PATF has two loan programs:

Mini-Loan Low-Interest Loan
Loan Amount

(as of January 18, 2021)

 $100 – $7,000* over $7,000**
Interest Rate 0% 3.75%
Repayment Terms Minimum monthly payment of $20. Maximum repayment term is 4 years. Repayment term is based upon the expected life of the device.
Examples of AT
  • Computers
  • Tablets (i.e., iPad, Android, etc.)
  • Specialized software (e.g., Dragon Naturally Speaking)
  • Hearing aids
  • Vision devices (e.g., OrCam glasses, magnifiers)
  • Adaptive sports equipment
  • Portable ramps
  • Smart home technology (e.g., smart speakers, lights, thermostats, alarm systems, door openers)
  • Stair glides
  • Wheelchair and scooter cushions
  • Seat-lift chairs
  • Flashing doorbells and bed shakers
  • Home modifications (e.g., ramps, roll-in showers, lowered counter tops, widened doorways)
  • Adapted vehicles (e.g., lowered floors, ramps, tie-downs, computerized hand controls)
  • Eye-gaze systems (e.g., Tobii)
  • Farm and outdoor recreation equipment (e.g., utility vehicle, skid steer)

* If the applicant meets eligibility guidelines and PATF has funds available, we will extend a one-time only partial grant in conjunction with the Mini-Loan. This will lower the amount of the loan. See Mini-Grant section below. PATF does not extend grants only.

** PATF’s Low-Interest Loans are processed by our partner banks. If the bank is confident about an applicant’s ability to repay the loan, the loan may be approved as a traditional loan for up to $60,000. If there are credit issues such as a low FICO score, high debt-to-income ratio, or no credit history, the bank may request PATF’s Board of Directors guarantee or back the loan. If the Board agrees to do so, the maximum amount for a guaranteed Low-Interest Loan is $45,000.

Read Our Loan FAQs

Who is eligible to apply?

  • PATF is a program for Pennsylvania residents who need assistive technology devices and/or services.
  • PATF can help people of all ages, disabilities and health conditions.
  • People of all income levels may apply for a loan. An applicant must have an ability and willingness to repay a loan.

Loan Amounts

All PATF loan applications must include a vendor quote that specifies the cost of the assistive technology that will be purchased with the loan. PATF can extend loans in amounts lower than the cost of the assistive technology, but cannot extend a loan in an amount greater than the cost of the assistive technology.

Allowable Equipment

PATF will extend loans to purchase a broad range of assistive technology. Examples include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Wheelchairs and scooters
  • Hearing aids
  • Computers, tablets, and specialized software
  • Smart home technology
  • Vehicles that have been adapted or require adaptations
  • Home modifications for accessibility
  • Adaptive sports equipment

Loan Repayment Terms

The length of the loan term is based on the expected useful life of the assistive technology device to be purchased.

General Criteria for a Loan

PATF does not discriminate because of race, disability, color, national origin, age, gender, creed, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. All borrowers are treated fairly and according to the same standards.

The loan applicant can be the person with the disability, an older Pennsylvanian, or someone who is applying on behalf of the person with the disability, including a family member or acquaintance.

Four important considerations when PATF is reviewing an application for approval are:

  • Assistive technology device/service and its purpose
  • Credit history
  • Debt-to-income ratio
  • Ability to repay the loan

If the applicant has a history of credit problems, they must demonstrate that there is a workable plan to deal with these problems.

View our Mini-Loan Policies and Procedures.

View our Low-Interest Loan Policies and Procedures.

Mini-Grants

At PATF, we offer Mini-Grants as a one-time opportunity for eligible loan applicants. These grants are designed to reduce the loan amount by up to 50%, with a maximum grant of $1,000. Mini-Grants are only available in conjunction with a Mini-Loan and cannot be provided as stand-alone financial assistance.

Eligibility for Mini-Grants:

  • Low-Income Requirement: Applicants must have a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
  • Exhaust Other Funding Options: Applicants must explore and exhaust all other funding sources before applying.
  • Loan Application Requirement: Grants are only available to those who apply for a Mini-Loan.

Every Mini-Loan application is automatically reviewed for Mini-Grant eligibility. If you qualify, PATF will notify you during the application process. Please note that Mini-Grants are subject to availability of funds.

This program is our way of making assistive technology financing more affordable and accessible for individuals with limited income.