How to Get Financial Assistance for Walk-In Tubs

Federal assistance for walk-in tubs

Several federal programs can help offset the cost of a walk-in tub for individuals who qualify. While Medicare and Medicaid generally do not fully cover walk-in tubs, there are situations where partial reimbursement may be available. Additionally, the USDA’s Section 504 program offers low-interest loans and grants to rural homeowners to make essential home safety improvements.

Medicare

Medicare does not typically cover walk-in tubs, but you may have options for reimbursement or coverage depending on your situation and where you live:

• Traditional Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover walk-in tubs as durable medical equipment. It is possible to submit a claim to be reimbursed if the tub is an absolute medical necessity, but these are not commonly approved. Since you’d be responsible for the cost of the tub in this case, it’s best not to expect reimbursement even if you have the required written prescription.
• Medicare Advantage plans, which are offered by private insurance companies and regulated by Medicare, may offer financial assistance for walk-in tubs. Talk to your insurance company to find out exactly what your benefits are before committing to have a tub installed unless you’re prepared to pay for it yourself.

Medicare eligibility

To be eligible for Medicare coverage for a walk-in tub, you must meet specific requirements:

• Be enrolled in Medicare Part B or a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Have a written prescription from a licensed physician stating the walk-in tub is medically necessary for treatment or safety.
• Provide documentation that other less expensive or simpler alternatives (like grab bars or shower chairs) are not sufficient.
• The tub must be installed in your primary residence.

Medicaid

Medicaid is unlikely to cover the full cost of a walk-in tub, but it is possible since states have flexibility in deciding what optional coverage is covered by their Medicaid programs. Some states have programs designed to help build necessary accommodations for people with mobility issues.

Check with your state Medicaid office to find out about coverage rules and options in your area regarding walk-in tubs or home accessibility modifications. There may be special waiver programs, grants or other assistance available through Medicaid or separate state agencies that can help toward purchasing a walk-in bathtub.

Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers

Medicaid allows states to offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that fund in-home assistance and modifications like walk-in tubs for qualifying individuals. While each state sets specific eligibility rules and benefit limits, these waivers are designed to help people avoid institutional care by covering necessary home improvements for accessibility.

HCBS eligibility

Eligibility usually depends on the following factors:

• Income
• Disability status
• Whether the modification, such as a walk-in tub, helps you safely remain in your home

Contact your state Medicaid office to see if you qualify for an HCBS waiver that could offset the cost of a walk-in tub.

USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program

With the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Section 504 Home Repair Program (also called Single Family Housing Repair loans and grants), low-income homeowners in rural areas may qualify for loans of up to $40,000 at 1% interest or grants of up to $10,000 to make accessibility modifications. You can get up to $50,000 in combined assistance with both loans and grants. The program helps homeowners who can’t otherwise afford necessary home repairs and improvements.

If you install a walk-in tub to improve safety and accommodate disabilities, you may be eligible to use these loan or grant funds. Contact your local USDA Rural Development office to learn more and apply. The loans and grants may cover all or part of the cost of installing a walk-in tub.

USDA Section 504 Home Repair eligibility

To be eligible for Section 504 assistance, applicants must:

• Own and occupy the home as their primary residence.
• Live in a rural area as defined by the USDA.
• Be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere.
• Have a household income that falls below the very low-income limit set by the USDA for their area.
• For grants, be 62 years of age or older and unable to repay a loan.
• Provide necessary documentation including proof of income, property ownership and estimates for required repairs or modifications.

» RELATED: Government financial assistance programs

Veteran assistance for walk-in tubs

The VA offers several housing grants to help disabled veterans modify their homes to accommodate their disabilities. The main programs available for veterans include:

• Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant: You can get up to $117,014 to build, remodel or buy a home for veterans with severe mobility limitations like loss of a limb.
• Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant: Get up to $23,444 if you’re a veteran and have lost both hands, have severe burns or have vision or respiratory impairments. This grant allows home modifications like grab bars and ramps.
• Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant: This grant is similar to the SAH and SHA grants but is meant for temporarily adapting a home you don't own. If you qualify for an SAH grant, you can get up to $47,130 through the TRA grant program. If you qualify for an SHA grant, you can get up to $8,415.
• Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant: This grant pays up to $6,800 in lifetime benefits for veterans with at least a 50% VA disability rating to improve accessibility and use of the home.
• Veteran Directed Care (VDC): This program helps veterans who require assistance with daily activities like bathing maintain their independence at home. Through this program, eligible veterans receive access to a flexible budget that they can use to purchase needed equipment and services, including walk-in tubs.

How to apply for VA benefits

To apply for VA benefits, including grants for a walk-in tub, start by going to the VA website or contacting your regional VA office to get the required application materials.

In general, here’s the process:

1. Obtain the relevant application from the VA website or regional office.
2. Gather discharge papers, service records and medical documentation of your disability and service-related conditions.
3. Complete the application and include all required supporting documentation.
4. Submit your application and paperwork to the VA for review.
5. Follow up with the VA if you have any questions about the required documents or the application process.

