Financial assistance for low-income, older, and disabled homeowners and renters
27 programs listed · 23 verified against the program's own website
Alabama delivers most of this help through federal programs run by state agencies and through local partners, so for many programs the practical first calls are Alabama Ageline at 1-800-243-5463 (Alabama Department of Senior Services) for aging and disability supports, your local Community Action Agency for weatherization and energy bill help, your county revenue commissioner / tax assessor for property tax exemptions, and 2-1-1 (211 Connects Alabama) as a 24/7 front door for everything else. One important thing to understand up front: Alabama’s property tax relief for older adults and people with disabilities is delivered entirely through outright exemptions, not deferrals, and the state has no circuit breaker or assessment freeze.
Everything below, in one file you can print or take to an appointment.
Home modification and aging in place
State of Alabama Independent Living (SAIL) Medicaid Waiver
state
Who it is for
Owners or renters (services delivered in the person's home; ownership not required)
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS), under the Alabama Medicaid Agency (1915(c) HCBS waiver)
What you get
Waiver-covered services with no published dollar cap; explicitly includes environmental (home) modifications and prescribed assistive technology, plus personal care, PERS, and respite (2026)
Who qualifies
18+, with disability onset before age 63
Income limit
Medicaid long-term care financial limits (institutional, about 300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate; roughly $2,982/mo in 2026), $2,000 asset limit
How to apply
Call SAIL toll-free 1-844-602-7245 or contact a local ADRS office
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
We could not open this program's own website to
check these details, so they may be out of date or incomplete. Please call
or visit the program before relying on anything here.
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Alabama Medicaid Agency and Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS)
What you get
In-home supports to prevent nursing-facility placement: personal care, homemaker, companion, respite, adult day health, home-delivered meals, and case management (2026)
Who qualifies
65+, or younger if disabled; must be at risk of nursing-facility placement
Income limit
Medicaid LTC financial limits (about 300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate, roughly $2,982/mo in 2026; $2,000 asset limit)
How to apply
Call 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463) or contact your local Area Agency on Aging / ADRC
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) / Area Agencies on Aging (One Door Alabama)
stateOwners or rentersNot confirmed
We could not open this program's own website to
check these details, so they may be out of date or incomplete. Please call
or visit the program before relying on anything here.
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS), delivered through 13 regional Area Agencies on Aging
What you get
Free single-entry point: screening, options counseling, eligibility and application help, referral to in-home supports and regional aging-in-place programs
Who qualifies
primarily 60+, and adults with disabilities of any age
Income limit
none for the ADRC intake/referral function (downstream programs may have their own limits)
How to apply
Call 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463) or contact your local AAA/ADRC
We could not open this program's own website to
check these details, so they may be out of date or incomplete. Please call
or visit the program before relying on anything here.
Who it is for
Homeowners (must own and occupy the home in an eligible rural area)
Type of help
loan and grant
Who runs it
USDA Rural Development, Alabama State Office (delivered via area/local RD offices)
What you get
Loan up to $40,000 at 1% fixed for 20 years; grant up to $10,000 (age 62+, to remove health/safety hazards); combined lifetime up to $50,000 ($55,000 in a declared disaster area) (2026)
Who qualifies
any for the loan; 62+ for the grant
Income limit
Very-low income (at or below 50% of Area Median Income; county-specific limits via the USDA eligibility site, 2026)
How to apply
Contact your local/area Alabama Rural Development office; submit Form RD 410-4; accepted year-round
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Area offices: Tuscaloosa (205) 553-1733; Montgomery (334) 725-3321; Huntsville (256) 532-1677Official program page
Homeowners (owner-occupied rehab; some CDBG activities also aid renters)
Type of help
grant
Who runs it
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), Community and Economic Development Division (HUD funds passed through the state to local governments)
What you get
No statewide per-home figure; funds flow to cities and counties by competitive award (Gov. Ivey awarded about $17 million to 44 communities in January 2026), and each local program sets its own per-home assistance (2026)
Who qualifies
no age requirement
Income limit
Projects must primarily benefit low-and-moderate-income persons; owner-occupied rehab typically requires household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income, set by the local program (2026)
How to apply
Homeowners cannot apply to ADECA directly; apply through your city or county when it has an active CDBG housing-rehab grant. ADECA funds the local government.
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
(334) 242-0492 (ADECA Community and Economic Development Division)Official program page
Alabama has no standalone, state-funded general home-repair grant program for older or low-income homeowners. Repair dollars are routed through federal channels (USDA Section 504 in rural areas, CDBG rehab through local governments) and, for storm resilience, the Strengthen Alabama Homes fortified-roof grant. Weatherization (WAP) also addresses some health/safety repairs.
