While minor home repairs like replacing light switches or faucets are manageable, major repairs can be financially overwhelming. With the average annual cost of home maintenance exceeding $21,000, many families struggle to afford high-ticket repairs like foundation work or roof replacement.
But things like unsafe wiring and a broken heater aren’t just inconveniences—they’re serious safety hazards that can’t be ignored. Fortunately, government grants for home repairs can help eligible homeowners address these critical needs. This guide explains which government grants are available, how to apply for them, and alternative options if you don’t qualify.
5 Best Government Grants for Home Repairs
Government grants for home repairs can help cover essential fixes without adding new debt. Unlike loans, you don’t need to repay grants—a big relief if your finances are already stretched to their max.
Grant availability varies based on your personal finances and where you live, but these are some of the most common grants available for repairs:
- USDA Section 504: If you’re elderly, low-income, and live in a rural area, you may qualify for Section 504 funding. This option provides grants of up to $10,000 to homeowners 62 and older to address health and safety hazards. It’s a great option if you want to age in place in your own home.
- HUD HOME: HUD HOME funds aren’t something you apply for directly through HUD. Instead, applications are handled by local or state housing agencies that receive HOME funding. Depending on where you live, this may be your city or county housing department, a state housing finance agency, or a nonprofit partner running a HUD-funded home repair program. These funds are commonly used to help low-income homeowners rehabilitate properties or make accessibility improvements for people with disabilities.
- VA grants: Are you a veteran or a surviving spouse? If so, the VA provides several grants for home repairs. Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grants are just some of the options on the table. Most of these funds support service-connected disabilities, such as accessibility ramps.
- FEMA Home Repair Assistance: If your home was affected by a natural disaster, you may be able to pay for repairs with FEMA funds. It won’t restore your home to its pre-disaster condition, but it can make it safe and livable again.
- State and local programs: There are plenty of federal grants for home repairs, but state and local programs are also available. The upside is that they’re more tailored to your needs and might even be less competitive. A quick Google search for your state or city for home repair assistance programs will reveal all of the options at your disposal.
How to Apply for a Home Repair Grant
Grants are essentially “free money,” but the application process and funding can take several weeks or months, depending on the program. Still, knowing what to expect can make a big difference.
See if You’re Eligible
It’s a waste of time to apply for a grant you don’t qualify for. Always verify the eligibility requirements before you do anything.
Most programs look at:
- Household income
- Homeownership
- Age
- Disability
- Veteran status
- Location (rural or disaster-affected areas usually get priority)
Local housing agencies and nonprofit counselors can help you determine whether a grant is worth pursuing before you invest time in an application.
Gather Documentation
Get ready to submit a lot of paperwork. Grant programs require a lot of information to process your application, and failing to include everything they ask for could result in a rejection.
Every grant has different requirements, but the most commonly requested information include:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters, or tax returns)
- Proof of homeownership
- Government-issued ID
- Utility bills or repair estimates
- Insurance or disaster documentation
Apply (Early, if Possible)
Grants are often competitive, and many are first-come, first-served. It’s never a guarantee, but applying as early as possible can improve your chances of getting a grant.
Some third-party websites may direct you to apply through a specific tool or platform. These are usually scams. Always apply directly through the grant’s official government website or in person at the right agency.
Be prepared to wait weeks or months to hear back on your application.
Alternatives if You Don’t Qualify for Government Grants for Home Repairs
Most government grants are intended for low-income families or individuals with special circumstances, such as veterans and older adults. But what if you aren’t in any of those categories and still need help repairing your home?
Whether you don’t qualify or you received a rejection from a grant program, it’s important to remember that there are other options. A “no” from one program doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Check out these alternatives if grants for repairing your home aren’t an option:
- Nonprofit assistance: Many nonprofit organizations offer help that looks a lot like grant money for home repairs, even if it isn’t labeled as a government program. Search for local nonprofits to find free or low-cost repairs through volunteer programs. Some faith-based or community housing organizations also offer assistance.
- Utility programs: Even if federal programs aren’t available, cities and counties sometimes offer smaller assistance programs. Look for deferred-payment repair programs or utility-sponsored repair assistance.
- Payment plans: It’s not ideal, but if you really need repairs and didn’t get a grant, you may need to finance the cost of repairs. Some contractors offer payment plans for essential fixes, especially when safety is involved. While this isn’t grant money for home repairs, spreading costs can reduce pressure if repairs can’t wait.
Final Thoughts
Government grants for home repairs can be tough to find, but if you qualify, they can be a much-needed lifeline that keeps your home safe and livable without adding debt. The key is knowing where to look, understanding eligibility rules, and applying early when funds become available.
Even if you don’t qualify for a federal grant, state, local, nonprofit, and utility programs may still offer meaningful support. Taking the time to explore these options can help you address urgent repairs before minor issues become costly, long-term problems.