Another thing to keep in mind: Some walk-in tub companies, including Safe Step, provide military discounts. A Kohler customer on our site also mentioned receiving $1,000 off for being a veteran.

VA benefit eligibility

To qualify for veteran housing assistance programs, you must:

• Be an active-duty service member or veteran with a service-connected disability recognized by the VA.
• Provide a completed VA rating decision that documents the level of disability.
• For SAH and SHA grants, demonstrate severe mobility limitations, such as loss of limbs or blindness, that require significant home modifications.
• For HISA grants, show a medical need for structural alterations and have at least a 50% VA disability rating for maximum benefit amounts.
• Provide proof of homeownership or occupancy, depending on the grant type.
• Submit required VA forms and documentation, including discharge papers and medical records.
• Meet any additional criteria specified by the VA for each specific grant program.

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Nonprofit and community-based assistance for walk-in tubs

These nonprofit and community-based organizations focus on supporting older adults, individuals with disabilities and families with limited incomes. Depending on your location and eligibility, you may qualify for grants, low-cost home modifications or full coverage for installing a walk-in tub. Below are some of the most common programs to explore.

Safe at Home

Safe at Home, a program by Rebuilding Together, makes home repairs and modifications for low-income homeowners, with a focus on those aging in place.

With Safe at Home, an occupational therapist and construction specialist do a home assessment and determine necessary repairs or renovations. The program develops a project plan and budget to complete the recommended accessibility modifications. For those who need a walk-in tub for accessibility and safety, the program may fully or partially cover the tub cost.

A reviewer on our site, Mellene from Missouri, worked with Safe at Home to get a grant for her husband, a veteran and amputee. “My husband used to have extreme difficulty getting in and out of a tub ... The Hydro Dimensions tub is so much easier for him. I have arthritis in my lower back, and it helps me too,” Mellene told us.

Safe at Home eligibility

To qualify for the Safe at Home program, you must:

• Be a homeowner living in the service area of a participating Rebuilding Together affiliate.
• Have a household income that meets low-income guidelines established by the program.
• Have less than a certain amount in assets.
• Be a senior, typically age 60 or older, or have a household member with a disability or mobility limitation.
• Require home modifications for safety and accessibility, such as a walk-in tub, grab bars or ramps.
• Be current on property taxes and mortgage payments, if applicable.
• Complete an application and home assessment conducted by program staff to determine needs and eligibility.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity has an Aging in Place program, which can help pay for home improvements like a walk-in tub. This nonprofit partners with health care organizations to provide integrated housing and health support to low-income older adults through programs like CAPABLE. These programs can connect older adults with financial assistance and expertise to make home modifications like installing a walk-in tub.

Contact your local Habitat for Humanity affiliate to learn about available aging-in-place resources that could potentially cover all or part of the cost of installing a walk-in tub.

Habitat for Humanity eligibility

To qualify for Habitat for Humanity's Aging in Place program, you must:

• Be a homeowner living in the service area of a local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.
• Have a household income that falls within the program’s low- to moderate-income guidelines.
• Be age 55 or older, or have a disability or have a household member who is aging in place and requires home modifications for safety and independence.
• Be willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity by participating in the planning process and, when possible, contributing to the project through sweat equity or volunteer hours.
• Provide proof of ownership, income documentation and other required paperwork during the application process.

» MORE: What to ask a walk-in tub company

Housing Improvement Program

The Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Housing Improvement Program (HIP), also known as the Housing Program (HP), provides grants to disadvantaged Native Americans and Alaskan Native families. The program offers five categories of financial assistance, including $7,500 grants for interim improvements for repairs for health- and safety-threatening conditions.

HIP eligibility

Besides being a member of a federally recognized tribe, to qualify you must:

• Live in an approved tribal service area
• Have an income that is 150% or less of the Department of Health and Human Services’ poverty income guidelines
• Currently live in substandard housing
• Meet the ownership requirements for the type of assistance needed
• Have no other resource for housing assistance
• Have not previously received assistance (except the interim improvement assistance)
• Have not acquired your present housing through past participation in a federal government-sponsored housing program over the past 20 years

» READ MORE: Walk-in tub alternatives

Community-based assistance

Some seniors may also take advantage of community-based initiatives to help fund a walk-in tub. Programs under the Older Americans Act (OAA) sometimes help with home safety improvements through local Area Agencies on Aging.

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) combines comprehensive medical care with in-home services to keep you living independently — in certain cases, a walk-in tub might be covered if it helps you remain safely at home.

Another promising option is the CAPABLE program, which pairs nursing care with home modifications. These programs can differ widely by region, so consult your local aging services office to learn whether you qualify.

State-level assistance for walk-in tubs

Some states offer financial assistance programs to help make accommodations for those in need of a walk-in tub. Contact your state’s aid program to see if you qualify for a grant to cover all or part of the cost of a walk-in tub.

Many other grants to help purchase a walk-in tub can be found at a local level with funding from national agencies like the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Older Adult Home Modification Program (OAHMP). 

