San Bernardino County: help paying for grab bars, ramps and home modifications
In San Bernardino County, home repair help is run mostly by cities and by Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services (NPHS), a nonprofit that manages several city programs. Your address decides which programs you can use. Seniors and people with disabilities can also call the county's Senior Information and Assistance line, and Medi-Cal members can ask their health plan or the county's waiver and MSSP programs. Funding is limited and some programs use wait lists, so apply early and to every program you qualify for.
Programs that install or pay for home modifications
Checked Oct 2026: the City of Upland says its single-family Housing Improvement Program loan is on hold, so only its Emergency Repair grant is listed below.
City of Fontana Age in Place for Seniors Program
Run by: City of Fontana Housing Department
Who it serves
City of Fontana
What work it does
Safety changes that help older adults stay at home, such as grab bars, hand-held or adjustable shower heads, removing trip hazards, replacing carpet with vinyl to even out floors, window repairs and electrical repairs. The inspection, supplies and work are included.
Who qualifies
Seniors 62 or older in Fontana with household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (the City's 2026 table lists $68,900 for 1 person and $78,750 for 2). Owners and renters can apply; renters need the owner's consent.
Cost to you
A grant of $5,000.
How to apply
Apply online through the City's Neighborly portal, or by paper application in person or by mail. Applications are reviewed first-come, first-served. Questions: (909) 350-6606 or [email protected]. The City says its housing programs never charge a fee to apply.
Fontana also offers a Housing Rehabilitation Program for owner-occupied single-family homes: a one-time grant of $5,000, or $10,000 for seniors 62+ and very-low-income households, plus 0% loans of up to $20,000. Details are on the same City page.
Last verified Oct 2026
City of San Bernardino Owner-Occupied Residential Rehabilitation Program
Run by: City of San Bernardino, with Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services (NPHS)
Who it serves
City of San Bernardino
What work it does
Health and safety, structural, accessibility and energy repairs. The City lists wheelchair ramps and grab bars along with roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, foundation, mold and pest work.
Who qualifies
Owner-occupants of a single-family home, townhome or condo in the City of San Bernardino with household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income.
Cost to you
A forgivable loan of up to $40,000 at 3% interest with no monthly payments. Starting in year six, 20% is forgiven each year, so it is fully forgiven after 10 years if you keep meeting the program rules. Selling, transferring or a cash-out refinance can make it due.
How to apply
Fill out the contact form on the NPHS Improve Your Home page to get the official application; NPHS says it usually replies in 48 to 72 hours if you're eligible. Questions: NPHS at (909) 988-5979 or (909) 477-1930, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Applications are first-come, first-served.
Run by: Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services (NPHS), with the City of Chino (federal CDBG funds)
Who it serves
City of Chino
What work it does
Home repairs and changes that make the home safer for an older adult or a person with a mobility disability, especially fixes for health and safety code problems. The grant covers labor, supplies and materials.
Who qualifies
Chino homeowners who live in the home, where at least one household member is 62 or older, or the homeowner has a permanent mobility disability. Income limits apply.
Cost to you
A one-time grant of up to $10,000.
How to apply
Get the application from the City's Home Improvement Program page or from NPHS, and return it within 30 days; applications are funded first-come, first-served. Questions: City of Chino Housing Division at 909-334-3272 or NPHS at (909) 988-5979.
Chino also offers a 5-year forgivable loan for emergency repairs and a 3% deferred loan for larger repairs, including accessibility changes. Ask the Housing Division which fits.
Last verified Oct 2026
City of Upland Emergency Repair Program
Run by: City of Upland Housing Division
Who it serves
City of Upland
What work it does
Emergency and safety repairs (plumbing, roof leaks, broken doors and windows, heating and cooling, code fixes) and a separate accessibility grant for ADA changes.
Who qualifies
Owner-occupants of a single-family home, townhome, condo or mobile home in Upland with household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (the City's 2026 table lists $68,900 for 1 person and $78,750 for 2). The accessibility grant is for adults with disabilities, seniors 62 and older, and retired veterans with mobility limits. Tenants can't apply. You can get help once every 10 years.
Cost to you
A home repair grant of up to $15,000 and an accessibility grant of up to $5,000. A further $5,000 program match is available if you put in matching money (up to $2,500).
How to apply
The City says the program has a wait list. Call the Housing Division at (909) 931-4300 to check funding and get the document checklist. You'll need three written bids from licensed, bonded and insured contractors.
City of Ontario Housing Rehabilitation Loan (Keys to Community)
Run by: City of Ontario Housing Services Department
Who it serves
City of Ontario
What work it does
Essential repairs such as roof, plumbing, electrical, windows, heating and cooling, fumigation, and accessibility (ADA) changes. Luxury and cosmetic work isn't covered.
Who qualifies
Owner-occupants in Ontario with household income at or below 120% of Area Median Income (the 2026 guidelines list $87,450 for 1 person and $102,250 for 2). Mobile, prefabricated and modular homes aren't eligible, and asset limits apply. Ask the City whether your condo or townhome qualifies.
Cost to you
A 0% loan of up to $30,000 with no monthly payments. It's repaid if you sell, refinance with cash out or change the title, and forgiven after 30 years.
How to apply
Download the application from the City's Keys to Community page or pick one up at 208 W. Emporia St., Ontario. Questions: Housing Services at 909-395-2006. Funding depends on available program money.
