Low Interest Financial Loans

IATP Alternative Financing Program

The Idaho Assistive Technology Financing Program provides low-interest financial loans to Idahoans with disabilities to purchase assistive technology.

The Program has been in existence since 1994, thanks to a collaboration between the Idaho Assistive Technology Project, KeyBank, Zions Bank and the Idaho Community Foundation. The program has loaned more than $3,850,000 to more than 950 applicants. Over 30% of those loans were to people who would not otherwise qualify for a standard bank loan.

Eligibility

You can apply for a loan if you are an Idaho resident and:

  • have a disability, or
  • a family member/legal guardian of a person with a disability. 

The loan funds must be used to purchase assistive technology for the person with the disability. The funds can be used for equipment such as (but not limited to):

  • wheelchairs
  • motorized scooters
  • braille equipment
  • voice simulation systems
  • scanners
  • assistive listening devices
  • telecommunications devices
  • augmentative communication systems
  • environmental control systems
  • prostheses
  • computers and adaptive peripherals
  • building modifications for accessibility
  • recreation equipment
  • vehicle modifications.

Loan Parameters

Amount: Applicants can receive from $500 to $10,000.

Interest rate: Call for current Prime rate

Fees: There are no loan origination fees.

Repayment terms: Zions Bank offers up to a three-year term (36 months). There is no early repayment penalty. KeyBank offers up to a five-year term (60 months). KeyBank charges $125 is the loan is repaid in less than 18 months.  

Note: Please consider the anticipated lifespan of the item you’d like to purchase. We don’t recommend taking out a loan for longer than the item can be warrantied or is expected to last.

Income eligibility: There is no income eligibility threshold. The applicant must demonstrate an ability to repay the loan, and must be creditworthy. Disability-related credit issues are taken into consideration.

How to Apply

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for a loan by:

  1. Read through our Before you Apply information and resources (PDF).
  2. Use our loan calculator to estimate your payments.
  3. Complete an AT Loan Application.
  4. Return your completed application by fax or mail to:

Fax: 208-885-6102

Idaho Assistive Technology Project
ATTN: Wendy Bonner
1187 Alturas Drive
Moscow, Idaho 83843

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Wendy Bonner at wbonner@uidaho.edu or 208-885-6112.

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