Torrance Seniors and Residents with Disabilities: Get Help with Home Repairs Through Home Improvement Program

The City of Torrance offers a valuable resource for seniors and residents with disabilities who need assistance with home improvements: the Home Improvement Program (HIP). This free program provides a range of services to qualified residents, making homes more accessible and addressing minor repairs.

What is HIP?

The Home Improvement Program (HIP) is a free service available to eligible Torrance residents. It helps seniors (age 50+) and individuals with disabilities with various home improvement projects. These services can include accessibility upgrades and minor repairs, designed to enhance safety and livability.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for HIP, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a senior (age 50 or older) and/or a disabled owner/occupant of a single-family residence within the Torrance city limits (excluding the South Bay area known as Torrance PO/Harbor Gateway).
2. Meet the financial criteria set by the Federal Government, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Verification of income is required, and documents must include at least one of the following:
3. Social Security Award Statement
4. Tax Return (must be completed and show Gross Income, not Adjusted Gross Income)
5. Pension Statement
6. Submit an application each calendar year, or anytime there is a change in income. Returning applicants must submit a new application and required documents one year after the previous application.
7. Paperwork submitted must not include a Social Security Number (SS#). Applicants should redact their SS# from any documents before submitting.

What Services are Offered?

HIP provides a variety of services, free of charge to qualified participants, including:

Disability Upgrades:

• Wheelchair ramps
• Staircase handrails
• Grab bars

Light Plumbing:

• Unclog drains
• Fix leaky faucets
• Replace/repair faucets, showerheads, and water heaters

Minor Repairs:

• Fence evaluations
• Minor repair on HVAC (based on evaluation)
• Repair/replace broken windows and screens
• Repair/replace locks
• Rodent proofing
• Trash removal

What Services are Not Provided?

HIP does not cover the following:

1. Full fence replacement
2. Gardening/landscaping
3. General upkeep
4. Hazardous materials removal (e.g., asbestos)
5. HVAC replacement
6. Major roof repairs
7. Interior painting
8. Painting exterior of homes
9. Paving and concrete work

How Does the Program Work?

Service requests are handled in the order received, with priority given to emergencies, disability modifications, and safety/security issues. Upon application approval, HIP staff will contact the applicant to schedule an assessment of the request and provide an estimated service date.

Income Limit Guidelines (FY 2024/2025):

The program uses HUD income limit guidelines to determine eligibility. These guidelines are updated in April each year. Incomes must include all eligible income/earnings for all members living within the home. The following are the current income limits:

Household Size	Income Limit
1	$48,550/year
2	$55,450/year
3	$62,400/year
4	$69,350/year
5	$74,900/year
6	$80,450/year
7	$86,000/year
8	$91,500/year

For the most up-to-date income guidelines, please visit the HUD website.

How to Apply:

For more information or to apply for the Home Improvement Program, contact:

1. Phone: (310) 618-2731 (Voicemail is checked daily, Monday-Friday)
2. Email: HIP@TorranceCA.Gov