Weatherization and energy efficiency
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
state
Who it is for
Owners or renters (renters eligible with owner permission for alterations)
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA); delivered by local Community Action Agencies across the state
What you get
Free professional energy audit and in-kind improvements (insulation, air sealing, heating/cooling repair or replacement, mandatory health and safety checks); no cash to the applicant (Gov. Ivey awarded over $6.3 million statewide in June 2026)
Who qualifies
no minimum; elderly (60+) prioritized
Income limit
At or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (2026)
How to apply
ADECA does not accept applications; contact the Community Action Agency serving your county (list on the ADECA WAP page or via 2-1-1)
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
(334) 242-5100 (ADECA); apply through your local Community Action AgencyOfficial program page
TVA EnergyRight Home Uplift
utility
Who it is for
Homeowners (single-family/manufactured home occupant)
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) EnergyRight, delivered through participating local power companies in the TVA region of north Alabama
What you get
Free home energy upgrades (HVAC, insulation, air sealing, electric water heaters, appliances) averaging about $10,000 per home, roughly $500/year savings (2026)
Who qualifies
no age requirement
Income limit
Income-qualified; specific threshold set by the participating local power company (2026). Must live in a single-family or post-1976 manufactured home on a permanent foundation
How to apply
Apply through your participating local power company; homeuplift.mytva.com/qualify or 1-888-986-7262
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
federal-in-state
Who it is for
Owners or renters (anyone responsible for home heating/cooling costs)
Type of help
grant
Who runs it
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA); delivered by county Community Action Agencies
What you get
Heating and cooling bill assistance paid to the utility, plus a crisis/emergency component for disconnection; amount varies by household and season (2026)
Who qualifies
no minimum; elderly (60+) prioritized
Income limit
At or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (2026); liquid-asset cap around $3,000
How to apply
Contact your county Community Action Agency (ADECA does not take applications); many use online schedulers. Heating season runs roughly November to May
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
2-1-1 (211 Connects Alabama) for referral; (334) 242-5100 (ADECA)Official program page
Alabama Power Low Income Assistance (SSI / Medicaid for Low Income Families discount)
utility
Who it is for
Owners or renters (any Alabama Power residential account holder receiving SSI/MLIF)
Type of help
discount
Who runs it
Alabama Power (Southern Company)
What you get
$14.50 monthly credit toward the customer charge, plus exemption from certain state utility license-tax fees (2026)
Who qualifies
any
Income limit
No separate income test by the utility; qualify by receiving SSI or Medicaid for Low Income Families (MLIF)
How to apply
Contact Alabama Power customer service to enroll
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Alabama Department of Revenue, Property Tax Division (filed with the county revenue commissioner / tax assessor)
What you get
2026: up to $4,000 of assessed value exempt from state property tax and up to $2,000 exempt from county property tax, on an owner-occupied home up to 160 acres
Who qualifies
any (under 65)
Income limit
none
How to apply
File with the county revenue commissioner / tax assessor where the property is located; must occupy the home on the first day of the tax year
Homestead Exemption for Homeowners Age 65 and Older (H-2 / H-3 / H-4)
state
Who it is for
Homeowners (owner-occupied primary residence)
Type of help
exemption
Who runs it
Alabama Department of Revenue, Property Tax Division (filed with the county revenue commissioner / tax assessor)
What you get
2026: owners 65+ are FULLY exempt from ALL STATE property taxes regardless of income. County taxes depend on income: if combined net taxable income (owner plus spouse) is $12,000 or less, the home is fully exempt from ALL ad valorem taxes (state and county) up to 160 acres (H-3); if income exceeds $12,000, full state exemption plus up to $2,000 (or up to $5,000 in counties not collecting school tax) of assessed value exempt from county tax (H-4)
Who qualifies
65 or older
Income limit
2026: no income limit for the state exemption; $12,000 combined net taxable income (owner and spouse, from the income tax return) is the threshold for the full county exemption (H-3)
How to apply
File with the county revenue commissioner / tax assessor with proof of age and income (tax return); some counties require annual income re-verification for H-3/H-4
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Homestead Exemption for Permanently and Totally Disabled or Blind Persons
state
Who it is for
Homeowners (owner-occupied primary residence)
Type of help
exemption
Who runs it
Alabama Department of Revenue, Property Tax Division (filed with the county revenue commissioner / tax assessor)
What you get
2026: full exemption from ALL ad valorem taxes (state and county) on the owner-occupied home up to 160 acres, regardless of income and regardless of age, for a permanently and totally disabled owner; legally blind owners receive a full state exemption plus a county exemption
Who qualifies
any age
Income limit
2026: none
How to apply
File with the county revenue commissioner / tax assessor with proof of permanent and total disability (typically two physician certifications or proof of a government disability award) or of legal blindness
Ad Valorem Exemption for Disabled Veterans (VA Specially Adapted Housing)
stateHomeowners
Type of help
exemption
Who runs it
Alabama Department of Revenue with the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (filed with the county revenue commissioner / tax assessor)
What you get
2026: FULL exemption from all Alabama ad valorem property taxes on a home acquired or specially adapted with a VA Specially Adapted Housing grant, regardless of the home's value
Who qualifies
any age
Income limit
2026: none
How to apply
File with the county revenue commissioner / tax assessor with VA documentation of the Specially Adapted Housing grant
334-242-1525 (DOR); 334-242-5077 (Alabama Dept. of Veterans Affairs)Official program page
Alabama has no statewide property tax deferral (there is no lien-based, repaid-with-interest program), no statewide circuit-breaker credit, and no statewide assessment freeze for older adults. All Alabama relief for older adults and for disabled, blind, and veteran owners is delivered through outright exemptions (no repayment). A statewide 7% annual cap on assessed-value increases exists (Act 2024-344) but is not means-tested relief for older adults; a few counties (e.g., Jefferson) have local freeze-type limits.
