NLHC’s homeowner support programs are being improved to give more money to low-income homeowners who need repairs to their homes, and to reduce the unnecessary steps needed to do it.

Homeowner support programs include the Provincial Home Repair Program (PHRP), the Home Energy Savings Program (HESP) and the Home Modification Program. Starting in Fall 2026, the first two programs will be combined to eliminate the overlap in the programs. Other changes for the PHRP and HESP will be to:

• Double the forgivable loan available for repairs, from $5,000 to $10,000 (from $6,500 to $13,000 in Labrador).
• Increase the lifetime maximum amount of funding that homeowners can get from the program, from $12,500 to $30,000.
• Reduce the wait time to reapply for the program, from seven years to five years.
• Remove the requirement for pre- and post-inspections for all home repairs, unless requested by the homeowner.

The Home Modification Program, which helps homeowners make accessibility modifications to their homes, will also see changes, including:

• Doubling the forgivable loan, from $7,500 to $15,000.
• Removing the requirement for a recommendation from an occupational therapist for minor modifications like handrails and grab bars.
• Removing the requirement for an inspection by NLHC for minor modifications.

Occupational therapist recommendations will still be required for major work like a bathroom modification or ramp installation.

These changes result from an annualized investment of $7.3 million introduced in Budget 2026.

The current income threshold of $42,500 ($65,000 in Labrador) for the Provincial Home Repair Program and the Home Energy Savings Program will be maintained for the new combined program. The income threshold for the Home Modification Program is $51,500 ($65,000 in Labrador).

Budget 2026 delivers on commitments to improve affordability and support seniors to remain safely in their homes and communities. These investments reflect our commitment to dignity, independence, and better care closer to home, creating more opportunities for all of us.

Quotes
“As we set forward to build more homes in this province, we haven’t lost sight of how important it is to keep people housed. These changes to the Homeowner Support Programs will make them more responsive to people’s needs, while providing a level of funding that can actually cover important renovations for low-income homeowners.”
Honourable Joedy Wall
Minister of Housing
Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being

“Seniors are historically the main recipients of NLHC’s homeowner support programs, and these changes will help counteract the rising cost of living they face each day. We are committed to improving programs and services that help seniors age well in the most appropriate place.”
Honourable Craig Pardy
Minister of Seniors
Minister of Finance

“SeniorsNL welcomes these important enhancements to the Homeowner Support Programs, which will make a meaningful difference for older adults striving to remain safely and independently in their homes. By increasing financial assistance and reducing administrative barriers, government is taking important steps to respond to the real pressures seniors are facing and strengthen supports for aging in place. These changes reflect a strong commitment to dignity, safety, choice, and connection within our communities.”
Kimberly Leonard
Chief Executive Officer, Seniors NL

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Budget 2026 – Opportunity for All of Us