Individuals with a physical disability often face limitations in many spheres of their lives. Unfortunately, this may also include their home life. Whether it’s their outdoor staircase or their bathtub that isn’t adapted for a wheelchair, individuals with mobility problems may find it harder to get on with their daily activities.
Quebec residents with a disability may be eligible to sign up for the Residential Adaptation Assistance Program (RAAP), financed by the Société d’habitation du Québec. This program allows individuals to get financial assistance to adapt their home to their specific situation.
To receive financial assistance, the applicant must have an occupational therapist evaluate their condition, a service that is provided by Clinique GO™’s mobile team.
Who is eligible for the RAAP?
Anyone with a physical disability can request financial assistance as long as they have their condition evaluated by an occupational therapist. This evaluation must outline the patient’s specific situation and demonstrate that it has a significant and long-term effect on their life. This evaluation must also allow the professional to determine how the applicant’s home needs to be adapted.
The applicant may reside in any type of residence, whether a single-family house, rental unit, rooming house, or senior citizen residence. If the applicant is a tenant, they must get the approval of the building’s owner before undertaking any work.
What work can be carried out with the RAAP?
Work allowing the individual to enter and exit their home, move around in their home, and carry out essential daily tasks can be financed by the RAAP. For instance, an individual may add an access ramp outside their home, widen door frames to accommodate a wheelchair, or adapt their kitchen or bathroom.
However, in order to be financed, the work must be carried out by a contractor licenced by the Régie des bâtiments du Québec. Moreover, the work may only begin after the application has been granted and must be carried out within 12 months of approval.
How much financial support is provided?
The amount allocated by the RAAP is determined in line with the nature of the work recommended by the occupational therapist in the report they fill out following their evaluation. The maximum amount an applicant will receive is $16,000. However, in some cases the Société d’habitation du Québec may grant up to $7,000 in additional funds.
How to get financial assistance
- The applicant must obtain the “Program registration” form from their local CLSC or the Société d’habitation du Québec.
- The request is prepared. The applicant must obtain an evaluation by an occupational therapist. The evaluation is sent to the municipality and they will identify what work needs to be done and how much to allocate.
- The request is approved by the applicant’s municipality. Work may only begin once approval has been granted.
- Only a licenced contractor may carry out the work.
- The allocation is given when the work is done and has been verified by the municipality to make sure it conforms to recommendations.
Clinique GO™’s mobile services
Clinique GO™’s occupational therapists will travel to their patient’s home to provide them with the evaluation they need to request financial assistance. Our occupational therapists have experience in filling out these forms and will be able to help you determine how you can improve your home!
Approuvé par Francis Desjardins
