BC RAHA (Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations) is a provincial grant providing up to $20,000 lifetime per household for home modifications that support independence for seniors 65+ and people with permanent disabilities. To qualify on Vancouver Island: household income under $134,140, liquid assets under $100,000, and home value under regional limits (Victoria/CRD: $1,074,999, Nanaimo/Central: $824,999, Comox/North: $749,999). Funding resets April 1 annually and is first-come, first-served.
Source: BC Housing, 2026. This is a grant, not a loan—no repayment required.
Important Disclaimer
Quick Eligibility Check
You may qualify for BC RAHA if you meet all of these criteria:
- Disability: You or a household member has a permanent disability or loss of ability (12+ months)
- Income: Household income under $134,140 (2026 limit)
- Assets: Liquid assets under $100,000 (excludes RRSPs, home, vehicles)
- Home Value: Below regional limits ($750k–$1.07M depending on area)
Use the eligibility calculator below for a detailed assessment.
01 — Eligibility
Financial thresholds & eligibility.
RAHA targets households where someone has a permanent disability or loss of ability (expected to last 12+ months) impacting daily independence. Eligibility is governed by four primary pillars: Income, Assets, Home Value, and Disability Status.
2026 Household Income Limit
$134,140
Maximum gross household income (before taxes), province-wide.
Note
2026 Home Value Limits
Your home's BC Assessment value must fall below these regional thresholds (updated annually April 1, set to ensure 60% of area homes qualify):
Capital Regional District
Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, Langford, Sidney
$1,074,999
Central Vancouver Island
Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Duncan, Ladysmith
$824,999
Courtenay & North Island
Comox Valley, Campbell River, Port Alberni
$749,999
Asset Ceiling & Exclusions
Liquid assets must be under $100,000. BC Housing defines “liquid assets” as cash or assets easily converted to cash.
Excluded from calculation:
- • Primary residence (the home being adapted)
- • RRSPs
- • RESPs
- • RIFs
- • Vehicles
- • Other non-liquid assets
Included in calculation:
- • Cash and savings accounts
- • TFSAs
- • GICs
- • Non-registered stocks/bonds
- • Secondary properties
Disability Requirement
Must have a permanent disability or loss of ability (lasting or expected to last 12+ months) that affects independence at home. This includes age-related diminished abilities for seniors 65+.
Lifetime Rebate Limit
The maximum lifetime rebate is $20,000 per household. This is cumulative across all applications. If you received $5,000 in 2022, you have $15,000 remaining. No 2026 inflation adjustment.
Funding Note
Check Your Eligibility
Step 01
Are you a BC resident and Canadian citizen or permanent resident?
02 — Scope of Work
Technical scope of work.
Adaptations must directly tie to the disability/loss of ability, promoting safe, independent living. All modifications must be permanent—temporary or portable items rarely qualify.
Bathroom
Eligible (Payable)
- • Walk-in tubs (with OT justification)
- • Barrier-free showers
- • Grab bars
- • Raised toilets
- • Lever faucets
Ineligible (Denied)
- • Jetted tubs
- • Aesthetic upgrades (marble, granite)
- • Dehumidifiers
Mobility & Access
Eligible (Payable)
- • Ramps (interior/exterior)
- • Stair lifts
- • Widened doorways
- • Lowered counters/sinks
- • Handrails
Ineligible (Denied)
- • Extensions for offices/hobbies
- • Vehicle adaptations
- • General landscaping
Kitchen
Eligible (Payable)
- • Adjustable counters
- • Accessible cabinets
- • Pull-out shelving
Ineligible (Denied)
- • Appliances
- • Granite counters (luxury; rebate based on modest alternatives)
General
Eligible (Payable)
- • Improved lighting for visibility
- • In-home assessment costs (up to $300)
- • Lever handles
Ineligible (Denied)
- • Maintenance (roof repairs, windows)
- • Energy items (HRV, AC, air purifiers)
- • Duplicates or non-essential items
03 — Medical Requirements
Medical justification requirements.
All adaptations must demonstrate how they address disability for independence. Specific major adaptations require professional assessment.
