Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund
The Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund allows people with disabilities and seniors (or their family members) to purchase assistive technology devices or services, including modification of vehicles and homes. Loans may also cover cost of training to use the purchased equipment, warranties, and service agreements.
The Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund (MATLF) supports the purchase of needed technology through low interest rates and loan guarantees. The program does not provide grants. It provides loans, which must be paid back. The program is a unique partnership of United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan and Option 1 Credit Union in Lansing.
Assistive technology is defined as any item, piece of equipment, or device that enables an individual with a disability to improve individual independence and quality of life.
FAQ
Michigan residents with disabilities, seniors, and their family members or guardians.
Allowable equipment includes but is not limited to, hearing aids, wheelchairs, motorized scooters, voice simulation systems, Braille equipment, telecommunications equipment, augmentative communication systems, environmental control units, computers, adapted recreational equipment, accessible home modifications, and modified vehicles. Training to use the equipment can also be included with the loan.
You may buy equipment from a dealer or from a private seller; it is your choice. View a list of assistive technology vendors that loan fund borrowers have used.
There is no minimum amount. At this time the maximum is $30,000. Your ability to repay the amount requested will determine the approval of your loan.
The amount of money people need to borrow for AT is often less than the minimum amount a bank will loan, and often AT is not a “collateral” item that has an established resale value. This is a lower-interest option than the unsecured loans or credit card purchases that people frequently resort to. A grant held by UCP Michigan underwrites these loans.
Interests rates are determined by Option 1 Credit Union and are subject to change. Please contact UCP Michigan for current rates. Once your loan is granted, the interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan.
Repayment terms are based on the expected useful life of the assistive technology device. The maximum loan term is seven years.
You can apply for a loan by clicking on the application link to download an application, by contacting the Loan Fund Manager at United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan at 800.828.2714, or by contacting one of our local application sites and requesting an application from them.