Rural Grants Terms and Eligibility

• The Very Low Income Housing Repair Program established by the USDA Rural Development program provides grants for housing repairs and improvements. If you are age 62 or older, you may qualify for the grant if your home is in a rural area and you meet income guidelines. You must also not have the ability to repay a section 504 loan. Income requirements are determined by your geographical location, number of residents in your home and if you or a household member is disabled. If eligible, you may receive a grant up to $7,500 once in your lifetime. Grants must go toward home repairs and improvements that result in removal of health and safety hazards.
  
  

Applying for a Rural Grant

• If you believe that you meet eligibility requirements, you may apply for grant assistance with the Rural Development field office in your local area (see the Resources). There is an approximate wait time of 30 to 60 days after the application is submitted. Typically, there is a waiting list for grant assistance, so your review time may extend. Assistance is available throughout the year, and there are no deadlines. Depending on the repairs or improvements needed, funds are dispensed in a lump sum or over time as repairs are completed.
  
  

State Assistance

• State grant programs are similar to the national rural grant program. For example, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) offers the Emergency Repair Program to eligible seniors age 60 and older. Seniors must reside in the home needing repairs and have an ownership interest in the property. To qualify for the program, your household income cannot exceed 60 percent of the area median income. Common repairs addressed by grant funds include repairs to roofs, electrical systems, plumbing systems and heating and air systems. Contact your local social services offices to inquire about state grant assistance for the elderly.
  
  

Weatherization Assistance

• The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides financial assistance to low-income households to make home improvements, repairs and replacements in an effort to reduce the costs of energy. WAP is a federally funded program administered by the states. Although this program is available to everyone that is eligible, priority for assistance is given to seniors. You must meet income requirements to qualify for assistance. Most states require individuals have household incomes at or below 200 percent of national poverty level. The average cost for repairs per home is $6,500. Services include replacing heating and cooling systems, weather-stripping, caulking and window and door insulation.