Home Improvement Program (HIP)

Home Improvement Program logo

The Home Improvement Program (HIP) is a free program in which people with disabilities and senior citizens who are Torrance residents can have a variety of home improvement services completed, provided they meet certain criteria.

Services provided through HIP can include, but are not limited to, accessibility upgrades for the home and minor repairs.

Criteria

Eligibility is based on the following criteria:

  • Applicant must be a senior age 50 or older and/or disabled owner/occupant of a single-family residence within the City limits of Torrance. (Does not include the South Bay area known as Torrance PO/Harbor Gateway).

  • Applicants must meet the financial criteria as set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD)(PDF, 528KB) .

  • Verification of income must be provided. Documents include at least one of the following:
  • Social Security Award Statement
  • Tax Return - Must be completed and show Gross Income not just the AGI (Adjusted Gross Income).
  • Pension Statement
  • A new application with the required documents must be submitted each year in April when the HUD income limit guidelines are published or anytime there is a change in income during the year.
  • Paperwork submitted must not include a Social Security Number (SS#).  Please redact the SS# on any documents before submitting.

Services

Services are free for all qualified participants.

Types of Services provided

Disability Upgrades for the Home

  • 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

Services NOT provided

  • Full fence replacement
  • Gardening / landscaping
  • General Upkeep
  • Hazardous Materials removal - such as asbestos
  • HVAC replacement
  • Major roof repairs
  • Painting - interior or exterior of homes
  • Paving and concrete work

Service Priorities

Service requests are handled in the order received, however priority is given to disability modifications, and safety and security issues.

Scheduling of Service

Upon approval of the application, HIP Staff will contact the applicant to schedule an assessment of the request and an estimated service date.

Income Limit Guidelines

HUD Income Limit Guidelines*
FY 2026/2027
 Household Size Income Limit†
 1 $58,300 yr.
 2 $66,650 yr.
 3 $74,940 yr.
 4 $83,300 yr.
 5 $89,950 yr. 
 6 $96,600 yr.
 7 $103,250 yr. 
 8 $110,000 yr. 

 * Updated income guidelines are posted in April. For additional information please visit HUD guidelines.

 ⵜ Incomes must include all eligible income/earnings for all members living within the home.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Does your income exceed the criteria? Services may be available outside of the City of Torrance. Please see the links below.

City of Los Angeles
Toll Free hotline (866) 557-7368

Los Angeles County


Submit your completed application(PDF, 196KB) with the following documentation:

  • Proof of Home Ownership
  • Proof of Income - Gross annual income is used to determine eligibility

Home Improvement Program staff posing by their work trucks that are parked in front of the West Annex.

 

Contact Us

Phone

(310) 618-2731 (Voicemail is checked daily Monday-Friday)


Email

HIP@TorranceCA.Gov

 

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