Is your home in need of repairs, improvements or general maintenance? Housing grants may be able to lower your out-of-pocket expenses to make these essential fixes. The Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, is one source of these grants that homeowners can turn to. The cost of home repairs can be exorbitant, which may discourage some homeowners from making important improvements. HUD, along with many other grant programs, aims to help owners live safely in their homes.
The average cost of home repairs is between $15 and $60 per square foot. HUD housing assistance programs can help lower (or even eliminate) the repair costs for many low-income households. Learn more about the housing grants available from HUD and other grant sources below.
Housing grants for home repairs and improvements are popular among homeowners around the country. Whether you have been living in your home for decades or just bought a house in need of a little TLC, these grants provide free money to help you ensure the home is safe and secure.
Like many other down payment assistance programs and housing grants, repair grants are provided by federal, state and local governments. The Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, is one of the largest grant providers in the nation. HUD housing assistance programs help Americans afford rent, find cheap homes and make necessary repairs.
Program requirements and guidelines vary depending on the grant program, but most follow similar requirements. Depending on the grant program, you may need to meet the following criteria:
- Meet income requirements
- Live within a designated area
- Live in the home as your primary residence
- Use the grant money for approved purposes
If you belong to a certain population, you may qualify for special programs with more specific requirements. For example, some housing grants are created to help senior homeowners make necessary improvements or safety upgrades to help them stay in their homes. Others are geared toward families with disabled children or other family members. Section 504 housing grants are specifically designed to resolve health hazards for very low income households.
Veterans are another special population that have access to grant programs. Housing grants for veterans are available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Most grant programs require vets to meet service-related qualifications, such as have a military service-connected disability.
Other housing grants provide free money to help homeowners make energy-efficient improvements. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps low-income families and individuals lower their heating and cooling costs by performing weatherization. This includes things like:
- Replacing windows and doors.
- Repairing water heaters.
- Installing solar screens.
- Installing efficient lighting.
The total amount of money you can get from housing grants varies depending on the type of grant you apply for. It is important to understand all details of the program before signing up.
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