SHARP Program in Alberta: Affordable Window and Door Replacements For Seniors

The cost of a window replacement is a significant factor in homeowner’s decision on what windows to get, and whether they can afford a replacement at all. One group of people this is especially true for, are seniors and elderly. Thankfully the government in Canada, both provincially and federally, recognises the needs of seniors and offers home renovation programs that assist those in need.

One such program is the Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP). It is a home renovation program in Alberta that offers several options for seniors to offset the initial cost of energy-efficient home upgrades:

• SHARP Loan. A low-interest home equity loan up to $40 000 for those who qualify.
• SHARP Grant. The maximum assistance available per household is $5,000 in a benefit year (which starts July 1) and $15,000 in a lifetime.

SHARP Program for Seniors

Use Alberta’s government program to save big on window and door replacements

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Everything You Should Know About SHARP Loan

The SHARP loan is intended to finance home repairs and adaptations that will help the senior homeowner remain safe and independent in their home. Examples of what the loan can cover extend to roof and window replacement, plumbing, electrical repairs, furnace replacement, installing walk-in tubs, widening doorways or hallways. As you can see there are plenty of options for the right renovation for you.

Who qualifies for the Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program

In order to qualify for the SHARP loan you must be:

• A senior homeowner,
• Aged 65 and older; with
• Annual income of $75 000 or less
• A minimum of 25% home equity.
• A Canadian citizen, or have been lawfully admitted to Canada for permanent residence
• An Alberta resident, having lived in the province for at least 3 months

Check out this full information guide to know all personal and home’s eligibility requirements.

Highlights of the SHARP loan

• Current interest rate is 4.95%, reviewed and adjusted every 6 months in April and October
• NO MONTHLY PAYMENTS, repay the loan with interest when you move or sell the house
• Interest charges start on the date the program deposits loan into your bank account
• SHARP will consider the reasonableness of the cost of a suggested home repair as part of their approval process.

How to Apply for a SHARP Loan?

After you sign the contract with a window company or a home renovator you must fill out an application for the SHARP loan. A copy of the contract is then submitted to SHARP with the application. The standard time for the application to be reviewed is 4-6 weeks. To enable your cancellation rights you must apply for SHARP within 45 days of signing with the contractor.

If you cancel a contract within 30 days from receiving a notification for the program that you are ineligible, you are not required to begin to pay for the home repairs, and the contractor has 15 days to return any money you have paid them to commence the work.

Beware however, that this may lengthen the project timelines for your window replacement. A window replacement project takes 4-6 weeks to be manufactured and installed. The company won’t process the order until confirmation is received from SHARP, adding another 4-6 weeks to your project. Overall, you may not get your windows installed for as long as 10-12 weeks after signing the contract.

SHARP Program for Seniors

Use Alberta’s government program to save big on window and door replacements

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Everything You Should Know About SHARP Grant

If you don’t qualify for a SHARP loan, for example, if you don’t have enough home equity or your name isn’t listed as a fee simple homeowner on the land title, you may still be eligible for grant assistance.

To qualify, your annual income must be $34,770 or less if you’re a single senior, or $56,820 or less if you’re a senior couple. In this case, SHARP staff will review your application and may offer a grant to help cover essential home repairs.

During the review process, you’ll be contacted and informed about any financial support you can receive.

Highlights of the SHARP Grant

• Maximum grant amount is $5,000 in a benefit year and $15,000 in a lifetime
• The cost of the home repair must be $500 or more. Multiple home repairs can be combined toward the $500 minimum.

Some of the eligible home upgrades and corresponding grant amounts:

• Exterior Doors. Maximum funded: 2 units, $600/each.
• Bathroom repair. Maximum funded: $5000
• Electrical repair. Maximum funded: $5000
• Furnace repair. Maximum funded: $4800
• Garage roof repair/replacement. Maximum funded: $1800

For a full list of eligible home repairs and upgrades, please visit this page.

If you have any extra questions about the SHARP program, you are welcome to contact Alberta Supports Contact Centre Toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or check out this complete information guide.

In case you want to use the program for window or door replacements, please contact our experts, and we will help you navigate all the details.

SHARP Program for Seniors

Use Alberta’s government program to save big on window and door replacements

Learn More

Are There Any Extra Senior Discounts on Window Replacement?

Many window companies in Alberta offer a discount for seniors on replacement windows. These discounts can range between 5-15% and usually apply to homeowners 65 years old and up.

At Ecoline Windows, we offer a 5% discount to our senior customers. Please contact our local Alberta team to find out the eligibility requirements and all relevant details regarding your future window or door replacement project.

Moreover, you can use our rebate calculator to find out other government rebates and loans available in your area to offset the initial renovation costs.

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