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Fund Your AT > Financial Loan Information

Financial Loan Information *

Loan programs funded by public and private sources are available for purchasing AT, durable medical equipment (DME), home modifications, vehicles and vehicle modifications.

Massachusetts Assistive Technology Alternative Finance Program (MA AFP)

The MA AFP is state funded to give people with disabilities and their families access to low-interest cash loans to buy the assistive technology devices they need. Read more.

The Massachusetts Alternative Finance Program improves the independence and quality of life of residents with disabilities through loan opportunities for acquiring assistive technology devices and services. Individuals with disabilities and family members are encouraged to apply. There are three components to the AFP, depending on the cost of the device and eligibility:

LONG TERM DEVICE LOAN:

For low-income Massachusetts residents with disabilities, the Long Term Device Loan Program provides free long-term loans of assistive technology devices costing less than $500. The assistive technology devices must be reusable (e.g. computers, bed shakers, etc.) and not customized (e.g. eyeglasses, engraved devices, etc.). Please review the eligibility requirements and annual income chart below to see if the Long Term Device Loan Program is right for you.

MINI LOAN:

For Massachusetts residents with disabilities, the Mini Loan Program provides zero-interest loans of $100 to $2,000 for the purchase of assistive technology products and services. Most items defined as assistive technology are allowed.

FINANCIAL LOAN:

For Massachusetts residents with disabilities, the Financial Loan Program provides low, 3.75% interest rate loans for the purchase of assistive technology products and services including vehicles, wheelchairs, hearing aids, and vision assistance technology over $2000. Most items defined as assistive technology are allowed. Please review the eligibility requirements below to see if the Financial Loan Program is right for you.

for more information.

Contact

Catherine Fradenburg
Easterseals MA
508.751.6428
afp@eastersealsma.org
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Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP)

The HMLP is state funded to provide low-interest and no-interest loans for people to who need access and/or safety modifications--like ramps and wider doorways--to their primary, permanent residence. Read more.

MRC's Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) is a state funded program to provide low-interest and no-interest loans for people to who need access and/or safety modifications - like ramps and wider doorways - to their primary, permanent residence. People served include elders, adults with disabilities and children with disabilities.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants may include any homeowner with a disability, any homeowner with a household member who has a disability, or a landlord with fewer than 10 units who rents to an individual with a disability.

How are Loan Services Provided?

Loan services are provided through regional provider agencies. These agencies can also provide resource materials for choosing and hiring architectural, design, and contracting professionals (but they cannot recommend specific contractors). They can also assist applicants with the application process.

How Much Can be Borrowed?

Based on income guidelines, individuals may borrow from $1000 to $30,000 (inclusive of all loan costs).

Learn more about the HMLP and find a provider.

Contact

Susan Gillam
(617) 204-3739
Susan.Gillam@mrc.state.ma.us

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Central Bank Special Needs Loans

This Central Bank loan program provides fixed rate loans with longer repayment terms to help customers with special needs purchase AT, including vehicle and home modifications. Read more.

The Central Bank began this loan program in 1997 to provide funding for customers with special needs to purchase AT, including retrofitting motor vehicles and homes for those with special needs. Central Bank offers a fixed rate loan with more liberal underwriting guidelines (it's easier for people to qualify for this loan than a traditional loan), and it allows for longer repayment terms. For an application and information on loan rates.

Contact:

Central Bank Loan Originations Department
(617) 629-4240

Citizen's Bank EZ Home Improvement Loans

Citizen's Bank EZ Home Improvement Loans are for low and moderate income households (renters and owners). Read more.

Citizen's Bank provides qualified applicants with low interest loans for home improvements. Rates vary depending on loan term. Loans are available for under $1000 up to $10,000, and with terms from 12 to 84 months. These loans are not available in all areas of Massachusetts.

Contact:

(800) 660-0008
www.citizensbank.com

Digital Federal Credit Union Loans

Membership with the American Association of People with Disabilities provides access to the Digital Federal Credit Union.
Read more.

The DCU offers "Access Loans" for AT, DME, and home modifications; and "Mobility Vehicle Loans" for vehicles and vehicle modifications. Qualified applicants may obtain Access Loans for 100% of the purchase amount, from $1,500 to $25,000 and with terms up to 72 months. (Higher amounts may be considered. Normal underwriting guidelines apply.) Mobility Vehicle Loans are available to qualified applicants from $5,000 to $100,000 with terms up to 120 months. Rates vary by applicant credit history.

Contact:

(800) 328-8797
Digital Federal Credit Union website

*Please note that information provided herein has no effect of law or regulation, and in no way constitutes an official notification of benefits.