Property Repair Services

Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors (SARFS)

The Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors (SARFS) program provides safety, security and accessibility improvements that help senior citizens to remain in their homes. Repair types are limited to minor repairs that may include, but are not limited to:

  • Grab bars
  • Lever faucets
  • Door repairs
  • Carbon monoxide detectors
  • Smoke detectors
  • Wheelchair ramps

SARFS is for Chicago seniors who earn no more than 80 percent of the area’s medium income and are at least 60 years of age. Qualified recipients may be owners or renters residing in a one- to four-unit building (a renter must have permission from the landlord and the landlord needs to certify that he or she will not increase the rent as a direct result of SARFS improvements).

Delegate agencies, under contract to the Department of Planning and Development are available to assist seniors with the following:

  • Application process
  • Make on-site assessments to determine service needs
  • Provide limited home improvements at no cost to the applicant

Residents must provide proof of age, income, and ownership, or owner/agent approval at time of application.

Income Limits
Family Size 80% Median Income*
1 $44,250
2 $50,600
3 $56,900
4 $63,200
5 $68,300
6 $73,350
7 $78,400
8 or more $83,450
*Income limits are based on a median family income of $72,400 for Chicago Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area.

 Appointments are necessary. Please call the agency serving your ward.

Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation
1159 W. 79th St.  60620
Wards: 15, 16, 17, 18, 21		 Linda Johnson 773.483.3696
ljohnson@gagdc.org
Fax: 773.483.3692
Near West Side Community Development Corporation
216 S. Hoyne Ave.  60612
Wards: 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26,
27, 28, 29, 30, 34, 36, 37, 41		 Eric Wright 312.738.2280
eric@nearwestcdc.org
Fax: 312.738.2308
Neighborhood Housing Services
11001 S. Michigan Ave.  60628
Wards: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 19, 21, 22, 34		 Gloria Moore 773.329.4123
gmore@nhschicago.org
Fax: 773.329.4120
Partners in Community Building
4622 S. King Drive, 2nd floor 60653
Wards: 3, 4, 5, 6, 17, 18, 21		 Bobbi Ball 312.328.0873 ext. 1004
bobbi@picbchicago.org
Fax: 312.328.0879
Chinese American Service League, Inc.
2141 S. Tan Court  60616
Wards: 11, 12, 14, 15, 20, 21, 23, 25, 28, 33,
34, 40, 44, 47, 48, 49, 50		 Ben Lau 312.791.0418
ben_lau@caslservice.org
Fax 312.791.0509

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HomeMod – Program

Home accessibility modifications that will allow people with disabilities, under the age of sixty, to make their living environment accessible.  Modifications can include: ramps, porch and stair lifts, roll-in showers, widened doorways, accessible sinks and cabinets.

All services will be performed in accordance with federal, state and municipal accessibility legal requirements. Modifications are limited to a maximum of $10,000 per project and are performed by licensed, insured and experienced home remodeling companies.

Applications are accepted year round.

Department Main Office

Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities

  • Phone: 312.744.7050
    Toll Free:
    TTY: 312.744.4964
    Fax: 312.744.3314
  • 121 N. LaSalle Street
    Room 104
    Chicago, IL 60602

READ DIRECTIONS PRIOR TO COMPLETING THIS APPLICATION. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT ALL QUESTIONS ARE CORRECTLY FILLED OUT AND THAT ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ARE INCLUDED WITH THIS APPLICATION.

CHECK TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL ITEMS BELOW HAVE BEEN COMPLETED. ALL ITEMS OF THIS APPLICATION ARE FILLED OUT COMPLETELY AND
NEATLY.

ALL REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN ATTACHED TO THE APPLICATION.

  • VERIFY THAT YOU HAVE NO UNPAID PARKING TICKETS. IF YOU ARE UNSURE, CALL THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AT 311
  • VERIFY THAT YOUR WATER BILL IS PAID. IF YOU ARE UNSURE, CALL THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER SERVICES AT 311
  • VERIFY THAT YOUR PROPERTY TAXES HAVE BEEN PAYED.
  • IF YOU ARE UNSURE, CALL THE COOK COUNTY TREASURER AT (312) 443-5100 (VOICE)
  • VERIFY THAT THE APPLICATION IS SIGNED AND DATED.
  • VERIFY THAT YOU HAVE MADE COPIES OF YOUR APPLICATION FOR YOUR RECORDS.

YOU MUST BE UNDER THE AGE OF 60, LIVING IN CHICAGO WITH A DISABILITY TO TAKE PART IN THIS PROGRAM.