Texans can get help to make upgrades to their homes.
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and other government agencies provide grants and deferred loans to help low-income homeowners rehab their home. These grant programs help homeowners modify their home for accessibility or upgrade heating and cooling systems to make their home more energy-efficient. Homeowners must meet the income-limit requirements to qualify for these grant programs.
HomeFree Barrier Removal and Rehabilitation Program
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Development provides grants to help low-income disabled people make their home accessible. The family can apply to receive up to $20,000 to adjust counter top and cabinet placement, install tub grab bars and shower wands or widen doorways for wheelchair access. Renters and homeowners are eligible to apply for help. The total household income cannot exceed 80 percent of the area's median income to qualify for help. There is no repayment required for this grant program.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The Department of Housing and Urban Development provides funding to the Texas Department of Community Affairs to administer the Weatherization Assistance Program. Weatherization services help low-income families save costs through energy-efficient measures. Weatherization services include installing insulation and replacing appliances with EnergyStar appliances. TDCA estimates that 3,700 Texans receive weatherization work to their homes annually. To qualify for weatherization services, the family's total household income cannot exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Weatherization saves families about $437 in energy costs on an annual basis.
Homebuyer Assistance and Rehabilitation Program
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs helps low-income families purchase and make modifications to a home. The family can receive up to $20,000 for acquisition and rehabilitation costs and $20,000 for down payment and closing cost assistance. The family's total household income cannot exceed 80 percent of the area's median income to qualify for help. The family receives a zero-interest deferred forgivable loan. No repayment is required as long as the homeowner retains the home as their primary place of residence for the life of the loan.
Homeowner Rehabilitation Assistance (HRA) Program
The Homeowner Rehabilitation Assistance Program helps low-income homeowners make repairs to their homes. The program finances rehabilitation or reconstruction of owner-occupied single-family homes. Families with income at or below 80 percent of the area's median income are eligible for help. The title to the home must be free and clear and the homeowner must be current on property taxes. Rehabilitation projects can receive up to $30,000. Reconstruction projects receive up to $85,000. A zero-interest, deferred, forgivable loan is provided if the homeowner agrees to remain in the home for the life of the loan term.
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