Quick answerMost repair help is local. Start with your city or county housing department (CDBG- and HOME-funded rehab programs, often grants or forgivable loans), your community action agency (weatherization and emergency repairs), and nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together. In rural areas, USDA Section 504 offers 1% repair loans up to $40,000 and grants up to $10,000 for very low-income homeowners 62+. Veterans, older adults, and people with disabilities have additional options.
On this page

Where to look

Source What it offers Who it serves
City/county housing or community development department Rehab grants, deferred or forgivable loans, emergency repair programs (CDBG, HOME, local funds) Low- and moderate-income homeowners
USDA Section 504 1% loans up to $40,000; grants up to $10,000 (lifetime) for age 62+ Very low-income rural homeowners
Weatherization Assistance Program Energy repairs, heating system repair/replacement, health and safety fixes Income-eligible homeowners and renters
LIHEAP crisis funds Emergency heating/cooling system repair in some states Income-eligible households
Habitat for Humanity home repair Critical repairs, often with affordable payment terms Low-income homeowners
Rebuilding Together Free repairs and modifications Older adults, veterans, people with disabilities
Area Agencies on Aging Home modification and repair referrals Older adults
VA grants (SAH, SHA, HISA) Accessibility modifications Eligible veterans
Medicaid waivers Home modifications for accessibility Eligible people needing long-term services
State housing finance agencies Low-interest repair loans Varies
Utility programs Efficiency upgrades and repairs Utility customers, often income-qualified

How to apply

  1. Call 211 or your local housing department and ask for “owner-occupied rehabilitation” or “emergency home repair” programs.
  2. Gather documents: proof of ownership (deed), ID, income for everyone in the household, homeowners insurance, property tax status, mortgage statement.
  3. Describe the problem and any safety risks (no heat, roof leak, electrical hazard).
  4. Expect an inspection and a scope of work written by the program.
  5. Understand the terms: grant, forgivable loan, deferred loan, or low-interest loan; any lien on your home; and contractor selection rules.

Common eligibility requirements

  • Own and live in the home as your primary residence
  • Income below program limits (often 50% or 80% of area median income)
  • Property taxes and mortgage current (or on a plan)
  • Clear title (heirs’ property can be a barrier—see heirs’ property)
  • Homeowners insurance in place for larger loans

Emergency repairs

For no heat in winter, a failed water heater, a major roof leak, or an electrical hazard:

  • Ask your local program about emergency repair tracks.
  • Ask the LIHEAP office about furnace repair or replacement.
  • For gas leaks or electrical hazards, call the utility or 911 first.
  • Take temporary safety measures (tarps, shutting off water) and keep receipts.

Avoid contractor scams

  • Verify licenses, insurance, and references.
  • Get written estimates and a written contract.
  • Don’t pay large amounts upfront; pay as work is completed.
  • Be wary of door-to-door “storm chasers,” high-pressure sales, and financing arranged by the contractor.
  • Never sign over insurance checks or your deed.
  • For pre-1978 homes, hire lead-safe certified contractors.

Frequently asked questions

Are there government grants to fix my house?

Yes, but they’re targeted: USDA Section 504 grants for very low-income rural homeowners 62+, local rehab grants or forgivable loans for low-income homeowners, weatherization, and VA grants for disabled veterans. There’s no general federal grant available to everyone.

Can renters get repair help?

Repairs are usually the landlord’s responsibility. Renters should request repairs in writing and use code enforcement if needed. Weatherization can serve renters with landlord permission. See our repairs and habitability guide.

What repairs are usually covered?

Programs prioritize health and safety: roofs, heating systems, electrical and plumbing hazards, accessibility modifications, lead hazards, and structural problems. Cosmetic work usually isn’t covered.

Will I have to repay a forgivable loan?

Only if you sell, refinance, rent out, or stop living in the home before the forgiveness period ends (often 5 to 15 years). Read the lien terms carefully.

Sources and verification

Use these sources to check program rules. Funding, openings, and local procedures must be confirmed with the agency handling your application.

Update note (2026-10-01): Replaced a missing source link with an official program page or governing regulation. This was a source-link update, not a complete review of every claim.

  1. Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (Section 504)USDA Rural Development
  2. Community Development Block GrantsU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  3. Weatherization Assistance ProgramU.S. Department of Energy
  4. Disability housing grants for veteransU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  5. Eldercare LocatorAdministration for Community Living

Found a changed rule or a broken link? Report a correction for this guide.

Published by Housing Assistance Info

Independent guidance based on the sources listed above. Read our sourcing, automated-tool, and correction policies.