Low-income senior citizens are eligible for home repair grants.
Federal and local government agencies help senior citizens make repairs to their personal residences. You must meet the program's income limit levels to qualify for a home repair grant. The goal of these home repair grant programs is to help seniors who can't afford to make necessary repairs and upgrades make their homes livable.
USDA Rural Repair Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides funding for the Rural Home Repair Grant Program. Homeowners aged 62 years and older can qualify for a grant up to $7,500 to correct health and safety repairs or make general upgrades. The homeowner's income cannot exceed 50 percent of the area's median income to qualify for a grant. The grant is awarded to seniors who do not have the ability to repay a loan. As long as the senior remains in the home for three years after receiving the award, repayment is not required on the grant.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development have formed a partnership to administer the the Weatherization Assistance Program. Low-income households can qualify to have repairs made that lower the cost of utility bills. Seniors with incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level can qualify for up to $6,500 in repairs. Weatherization measures include installing insulation or replacing appliances with EnergyStar appliances. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for weatherization assistance.
Local Repair Grants
Cities and local nonprofit agencies also provide grants to help senior citizens make repairs to their homes. In Denver, Colorado, Brothers Redevelopment Inc, helps low-to-moderate income seniors with minor home repairs. Seniors can apply for help to have their home painted, make accessible modifications or do electrical work. Rebuilding Together in Houston provides home repair grants to low-income seniors as well. Seniors must own and live in the home in need of repair. Only necessary repairs are made. The homeowner must be physically and financially unable to complete the repairs on her own.
Area Agency on Aging Grants
Local Area Agency on Aging Departments offer grants to help senior citizens make their home more accessible and do general home repairs. The Area Agency on Aging District 7 Inc, in Ohio offers a Home Repair Program funded through the Ohio Department of Development Housing Trust Fund Housing Assistance Grant Program and the State of Ohio Senior Community Services Program. Seniors must be aged 60 years and over to apply for help with home repairs. The senior must own the home in need of repairs and the total household income cannot exceed 35 percent of the area's median income. The Eastern Area Agency on Aging in Maine has a EZ Fix Program that helps seniors make minor home repairs. Repairs include fixing broken steps, repairing light fixtures or replacing storm windows.
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