Help with Home Repairs and Modifications
If you plan to repair or renovate your home, government programs may make it easier for you to afford those home improvements.
What Financial Help is Available for Home Repairs?
The most common type of financial help from the government for home repairs or modifications is through home improvement loans programs backed by the government. Some programs are available nationwide, while others are only available at the state or county level.
Find Loans and Other Incentives
- Learn about the HUD Title 1 Property Improvement Loan program. Loan amount and repayment terms are limited based on the type of property.
- Find out about the 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program. This type of mortgage covers the cost of purchasing or refinancing and rehabilitating a home that is at least a year old.
- Contact your state Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office or your local or county government housing department for programs in your community.
- Find information about energy efficient modification loans or incentives in your state.
- Review a list of FAQs about tax credits and rebates for Energy Star products and energy efficiency home improvements.
Help for Certain Demographic Groups
- Veterans can contact the Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loans Service about a loan or about specially adapted housing grants.
- Seniors can find tips on home safety and search for local programs in the Home Repair and Modification section of the Eldercare Locator website.
- Native Americans can learn more about the housing improvement grant program and call the Public and Indian Housing (PIH) Customer Service Center.
- Rural residents can contact a local Rural Development office for information about repair grants and loans.
Am I Eligible for Home Repair Assistance?
Eligibility requirements vary from program to program. In general, it depends on income level, age of the homeowner, type of property, or where the property is located.
How Do I Apply for Home Improvement Programs?
Reach out to the federal, state, or county government agency that administers the program. Loans are made by traditional lenders, but the government programs help these lenders make loans that they might normally not fulfill. Grants are available depending on your income level and work to be done. Contact your local government housing office or nonprofit programs in your area that may have received funding from HUD.
What Else Do I Need to Know Before Starting a Home Repair?
Tips for Hiring a Contractor
Finding a good contractor to do repairs and improvements to your home is important. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides resources and tips on hiring a contractor, including questions to ask and how to report problems.
Watch Out for Utility Lines Before You Dig - Call 811
Before digging on your property, call 811. Utilities will come out to mark the area to help you avoid damaging or being injured by underground utility lines. The timing for processing your request differs from state to state. Some states allow for an online digging request.