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Door 3 · Repair my home

Help fixing the home you already own.

If you own a home in a rural area and can't afford the repairs it needs to be safe and livable — roof, electrical, plumbing, heating, accessibility — USDA may be able to help. Very-low-income homeowners can borrow up to $40,000; homeowners 62 and older may also qualify for a grant.

Two kinds of repair help

Repair loan

Up to $40,000

A 1% fixed-rate loan, repaid over up to 20 years. Available to very-low-income homeowners of any age.

Internally: Section 504 loan

Repair grant (62+)

Up to $10,000

A grant — no repayment — for homeowners 62+ who can't afford a loan. Must be used to remove health & safety hazards.

Internally: Section 504 grant

You may qualify for a loan, a grant, or both combined (up to $50,000). The application asks the questions; we figure out which mix fits.

What we can help with

Safety and accessibility come first

  • Roof — leaks, missing shingles, structural failure
  • Electrical — unsafe panel or wiring
  • Plumbing — septic, well, water heater
  • Heating — furnace or wood stove replacement
  • Accessibility — ramps, grab bars, wider doorways
  • Lead-paint or asbestos remediation
  • Weatherization — insulation, windows
  • Exterior — siding, paint, gutters (loan only)
What you'll need
  • Photo ID and recorded deed for the home
  • Most recent property-tax bill
  • Proof of income (SSA, pension, bank statements)
  • A written contractor bid for the repairs