Home accessibility modifications improve the quality of life for those with mobility impairments or other disabilities. However, making your home accessible can be costly for some Albertans, and that’s where the Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP) comes in.
This article provides details about the RAMP grant application process, eligibility requirements, how much you can get, how to apply, and more.
Key Takeaways
- The Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP) is an invaluable opportunity for low-income Albertans planning to enhance accessibility to their homes.
- The RAMP program is dedicated to give you up to $15,000 non-taxable grant to help you improve safety and access to your home, facilitate movement within your home, and overcome challenges that come with mobility disabilities.
- The main criteria used to determine your RAMP eligibility are residency status, income level, property information, and specific mobility challenges.
What is the Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP)?
RAMP is a home modification program that provides grants to low-income Albertans who plan to modify their home to support their mobility challenges. As the name implies, you can use these funds to ramp up your home and improve accessibility.
Eligible RAMP applicants can get partial or complete funding for exterior or interior modifications. These modifications include ramps, porch lifts, bathroom modifications, widening hallways for wheelchair access, or any other necessary changes.
The main aim of RAMP in Alberta is to significantly improve your safety at home, enhance access to your home, facilitate movement within your home, and enhance livability that mobility challenges would have otherwise impeded.
How Much Can You Receive from the RAMP Program?
Low-income Albertans who qualify for RAMP can receive a non-taxable grant of up to:
- $7,500 per benefit year (April 1 to March 31),
- $15,000 per person within a ten-year limit.
Some cases may change your RAMP grant limit. For instance, exceptions may be made if RAMP pairs with another program, such as PDD or AADL. Also, an applicant may be eligible for more funds if they:
- suffer a significant health deterioration,
- move due to health reasons,
- if a mechanical modification suffers considerable damage that is too expensive to repair.
Keep in mind that RAMP won’t fund the same modifications at your home within ten years. Also, while two people from the same “general” house can apply, they can’t receive funds for the same modifications.
Later, we will see what may be covered by the grant because not all modifications are eligible for funding.
Eligibility for the RAMP Program in Alberta
There are three main criteria that determine whether you are eligible for this affordable home modification program. They include your residency status, mobility status, and income level.
To qualify for RAMP funds, an applicant must:
- Be a Canadian or have permanent resident status,
- Be an Albertan living at the residence for which they are applying for the grant,
- Require a modification at this residence,
- Be expected to live in their present address for the next 10 years after RAMP approval,
- an Indigenous person living off- or on-reserve,
- Meet the specified income thresholds for couples or single adults.
Applicants must also be individuals with disabilities meeting one of these criteria:
- Using a wheelchair on an ongoing basis,
- 65 years or above and requiring permanent use of a 4-wheeled walker,
- Diagnosed with a progressive stage of neurodegenerative diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis (MS), muscular dystrophy, and more.
Remember, some applicants may not be eligible for the RAMP grant if:
- A spouse or co-owner files a pending lawsuit against a property to protect their interest in the property,
- Income exceeds the stated family threshold,
- Applicant’s main residence isn’t in Alberta,
- A landlord does not allow modifications at his residence,
- An applicant is not using a wheelchair or 4-wheeled walker on an ongoing basis or is expected to stop using one within 12 months of the application.
The RAMP program requirements differ for single people, couples, and families with children (whether single or a couple). So, ensure you check if you are within this threshold.
How does property information affect RAMP eligibility?
RAMP will also need your property information to determine your eligibility. You’ll have to state whether you are a homeowner, tenant, or resident on a First Nation Reserve. Property information helps determine that there are no tax liabilities, utilities right of way, or liens that could slow or stop any modifications in your home.
Also, if you’ve bought your home within the last two years, property values may affect RAMP modification eligibility. You will only qualify for the RAMP grant if the property value is within specific thresholds in different Alberta municipalities. For instance, the property value threshold for Edmonton is $420,000.
