Rep. Delgado Reintroduces Age-In-Place, Home Modification Tax Credit

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19), Charlie Crist (FL-13), and Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) announced the reintroduction of the Senior Accessible Housing Act. This legislation would allow seniors to age in place by providing a tax credit to cover 100% of the costs of any modifications older Americans make to their homes -- such as grab bars, wheelchair ramps, walk-in tubs, and more -- to allow for safe, independent living.

"The Senior Accessible Housing Act helps ensure more Americans can live safely and independently in the comfort of their own homes," said Rep. Delgado. "I am proud to join Representatives Crist and Lawrence in reintroducing legislation to assist seniors purchasing grab bars, wheelchair ramps, and other accessibility modifications. This common-sense tax credit would be life-changing for upstate seniors who wish to reside comfortably and securely at home."

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were safer at home. But for too many seniors and persons with disabilities, the risk of falls means that home is not always so safe," said Rep. Crist. "Unfortunately, too many cannot afford the cost of ramps, grab bars, wider doorways, and bathtubs that are easier to get in and out of. This is especially true for seniors on fixed incomes. Under our proposal, the Senior Accessible Housing Act, we provide a refundable, lifetime tax credit of $30,000 to give all seniors the option to age in their own home safely."

"Amid the backdrop of a deadly pandemic, our seniors are struggling to afford the much-needed home modifications to live independently," said Rep. Lawrence. "I'm proud to work with Reps. Crist and Delgado on the Senior Accessible Housing Act to provide financial ease and relief for our seniors. They deserve to live in the comfort of their own homes safely and with peace of mind."

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reports that roughly 90 percent of people ages 65+ would prefer to age in their homes. The virus coupled with the isolation many seniors are facing as nursing homes implement stringent visitation policies for the well-being of residents, has left more older folks looking to be able to safely and peacefully age in place.

The Senior Accessible Housing Act empowers seniors to make the decision about where they would like to live out their older years by providing a lifetime $30,000 tax credit to cover the costs associated with aging-in-place modifications to their homes. The tax credit would be refundable and transferable to allow those on a fixed budget to take advantage of the credit immediately.

Under the legislation, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would work with senior groups to publish a list of approved home modifications. It would also require builder certification in modification, building codes, construction standards, and appropriateness of modifications. The credit would phase out for seniors with $100,000 (single) or $150,000 (married or joint filing separately) in annual income.

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