Assessment Requirements
OT/PT Assessment Required
- • Walk-in tubs
- • Stairlifts
- • Ceiling tracks
- • Major bathroom/kitchen remodels
- • Any project approaching $20,000
Doctor/Nurse May Suffice
- • Grab bars
- • Lever handles
- • Simple handrails
- • Minor modifications under $5,000
(OT still recommended for functional assessment)
The assessment is rebateable.
BC RAHA provides a rebate of up to $300 to cover the cost of your in-home assessment—even if you decide not to proceed with the work.
Vancouver Island OT Resources
BC Housing accepts assessments from any BC-licensed OT/PT. No preferred providers, but the following serve Vancouver Island:
Island Health (Home Health)
Publicly funded referrals: 1-877-370-8699. Wait times can exceed 6 months.
Private OT Providers
Faster turnaround. Search via Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (caot.ca) or Physiotherapy Association of BC (bcphysio.org).
Our Directory
View Vancouver Island OTs who specialize in home accessibility assessments.
04 — The Process
Application workflow.
Follow this sequence exactly. Pre-approval work disqualification is common.
Confirm Eligibility
Gather eligibility documents: income/asset proof (Notice of Assessment), disability confirmation. Verify your home value is below regional limits using BC Assessment.
Book OT Assessment
Schedule an in-home assessment with an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist. Assessment must include observation (in-person or virtual), disability details, duration (12+ months), recommendations, and assessor credentials.
Assessment cost is rebateable up to $300—even if you decide not to proceed with the work.
Obtain Two Quotes
Get two itemized quotes from licensed contractors. Quotes must include PST/GST breakdown, detailed scope, materials, and labour. BC Housing may adjust for ineligible or luxury items.
The "Luxury" Rule: If you choose high-end finishes (e.g., granite), BC Housing only pays the "standard" equivalent cost. Include a second modest-option quote.
Submit Application
Apply to BC Housing online or by mail before any work starts. Submit your NOA, OT assessment, and contractor quotes. Applications are processed first-come, first-served.
Do not begin any work before receiving your written Approval Letter. Starting early voids the entire rebate.
Complete Work
Once approved, complete all work within 180 days. Submit post-project documentation: proof of payment (invoices/receipts), before/after photos, and final inspection if required (for structural changes).
Rebate issued as cheque or direct deposit after verification. Keep all documentation.
Key Deadlines
- • 180 days to complete work once approved
- • April 1 annual funding reset (apply early)
- • No work before written approval letter
05 — Tax Strategy
Maximizing your recovery.
RAHA stacks with federal and provincial tax credits for compounded benefits. Key insight: tax credits are calculated on pre-rebate expenses.
Available Tax Credits
Federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC)
15% non-refundable credit on up to $20,000 of eligible expenses = max $3,000 credit. For seniors 65+ or disabled persons. Not reduced by RAHA grants—claim full pre-rebate expenses.
BC Senior's Home Renovation Tax Credit
10% refundable credit on up to $10,000 of eligible expenses = max $1,000 credit. For seniors 65+ or disabled. Permanent accessibility renovations only.
Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)
15% credit on eligible medical expenses exceeding 3% of net income. Some accessibility modifications qualify.
2026 Tax Strategy Note
Scenario: $30,000 Accessibility Renovation
| Financial Step | Amount | Running Total |
|---|---|---|
| Total Project Cost | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| BC RAHA Rebate (Grant) | ($20,000) | $10,000 |
| Owner's Out-of-Pocket | $10,000 | — |
| Federal HATC (15% of $20,000)* | ($3,000) | — |
| BC Senior's Credit (10% of $10,000) | ($1,000) | — |
| Total Benefit | $24,000 | — |
| Net Cost to Homeowner | $6,000 | — |
*HATC claimed on full $20,000 of eligible expenses (pre-rebate), not reduced by RAHA grant.
The Stacking Rule
Calculate Your Savings
Triple Dip Savings Calculator
See how much you could save by combining RAHA with tax credits.
Tax credits apply to this amount
* Estimates only. Actual savings depend on eligibility, income, and tax situation. METC has a 3% income floor not calculated here. Consult a tax professional for precise figures.
06 — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about RAHA.
How much can I get from BC RAHA?