Lastly, property types may influence your eligibility for funding. For example, if you live in Group Homes, modifications may not be approved for houses built after 1997 (they should already have complied with Barrier-Free Design Guide guidelines).
Ensure you understand your property type and the certifications needed to be approved by RAMP.
What RAMP Modifications Can You Make?
You’ll probably receive the RAMP grant if you meet the above-mentioned criteria. However, some modifications are not eligible under the RAMP funding. The funding is meant for changes that:
- Are permanent,
- Facilitate easier movement within your home,
- Contribute to your security and safety,
Some of the exterior and interior changes that RAMP covers include:
- Curb guards,
- Landing pad,
- Ramp,
- Ceiling track lifters,
- Bathroom modifications,
- Entry door modifications,
- plumbing, and more.
Remember, you can not use the grant to make home improvements unrelated to mobility challenges. Ineligible modifications under RAMP funding include:
- Air conditioning,
- Asbestos removal,
- Closets and cabinets,
- Fencing,
- Kitchen modifications and renovation,
- Beds,
- Medical alert equipment, and more.
See the official guidelines and criteria for the full list of eligible and ineligible modifications (pages 22-30). Remember, the program reserves the right to determine which modifications are eligible or ineligible. RAMP staff will also review quotes and invoices from contractors to see if proposed or completed modifications comply with Barrier-Free guidelines.
Also, don’t forget to check the maximum amount, if any, allowed per modification.
How to Apply for RAMP
When registering for the RAMP grant, you must submit the following documents to the RAMP offices in Edmonton through mail or email:
- RAMP application form,
- RAMP Modification Recommendation form,
- Two quotes detailing the modifications (labour and material costs),
- Before photos.
Depending on your property information (mentioned earlier), you may also be required to submit additional documents, such as the following:
- Landlord Property Modification Agreement form if you are a tenant,
- Band Council Resolution form if you live on a First Nation Reserve,
- Letter of Agreement from the guardian showing the guardian approves the modifications,
- and more.
Modification Recommendation Form
This form has to be filled out by a qualified rehabilitation professional, such as your physical or occupational therapist. Keep in mind that they should make their recommendations after visiting your home.
However, suppose you can’t access a qualified rehabilitation therapist. In that case, you must get prior approval from RAMP staff to submit recommendations from your regular health professional.
Quotes
As mentioned, you have to submit two quotes from different contractors. RAMP will use the most affordable option as long as it meets your needs and the program’s criteria. But if your area or municipality has only one contractor, RAMP may allow you to submit one detailed quote.
Eligible costs include materials, labour, and site preparation. But RAMP won’t fund the preparation of quotes, site specifications or preparation drawings, and supervision costs. They also don’t fund or reimburse labour provided by the applicant, family members, or property owner.
Lastly, it’s your responsibility to look for a certified contractor in Alberta. RAMP does not recommend or give information on any eligible contractors.
Alberta RAMP Program FAQs
Typically, you will receive an email about your application status within 30 days. But this waiting time can be reduced if the applicant is deemed palliative or is about to be released from a public medical hospital using a wheelchair. However, some things are outside the influence of the RAMP program. For instance, the program can’t reduce the waiting time for a piece of equipment or the time it takes for a contractor to start or finish an exterior modification.
You may still get the funding if you’ve completed your project as long as your application is done within 90 days of the completion date. However, if you apply after 90 days — but within 365 days — your application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
As mentioned, RAMP mainly focuses on permanent modifications. However, you can apply for temporary improvements if your landlord doesn’t want permanent ones in his residence but can allow temporary changes.
Once you qualify for the Alberta RAMP grant, you must complete your project within 90 days of the approval. Exceptions can be made if there are delays due to the winter season. Also, as mentioned, you must live in the residence after completing the modifications.
If an applicant passes away, any modifications that have started may be completed, and the costs may be covered from the approved grant — if you provide copies of paid invoices.
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