For homeowners 62 and over, who cannot repay a loan, grant funds may be available to remove health and safety hazards or to remodel dwellings to make them accessible to household members with disabilities.
Home improvement loans can be used for installation and repair of sanitary water and waste disposal systems, including related plumbing and fixtures. Payment of reasonable connection fees for utilities is also an eligible expense.
Various energy conservation measures including installation of insulation and storm windows can be financed.
In addition, other improvements such as repair or replacement of heating systems and electrical wiring are eligible.
Structural improvements to your home are also covered, including repair of, or provision for structural supports; repair or replacement of the roof; and replacement of severely deteriorated siding.
If you own a manufactured home located on a permanent foundation, including the site, you may be eligible for home improvement financial assistance.
Incidental expenses such as survey fees, title clearance, loan closing, and architectural or other technical services may also be financed.
How to qualify
Be a US citizen or legally admitted to the United States for permanent residence.
Own and occupy the home.
Be legally able to enter into a loan agreement
Be unable to get financing from other sources, such as local lenders.
Have an income not to exceed the very low-income limit for the county of residence.
Have an acceptable credit history
Be unable to remove the identified health or safety hazards by using your own financial resources.
To qualify for a combination loan and grant, you must be 62 or older and be unable to pay for part of the needed repairs.
You may apply for more than one loan, but the outstanding balance on all loans can not exceed $20,000. Lifetime grant assistance can't exceed a cumulative total of $7,500.
If you receive any grant funds, you must agree not to sell the home for three years. If the property is sold within the first 3 years of grant assistance, the grant funds must be repaid.
The interest rate for the loan is 1%, with a maximum loan term of 20 years.
Applications are processed by the Rural Development Area Office.
