Federal agencies and private foundations provide grants to seniors to make home improvements to their property. Both homeowners and tenants can take advantage of these grant programs. These grants are for seniors with limited income. The applicants must meet the income limit requirements that the grant program has established. Some of these grants are available directly to homeowners and tenants. Because funding is limited, seniors may have to wait until the next round of funding to apply for a home improvement grant.
USDA Home Repair Grant
The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides home repair grants to seniors age 62 or older. Up to $7,500 is provided to very-low-income seniors as of 2011. The very-low-income limit level is 50 percent of the area's median income. The homeowner can use the grant to correct health and safety deficiencies on the property or make upgrades including new carpet and paint. The senior's home must be located in a rural area of the country for her to qualify for a grant.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Energy have partnered up to provide weatherization grants to low-income households. Seniors on a fixed income are eligible to apply for weatherization services.The family can receive up to $6,500 to have insulation installed or heating and cooling systems repaired. Weatherization services are estimated to reduce utility bills on average $350 per household annually. To qualify for a grant, the senior's income cannot exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
HUD Green Retrofit Grant
HUD has provided funding for the Green Retrofit Grant program to improve low-income housing stock across the country while reducing the low-income housing operational costs. Grants provided to federally assisted housing, including senior public housing, go toward upgrading appliances to Energy Star appliances or installing low-flow toilets and shower heads. The renovations are estimated to produce a 25 percent savings in utility costs. Environmental benefits include use of nontoxic paints and adhesives and recycled building materials. Green retrofitting also improves the quality of life for low-income seniors living in public housing.
Home Depot Foundation
The Home Depot Foundation provides grants to registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that help low-income households make weatherization home improvements. Organizations that serve seniors, people with disabilities and veterans are given a priority in the application process. Grants up to $5,000 are provided on Home Depot gift cards. The organization can use the gift card to purchase materials, tools and services to make the home improvements. The repairs must be completed within six months of receiving the grant funds.
Tags: grants seniors, Home Depot, home improvements, Depot Foundation, Grants provided, Green Retrofit
