.

Eligibility

Eligibility conditions vary for homeowners and tenants/landlords.

Homeowners applying for HAFI funding must meet the following conditions:

• The planned renovations must be eligible under HAFI (more info below).
• The planned renovations must be for your primary residence.
• Must be a Canadian Citizen or landed immigrant.
• Must reside in British Columbia.
• Must be suffering from a permanent disability/diminished ability or living with someone who is.
• The household income must fall within the limit for the respective area and household composition. For a breakdown of household income limits, click here.
• The BC Assessment value of the home must fall below the limit for the respective area. For a breakdown of home value limits, click here.
• Household assets must be less than $100,000. These include cash or bank balances, stocks, bonds, term deposits, mutual funds, business equity, land, real estate or property holdings. These exclude RRSPs, RESPs, RDSPs, RRIFs, vehicles and the home that you live in.

Landlords or tenants applying to HAFI must meet the following criteria:

• The unit listed for adaptation must be a legal, self-contained unit with a full kitchen and bathroom
• The tenant of the property must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant and
• The tenant of the property must permanently reside in British Columbia.
• The tenant must have a permanent disability or diminished ability.
• The tenant’s household income must fall within the limit for their area and household composition. For a breakdown of household income limits, click here.
• The tenant’s household assets must be less than $100,000. These include cash or bank balance, stocks, bonds, term deposits, mutual funds, business equity, land, real estate or property holdings (including a home if applicable).These exclude RRSPs, RESPs, RDSPs, RRIFs and vehicles.
• The tenant’s rent must be below the Rent Affordability Limit for their area. For more information on rent affordability limits, click here.

How to apply for HAFI funding

All HAFI applicants must fill out their respective application forms and present the documentation outlined below. Only a property owner registered on the property’s title or an authorized agent may apply for HAFI funding.

All applications must be mailed to:

Home Adaptations for Independence Program

BC Housing

Suite 101– 4555 Kingsway

Burnaby, BC V5H 4V8

Fax: 604-439-8550

Please remember to only send copies of supporting documents. Any documents used in HAFI applications will not be returned to applicants.

Homeowners:

Homeowner wishing to apply to HAFI must complete this application form and provide the following documentation:

• A copy of the most recent Property Assessment Notice.
• Proof of residency at the home, such as a utility bill or BC driver’s license.
• Proof of household income and assets. Every member of the household over the age of 16 years must submit:
  • The most recent Income Tax Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency.
  • Option C Printout from the CRA.
  • If applicable, cheques stubs or a letter from the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation confirming monthly income assistance.
  • Please submit copies of bank statements or letters from financial institutions confirming total value of assets of each household member.
• Written quotes for the work requested.
  • At least one quote for adaptations up to $5,000.
  • At least two independent quotes for adaptations up to $15,000.
  • At least three independent quotes for adaptations over $15,000.
    • Quotes must contain:
      • Name and contact information of qualified professional to complete adaptations.
      • Date.
      • Itemized list of work to be completed.
      • Cost for materials and labour including taxes.
      • A determination from a qualified individual whether a permit is required to complete the adaptation.
• Strata dwellings only: A letter from the strata concurring with the proposed adaptations and stating that the adaptations are the sole responsibility of the homeowner and not part of a special levy.

Landlords/tenants:

Landlords and tenants should mail their HAFI application to the address listed above.

Tenants must complete this application form and submit the following documentation:

• Proof of household income and assets.Every member of the household over the age of 16 years must submit:
  • The most recent Income Tax Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency.
  • Option C Printout from the CRA.
  • If applicable, cheques stubs or a letter from the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation confirming monthly income assistance.
  • Please submit copies of bank statements or letters from financial institutions confirming total value of assets of each household member.

Landlords must complete this application form and submit the following documentation:

• A copy of the most recent Property Assessment Notice or land title showing legal address of the property.
• Authorized agents only: Documentation identifying your authority to apply on behalf of the property owner.
• Strata dwellings only: A letter from the strata concurring with the proposed adaptations and stating that the adaptations are the sole responsibility of the homeowner and not part of a special levy.
• Copies of the lease, tenancy agreement, or rent receipts showing current rent being paid by each eligible tenant.
• Written quotes for the work requested.
  • At least one quote for adaptations up to $5,000.
  • At least two independent quotes for adaptations up to $15,000.
  • At least three independent quotes for adaptations over $15,000.
    • Quotes must contain:
      • Name and contact information of qualified professional to complete adaptations.
      • Date.
      • Itemized list of work to be completed.
      • Cost for materials and labour including taxes.
      • A determination from a qualified individual whether a permit is required to complete the adaptation.

Please note: Landlords submitting one application for multiple units within a property must submit a copy of the lease, tenancy agreement, rent receipts, and quotes for each unit/common area to be renovated.

Adaptations covered by HAFI

HAFI only covers adaptations/equipment that directly addresses the disability or diminished abilities of the occupants of a househols.

This can include everything from basic handrails and grab bars to more complex equipment such as stair lifts, walk-in bathtubs, or new anti-slip flooring.

Any adaptations funded by HAFI should be permanent,  although exceptions can be made for equipment like bath lifts.

Please note: Any supportive care equipment such as walkers, or emergency repairs/maintenance are not eligible for HAFI funding.

Eligible HAFI adaptations generally fall under the following categories:

• Approaching and entering the dwelling: Adaptations made to the entrance points of the house.
• Getting around the dwelling: Renovations designed to allow a person to move around their home safely.
• Electrical systems: Adaptations to the dwelling’s electrical systems.
• Plumbing: This includes any adaptations made to the existing plumbing system of the house as well as the installation of new systems.
• Heating, ventilation and cooling: Adaptations to ensure occupants can safely operate heating, ventilation, and cooling systems.
• Kitchen: Renovations necessary to ensure safety and comfort in the kitchen.
• Bathroom: Adaptations to ensure bathroom safety.
• Other rooms: This category generally covers renovation in the bedroom, dining, and living areas of the home.
• Extensions and conversions: This covers the addition of extra floor space.
• Multiple unit buildings: This category covers adaptations for buildings that are subdivided into numerous units.

For more information and a detailed list of HAFI eligible adaptations, contact Home2Stay today.

Other FAQs about HAFI

Is HAFI assistance repayable?

No. As long as the applicant continues to live in their home for up to three years or limits rent increase for their tenants for at least five years, HAFI grants do not need to be paid back.

Is there a specific application period?

Yes. Applications can be made every year from April. Due to limited funding, the HAFI program works on a first-in-best-dressed basis.

Who chooses the contractor?

The applicant.

Can you appeal a HAFI rejection?

Yes. Appeals can be made in writing within 30 days from the date of the rejection. All appeals must contain supporting documentation or will not be reviewed. Landlord’s must submit appeals for tenants.

What if the cost of an adaptation exceed the HAFI fund?

The applicant is responsible for any charges above the $20,000 HAFI limit.

For more information about the HAFI program and eligible adaptations, contact Home2Stay today.

Home2Stay are Vancouver-based home accessibility experts. They are certified aging in place specialists and focus on helping Vancouverites stay in their homes for longer.