Geographic guide

Seniors interested in how to get a free walk-in tub should explore programs available in their state or local area. Options and qualification requirements differ by location. Here’s some guidance on where to check for financial assistance, grants or contacts for walk-in tub programs. Always confirm current eligibility criteria and funding with each program, as these may change over time.

• California: Contact the California Department of Aging to learn about home modification grants.
• Florida: Florida’s State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and local Area Agencies on Aging may provide assistance.
• New York: The NY Access to Home Program offers grants for home accessibility modifications in select counties.
• Texas: Funding for accessibility improvements may be available through local Area Agencies on Aging and city housing programs.
• Illinois: The Illinois Home Accessibility Program (HAP) assists low-income seniors with home modifications.
• Nationwide: Seniors can reach out to their local Area Agency on Aging or state housing authority to inquire about unique grants or loans for walk-in tubs and other safety upgrades. The Eldercare Locator provides a full directory of Area Agencies on Aging by state.

Eligibility for these programs often depends on factors such as age, income or disability status. Application instructions and contact information are listed on each state’s official website or can be obtained by calling the relevant agency directly.

How to apply for walk-in tub financial assistance

While each program has its own rules and requirements, most application processes share similar steps. Following these general guidelines can help you be prepared for when you reach out to these organizations and improve your chances of approval:

1. Identify programs: Research all available federal, state, nonprofit and community resources you may qualify for.
2. Gather documents: Collect proof of income, identification, property ownership, medical documentation and any other paperwork required for eligibility.
3. Get a professional assessment: Some programs require a doctor’s prescription or an occupational therapist’s evaluation stating that a walk-in tub is medically necessary to allow you to remain safely in your home.
4. Obtain cost estimates: Get written quotes for the tub and installation from licensed contractors or manufacturers. Some programs require you to have a written estimate when you apply.
5. Complete the application: Carefully fill out all forms, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
6. Submit applications: Send them to the appropriate agencies or organizations by the stated deadlines.
7. Follow up: Track your application’s status and respond promptly if additional information is requested.
8. Appeal if needed: If your application is denied, review the reasons, correct any issues and reapply or file an appeal if the program allows.

It’s often possible to apply for more than one financial assistance program at the same time, and in some cases, benefits can be combined to help cover more of the total cost. However, not all programs allow funding to be “stacked,” and some may reduce their award amounts if you receive assistance from another source. Because rules vary widely, it’s important to ask each program whether you can use multiple funding sources together before applying or accepting funds.

Other financing and payment options

If you don’t qualify for a grant or program, there are still several ways to pay for a walk-in tub:

• Reverse mortgage: Seniors 62 and older may be eligible for a reverse mortgage to help fund home modifications. This type of loan allows homeowners to convert part of their home equity into cash. The loan doesn’t need to be repaid until the home is sold, the borrower moves out or passes away.
• Home equity line of credit (HELOC): A HELOC lets you borrow against the equity in your home and only pay interest on the funds you use. It can be a flexible and low-interest option for financing a walk-in tub if you have substantial home equity.
• Personal loan: Unsecured personal loans from banks, credit unions or online lenders are another option. Loan terms and interest rates will vary depending on creditworthiness, so compare lenders to find the best terms.
• Manufacturer financing: Many walk-in tub manufacturers offer in-house financing programs or work with third-party lenders. These options often feature promotional offers like low or zero-interest plans, especially for customers with good credit. Ask the manufacturer what financing plans are available before making a purchase decision.
• Manufacturer and retailer programs: In addition to standard discounts and financing, some walk-in tub manufacturers and large retailers occasionally host special programs, sweepstakes or pilot projects that provide free walk-in tubs for seniors. These opportunities are rare and often limited to certain time frames, locations or low-income applicants, but they can be a valuable option for those seeking a no-cost solution. 

“Free walk-in tub” scams to watch for

Since it’s rare that you’ll find a free walk-in tub, it’s essential to be cautious of advertisements promoting them. Here are key points to help you differentiate between legitimate assistance programs and scams:

• Common scam patterns: Look out for bait-and-switch financing tactics, inflated installation add-ons, high-pressure sales tactics and lead-generation sites that pose as reputable agencies.
• Verification steps: Always confirm the program name and eligibility on official .gov or .org websites, obtain itemized quotes, check contractor licensing and insurance, and never pay large deposits without a contract.
• Consumer protection next steps: If you suspect a scam, contact your state Attorney General's office, your local consumer protection agency or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for resources and further assistance.

Remember, legitimate programs typically require documented need and a formal application process.

FAQ

Bottom line

Walk-in tubs can provide a significant improvement in safety and quality of life for older adults and those with mobility challenges. While the cost of purchasing and installing these tubs can be prohibitive, there are numerous programs, grants and financial assistance options available that can make them more affordable.

Be sure to contact relevant agencies, check your eligibility and gather all necessary documentation to apply for these benefits. With the right support, a walk-in tub can become an accessible and safe addition to your home.