BC RAHA provides up to $20,000 lifetime per household. This is cumulative across all applications—if you received $8,000 in 2023, you have $12,000 remaining. There's no annual limit, only the lifetime cap.
What is the RAHA income limit for 2026?
The 2026 RAHA income limit is $134,140 gross household income (before taxes). This is province-wide with no regional variation—the same limit applies in Victoria, Nanaimo, and Comox Valley.
What is the RAHA home value limit for Victoria?
The 2026 RAHA home value limit for Victoria and the Capital Regional District is $1,074,999. This includes Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, Langford, Colwood, View Royal, and Sidney. Home value is based on your BC Assessment, not market value.
What is the RAHA home value limit for Nanaimo?
The 2026 RAHA home value limit for Nanaimo and Central Vancouver Island is $824,999. This includes Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Duncan, Ladysmith, and Lake Cowichan—$250,000 lower than Victoria's limit.
Do I need an OT assessment for RAHA?
For major modifications (walk-in tubs, stair lifts, barrier-free showers, projects near $20,000), yes—an OT or PT assessment is required. For minor modifications like grab bars or lever handles under $5,000, a doctor's note may suffice. The OT assessment costs $300-500, and RAHA rebates up to $300—even if you don't proceed with the work.
How long does RAHA approval take?
RAHA approval typically takes 4-8 weeks from complete application submission. Timeline depends on application volume—apply early in the fiscal year (April-June) when funding is fresh. Do not start any work before receiving your written approval letter.
Can I combine RAHA with HATC tax credits?
Yes—RAHA stacks with tax credits. The federal HATC (15% of up to $20,000 = $3,000 max) is calculated on your pre-rebate expenses. On a $30,000 project, you can receive $20,000 RAHA + $3,000 HATC + $1,000 BC Senior's Credit = $24,000 total benefit.
Why do I need two contractor quotes?
BC Housing requires two itemized quotes from different contractors to ensure fair pricing and provide a backup option. Quotes must include PST/GST breakdown, detailed scope of work, materials list, and labour costs. If you choose luxury materials, include a second “modest alternative” quote—RAHA only pays the standard equivalent.
What happens if I start work before approval?
You forfeit the entire rebate. This is the most common RAHA rejection reason. Do not sign contracts, order materials, or begin any work until you receive your written approval letter from BC Housing. No exceptions.
When does RAHA funding reset?
RAHA funding resets April 1 each year. It's first-come, first-served until the annual budget is exhausted. If funding runs out mid-year, applications are waitlisted until the next April. Submit your application early in the fiscal year for the best chance of approval.
How long do I have to complete the work?
You have 180 days from approval to complete all work and submit post-project documentation (invoices, receipts, before/after photos). This deadline is strict. If you need an extension, contact BC Housing before the deadline expires.
Are renters eligible for RAHA?
Yes, but with landlord involvement. Tenants can apply for RAHA with their landlord as a co-applicant. The landlord must consent to the modifications and may be responsible for maintaining them. Both homeowners and renters must meet income, asset, and disability requirements.
What counts toward the $100,000 asset limit?
Liquid assets only. Your primary home, RRSPs, RESPs, RIFs, and vehicles are excluded. What counts: cash, savings accounts, TFSAs, GICs, non-registered stocks/bonds, and secondary properties. This is the #1 rejection reason for Island seniors—many exceed $100,000 in TFSA and non-registered investments while assuming their RRSP balance excludes them. RRSPs are excluded; TFSAs are not.
Does RAHA reduce my federal tax credit?
No. Per CRA rules for Line 31285, the Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC) is not reduced by government grants like BC RAHA. You can claim the full eligible expense up to the $20,000 federal limit while still receiving your provincial rebate. On a $30,000 project: receive $20,000 RAHA + claim HATC on $20,000 of expenses ($3,000 credit) = $23,000 in benefits from these two programs alone.
Source Verification
Primary Data: BC Housing RAHA Program Overview
Eligible Adaptations: BC Housing Eligible Adaptations List
Home Value Limits: BC Housing Home Value Limits (PDF)
Federal HATC: CRA Line 31285 (Home Accessibility Expenses)
BC Senior's Credit: BC Home Renovation Tax Credit
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