Insurance-related help
Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association (AIUA / coastal wind Beach Pool)
state
Who it is for
Homeowners (coverage is property-based)
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association (state-mandated residual-market association, in cooperation with the Alabama Department of Insurance)
What you get
Access to last-resort wind and property (fire/extended coverage) insurance on eligible coastal properties when coverage is unavailable in the private market; flood is not covered (2026)
Who qualifies
any age
Income limit
none
How to apply
Apply through a licensed Alabama insurance agent, who submits to AIUA after confirming private coverage is unavailable
Alabama SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) Medicare counseling
federal-in-stateOwners or rentersNot confirmed
We could not open this program's own website to
check these details, so they may be out of date or incomplete. Please call
or visit the program before relying on anything here.
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS), delivered through local Area Agencies on Aging / ADRCs
What you get
Free, unbiased one-on-one counseling on Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Part D, Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help/LIS, plan comparisons, claims, and appeals
Who qualifies
Medicare beneficiaries (typically 65+, and under-65 beneficiaries with disabilities)
Income limit
none to receive counseling (counselors screen for income-based programs)
How to apply
Call Alabama Ageline at 1-800-243-5463 to reach a local SHIP counselor
Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) FORTIFIED Roof Grant
state
Who it is for
Homeowners (owner-occupied single-family only; no rentals, condos, townhomes, or mobile homes)
Type of help
grant
Who runs it
Alabama Department of Insurance
What you get
2026: grant up to $10,000 toward a FORTIFIED roof / wind-mitigation retrofit on an owner-occupied single-family home; the FORTIFIED designation triggers a mandated discount on the wind portion of the homeowner's insurance premium
Who qualifies
any age
Income limit
Income documentation (IRS Form 1040) is collected, but the program is not strictly low-income-only; confirm current-cycle parameters at application (2026)
How to apply
Create an online profile at strengthenalabamahomes.com, submit documentation, select a certified FORTIFIED evaluator and contractor; must carry active homeowners and wind insurance
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Alabama has no program that directly pays or subsidizes a homeowner's ongoing insurance premium. The only state premium-relief mechanisms are indirect: the Strengthen Alabama Homes FORTIFIED grant (which yields a mandated wind-premium discount) and carrier wind-mitigation discounts for FORTIFIED construction.
HomeShare-relevant extras
We did not identify a program in this category. That does not always mean none exists, so it is worth asking your city or county.
Alabama has no statewide ADU mandate and no statewide residential building code; each city/county sets its own rules. As of June 2026 Birmingham was only exploring a future ADU ordinance (none adopted); Huntsville/Madison County adopted 2018 IBC Appendix Q (accommodates compact ADUs); Jefferson County permits ADUs in some districts but caps them near 200 sq ft. A homeshare-relevant policy field, not a grant.
Alabama has no statewide renter property tax credit or rebate. However, home seekers who rent can qualify for LIHEAP energy assistance directly and for Weatherization (with landlord permission), and can access local rent/utility help via 2-1-1.
211 Connects Alabama (statewide information and referral)
nonprofitOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
United Ways of Alabama, delivered through local United Way 2-1-1 call centers
What you get
Free, confidential information and referral for food, utilities, services for older adults, rental/utility assistance, and connections to LIHEAP, Weatherization, and other supports; available 24/7/365
Who qualifies
any
Income limit
none
How to apply
Dial 2-1-1, or call/text 888-421-1266; search online at 211connectsalabama.org
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Some of the biggest sources of help are federal and work much the same everywhere, including USDA Section 504 home repair, LIHEAP energy assistance, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and VA housing grants. They are described once, in detail, on our federal programs page, and the entries above give you the Alabama contacts.
One more option
Sharing your home is not on this list, but it belongs beside it.
Every program here helps you afford the home you have. Home sharing does something different: it turns a spare room into steady income and company. It is worth considering before you sell, before you move, and before things get harder to manage alone.