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Program Description

The Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants program, also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, offers loans and grants to elderly and very-low-income homeowners. Very low income is below 50 percent of the area median income.

How may I use the funds?
  • Use loan funds to repair, improve, or modernize your home, or remove health and safety hazards.
  • Use grant funds only to remove health and safety hazards.
How much money can I get?
  • Maximum loan is $20,000.
  • Maximum grant is $7,500.
  • You may be able to combine loan and grants for up to $27,500.
What are the terms of the loan or grant?
  • You can repay loans over 20 years.
  • The fixed interest rate for the loan is 1%.
  • Loans of $7,500 or more require full title service.
  • Grants have a lifetime limit of $7,500.
  • You must repay grants if you sell the property in less than 3 years.
  • You may be able to get a loan and grant combination if you can repay part but not all of the cost.

General Program Requirements

To qualify for the loan program, you must meet all of the conditions below:

  • Be a homeowner who has very low income,
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and
  • Live in a rural area; check the address on the Property Eligibility page.

To qualify for the grant program, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Meet the conditions above,
  • Be age 62 or older, and
  • Not be able to repay a repair loan.

You must also occupy the home and be unable to get affordable credit elsewhere.

Application Process

For more details and to apply, visit one of the program pages below:

Last Updated: 04/28/2023