Three programs: the Rialto Revive HOME Rehabilitation Grant for home repairs, the Mobile Home Repair Grant, and the Blueprint for Better Living Mobile Home Repair Loan, which lists accessibility upgrades along with roof, plumbing, electrical, heating and foundation work.
Who qualifies
Low-income homeowners who live in the home in Rialto. The mobile home grant requires at least one year in the home; the mobile home loan is for households at or below 80% of Area Median Income.
Cost to you
Rialto Revive: grants up to $30,000. Mobile Home Repair Grant: up to $20,000. Mobile Home Repair Loan: up to $20,000 as a deferred or forgivable loan.
How to apply
Each program uses an online interest list on its City page. Questions: (909) 820-2525.
NPHS Deferred Home Improvement Loan (Opportunity Zones)
Run by: Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services (NPHS, nonprofit)
Who it serves
Parts of San Bernardino County that are federal Opportunity Zones (NPHS links a map to check your address)
What work it does
Health and safety repairs, and repairs that improve accessibility for a person with a disability. Remodels without a safety reason and other non-essential work aren't covered.
Who qualifies
Owner-occupants of a single-family home, townhome or condo in an Opportunity Zone with household income below 80% of Area Median Income.
Cost to you
A loan of up to $50,000 at 3% simple interest with payments deferred for 30 years, or until you stop living there. There's no prepayment penalty.
How to apply
Send a complete application to NPHS by email or in person at 9551 Pittsburgh Ave., Rancho Cucamonga. Questions: (909) 988-5979. Funds are first-come, first-served.
Run by: Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities (nonprofit, based in Blue Jay)
Who it serves
San Bernardino County's mountain communities. Call to confirm your address is in the service area.
What work it does
Year-round free emergency repairs (electrical, heating, plumbing and roof) and home safety changes such as grab bars, handrails, shower heads and smoke detectors, done by licensed contractors or trained volunteers. Its yearly Rebuilding Day picks a few homes in the most need for larger repairs.
Who qualifies
Low-income, senior and disabled homeowners. Emergency repairs are for homeowners who meet the group's financial requirements; it describes its Safe at Home safety work as free to any homeowner who wants a safer, more accessible home.
Cost to you
Free to homeowners who qualify.
How to apply
For emergency repairs or safety changes, call (909) 336-3910 or email [email protected]. For Rebuilding Day (next one April 24, 2027), print the homeowner application from the website and mail it to P.O. Box 3540, Blue Jay, CA 92317. The group lists an October 31 application deadline.
Information and referral, housing referrals, independent living skills, peer advising, advocacy, and an assistive technology device lending library.
Who qualifies
People with disabilities.
Cost to you
Call to ask about any costs.
How to apply
Call the San Bernardino office at (909) 890-9516 (1955 Hunts Lane #101) or the Victorville office at (760) 949-7626 (16519 Victor St. #406). The state locator lists both offices as by appointment only.
HCBA Waiver Agency for San Bernardino County (Medi-Cal)
Run by: Institute on Aging
Who it serves
Riverside and San Bernardino counties
What work it does
Applications and care management for the HCBA Waiver. Institute on Aging lists environmental adaptations (home changes) among the services it arranges. See the statewide page for details.
Who qualifies
People of any age with full-scope Medi-Cal who need a nursing-home level of care, have stable housing and have a main and a backup caregiver. DHCS says the waiver is full and new applicants go on a waiting list.
Cost to you
Waiver services are paid by Medi-Cal once you are enrolled.
How to apply
Contact Institute on Aging and ask to apply for HCBA in your county; its main line is (415) 750-4111. Apply even with the wait list, because a place on it holds your turn.
MSSP in San Bernardino County: Department of Aging and Adult Services (Medi-Cal)
Run by: San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services - Public Guardian (the county's MSSP site)
Who it serves
Most of San Bernardino County, by ZIP code. The county's MSSP page has the ZIP list.
What work it does
Care management for frail older adults so they can age in place. The county lists minor home repair and maintenance among MSSP services.
Who qualifies
Older adults with Medi-Cal who could be certified for nursing facility care and who live in the service area. The county's page says 65 or older, while the state's MSSP page says 60 or older, so call to confirm.
Cost to you
Paid by the program for enrolled participants.
How to apply
Call (800) 510-2020, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Medi-Cal health plan home modifications (Community Supports) in San Bernardino County
Run by: Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), Molina Healthcare of California and Kaiser Permanente (your Medi-Cal plan)
Who it serves
Medi-Cal members in San Bernardino County enrolled in IEHP, Molina or Kaiser Permanente
What work it does
Physical changes to the home so a member can stay there safely, such as ramps, grab bars, stair lifts and wider doorways. DHCS lists all three plans as offering this benefit in the county as of June 2026. Since July 1, 2026, IEHP covers only ramps, grab bars, stair lifts, door widening and personal emergency response systems, and no longer covers accessible bathroom or shower conversions.
Who qualifies
Medi-Cal members who would otherwise be at risk of needing nursing home care. Your doctor or another health professional must document the need. Renters need the owner's written permission.
Cost to you
Paid by your Medi-Cal plan if approved. IEHP's guideline sets a $7,500 lifetime limit for this benefit.
How to apply
Ask your doctor or care manager to request it, or call your plan's Member Services number on your ID card. IEHP Member Services: 1-800-440-4347 (TTY 1-800-718-4347), Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.