Question 1

Help with Home Repairs and Modifications

Accepted Answer

If you plan to repair or renovate your home, government programs may make it easier for you to afford those home improvements.

What financial help is available for home repairs?

Home improvement loan programs help with home repairs and modifications. They are the most common type of government financial assistance for home improvements. Some programs are available nationwide, while others are only available at the state or county level.

Find Loans and Other Incentives

Learn about the HUD Title 1 Property Improvement Loan program. Loan amount and repayment terms are limited based on the type of property.
Find out about the 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program. It lets homebuyers and homeowners borrow an extra $35,000 through their mortgage for home repairs and improvements.
For programs in your community, contact:
- Your local or county government housing department
- Your state Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office, or
Find information about energy efficient modification loans or incentives in your state.
Review a list of FAQs about tax credits and find rebates near you for Energy Star products and energy efficiency home improvements.

Help for Certain Demographic Groups

Veterans can contact the Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loans Service about:
- Cash-out Refinance Loans, which can be used to pay for home repairs and improvements
- Disabled Veterans Housing Assistance
Seniors can find tips on home safety in the Consumer Awareness Strategies section of the homemods.org website. It has fact sheets and resources such as:
- Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults
- The Lifetime Home, an interactive resource to make your home safer as you age.
- The homemods.org national directory lets you search by state for funding, service providers, and other resources.

Native Americans can get help with home repairs by:
- Learning more about the housing improvement grant program
- Calling the Public and Indian Housing (PIH) Customer Service Center
Rural residents can contact a local Rural Development office for information about repair grants and loans.

Am I eligible for home repair assistance?

Eligibility requirements vary from program to program. In general, it depends on:

Income level
The homeowner's age
Type of property
Where the property is located

How do I apply for home improvement programs?

Reach out to the federal, state, or county government agency that administers the program. Loans are made by traditional lenders. But the government programs help these lenders make loans that they might normally not fulfill. Grants are available depending on your income level and work to be done.
To get started, contact:

Your local or county government housing office
Your state Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

What else do I need to know before starting a home repair?

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Finding a good contractor to do repairs and improvements to your home is important. Before hiring a contractor, get tips from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on avoiding home improvement scams. Also, find out how you can report a problem, if you encounter any issues with work you've had done on your home.

Watch Out for Utility Lines Before You Dig - Call 811

Before digging on your property, call 811. Utilities will come out to mark the area to help you avoid damaging or being injured by underground utility lines. The timing for processing your request differs from state to state. Some states allow for an online digging request.

Question 2

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Accepted Answer

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides households with free weatherization services. To be eligible, a household must have an income below a certain amount. The program's goal is to improve the energy efficiency of homes. Doing so can help families save on heating and cooling costs while staying safe and healthy.

You can use WAP to improve your home's heating, cooling, and electrical systems. You can also use it to upgrade energy-consuming home appliances.

Learn if you may be eligible for WAP and, if so, how to apply.

Find the state weatherization agency that serves your area.

Question 3

Get Help with Your Home Energy Bill

Accepted Answer

If you can't afford to pay your home heating or cooling bill, you may be able to get help from the government or your local social services agency or nonprofit.

What help is available for my home energy bill?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be able to help with:

Assistance to pay your heating or cooling bills
Emergency services in cases of energy crisis, such as utility shutoffs
Low-cost home improvements, known as weatherization, that make your home more energy efficient and lower your utility bills.

LIHEAP funds may not be used to pay water and sewer bills.

Am I eligible for LIHEAP?

This chart from Benefits.gov shows the average LIHEAP eligibility requirements. Actual requirements may vary by state, city, or region. Each local LIHEAP office sets its own eligibility requirements.

A person or family participating in certain other benefit programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF or welfare), or certain needs-tested veterans benefits may be automatically eligible.
Being qualified for LIHEAP does not guarantee that you will receive help. Whether or not you receive help depends on how much LIHEAP funding is available for the year.
On average, about 20% of households that are qualified for LIHEAP receive benefits. When LIHEAP funds run out for the year, no more benefits can be given until Congress makes more funds available.

How do I apply for LIHEAP?

Each state has different rules about when you can apply, how you apply, and the criteria you have to meet to get help.

Who do I contact for extra LIHEAP help?

To learn more about LIHEAP, see the program’s frequently asked questions list.
If you need help with your LIHEAP application, contact your local LIHEAP office or 202-401-9351.

Are there other places I can get help if I don't qualify for LIHEAP?

If your income is too high to qualify for LIHEAP but you need help paying for your energy bills, your local social services agency or a nonprofit organization may have funds to help. You can also contact your gas, oil, or electric company about budget billing programs or new payment options especially for customers with disabilities who are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Question 4

Home Equity Loans

Accepted Answer

A home equity loan is a form of credit where your home is used as collateral to borrow money. You can use it to pay for major expenses, including education, medical bills, and home repairs. But, if you cannot pay back the loan, the lender could foreclose on your home.

Types of Home Equity Loans

There are two types of home equity loans:

Lump sum - This is a one-time, closed-end loan that usually has a fixed interest rate.
Revolving line of credit - You can withdraw the funds at any time for more flexibility. These usually have adjustable interest rates.

For more information, refer to What You Should Know About Home Equity Lines of Credit, a guide by the Federal Reserve Board.

Talk to a Qualified Credit Counselor

Before taking out a home equity loan, be careful and consider the pros and cons. You should explore alternatives with a credit counselor that do not put your home at risk of a forced sale. If you are unable to make payments on time, you could end up losing your home.

Contact a qualified credit counselor through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).

File a Complaint

If you have a problem with a home equity loan, you should contact the lender first. If you cannot resolve the issue with the lender, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Repairing and Improving a Home

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