Grants for Homeowners in South Dakota

How can I get a home improvement grant in South Dakota?

Home improvement or home repair grants and loans in South Dakota or any other state in the US are available to low and moderate-income homeowners, renters, and lenders. These funds may primarily be used by low-income families with children, low-income single parents, low-income senior citizens, veterans, and disabled people. The eligibility requirements on these funds vary on income, age, type of property, as well as the location of the property. Reaching out to federal, state and county agencies that administer grant and loan programs and getting informed of the documents and eligibility requirements is your first step.

For convenience, search and apply for South Dakota home repair grants online. You can start by visiting or contacting your U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD official office, found in the City of Sioux Falls, https://www.hud.gov/states/south_dakota/offices or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link: https://www.hud.gov/states/south_dakota/homeownership/homerepairs. HUD provides federal assistance to local administrations and organizations, such as the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) or the HOME Investment Partnership Program. 

As a state, South Dakota offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have ten offices in South Dakota that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials. You can find and contact an office, and get informed on the programs they offer, as well as the documents and eligibility requirements: 

https://www.habitat.org/local/affiliate-by-state?state=SD.

There are also four Community Action Agencies operating in South Dakota and they all offer all kinds of assistance to people in need through grants for bills, employment services, education, and other aid to low-income people. You can find and contact an office, and get informed on the programs they offer, as well as the documents and eligibility requirements: 

https://www.hud.gov/states/south_dakota/community/actionagencies.

If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Helpline Center is also a great place to start. Helpline Center is a free, confidential service available to anyone and it is responsible in South Dakota for the 211 helplines. This is a live telephone service available on a 24-hour basis to connect residents to a variety of human services or social services across the state. According to their official website, the 2-1-1 call specialists can be found in every state and they are available 24/7 to help callers find such services as mortgage, rent, and utility assistance, food, emergency shelter, health care, counseling, support groups, etc., that are available right in their communities. https://www.helplinecenter.org/.

How can I get a solar grant in South Dakota?

South Dakota offers renewable energy and energy efficiency incentive programs, which are available for residential customers, small and large businesses, and government agencies, to improve the environment and stimulate sustainable economic development and growth. Going solar in 2021 is essential for reducing carbon emissions by using renewable clean energy from the sun and lowering your monthly energy costs. Beyond the federal ITC, South Dakota offers additional incentives for going solar, depending on where you live and who your utility company is. There are two main incentives for solar power in South Dakota: the 30% federal tax credit, and the 70% property tax exemption after you install a solar PV system.

The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit or ITC is a federal policy that supports the use of solar energy in the USA. This policy represents a 26% tax credit claimed against the tax liability for solar systems on residential and commercial properties. South Dakota’s average cost of a solar panel installation ranges from $9,538.00 to $11,658.00. As of Jul 2021, the average cost of solar panels in South Dakota is $2.39 per watt making a typical 6000 watt (6 kW) solar system $10,598.00 after claiming the 26% federal solar tax credit now available. You can apply for this credit on your taxes when you purchase solar systems and install them on your roofs.

The percentage that you can get is the following:

• 26 percent for projects that begin construction in 2021 and 2022,
• 22 percent for projects that begin construction in 2023,
• After 2023, the residential credit drops to zero while the commercial credit drops to a permanent 10 percent.

To apply for this credit you must meet certain criteria, such as:

• The solar PV system is located at your primary or secondary residence in the United States, or for an off-site community solar project, if the electricity generated is credited against, and does not exceed, your home’s electricity consumption,
• You own the solar PV system (i.e., you purchased it with cash or through financing but you are neither leasing nor are in an arrangement to purchase electricity generated by a system you do not own),
• The solar PV system is new or being used for the first time. The credit can only be claimed on the “original installation” of the solar equipment.

Solar PV systems are exempt, and they reduce the property taxes paid for the homes where they operate. For example, a 5-kilowatt solar PV system raises the value of your property by $14,500.00 without raising your taxes. In addition, you earn a 70% exemption on the whole value of your property. If your property is currently worth $150,000.00, you pay roughly 1.3% of that value in property taxes each year. After going solar, you only pay taxes based on a value of $49,350.00 (30% of the new value of your property, which is $164,500.00).

How can I get a debt grant?

Although getting a grant that will completely cover all of your debt is NOT available, there are still several other options in South Dakota to consolidate and lower your debts. While the government and government-approved agencies do not typically provide debt grants, they do offer a variety of programs that can assist consumers who are struggling with their finances or overwhelmed with credit card debts. Many credit counselors offer debt consolidation programs that can lower the interest rate on your outstanding debts, like high-interest credit card debts. Another option at your disposal is the debt consolidation loans where a debt consolidation lender pays off your debts and all you are left with is one single payment for this new loan. The third option is debt settlement in which a debt negotiator works out a settlement with your creditors. 

If you’re facing unmanageable debt, a Debt Management Program might be the answer. This program helps you pay off your debt to multiple creditors with a single, comfortable monthly payment. When you sign for this kind of program at any of the available agencies, they negotiate better terms for you from each of your creditors. The payment then goes to your chosen agency and they distribute those funds on your behalf. A debt management plan is not a loan, but an agreement between debt management companies and creditors on your behalf. Although this is NOT a grant, you still save money in interest and fees. Before you agree to a debt management plan, it is advisable to get help from a credit counseling organization. Debt Management Plans usually last from 36 to 60 months. The link below shows a list of approved credit counseling agencies in the state of South Dakota you may contact:

https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?webListAction=search&searchstate=SD.

You can also try and reduce your debt by applying online for debt counseling services at InCharge.org, a non-profit organization. This organization has a debt management program that works directly with creditors to consolidate your debt through the method of combining multiple debts into one monthly payment, reduce the interest rate on your credit, and create a monthly payment plan that you can afford.

Another financial strategy to pay off your debts is through a Debt Consolidation Loan. This means getting a loan to pay off all of your debts and then make single monthly payments to your lender. The advantages are that debt consolidation loans usually carry a lower interest rate, and these loans usually take 2 to 5 years to repay, depending on the amount. The loans can be secured by a home, car, or property or be unsecured.

Debt Settlement is your third option, in which a debt negotiator works out a settlement with your creditor. This settlement reduces your existing loan principles and credit card balances by a substantial margin. This option is a prime alternative to bankruptcy. 

If you are having credit card debts, you can use a Balance Transfer Credit Card. This type of card typically comes with a promotional, low, or zero percent interest rate, which lasts usually 12-18, but in some cases could go for 24 months.

Are there homeowner grants for bills?

The government or other available grant programs can provide financial aid to help pay for housing, rent, utilities, medical supplies, or even transportation costs. There are resources for low-income families, single mothers, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans and their families, the unemployed, the underemployed, and others in need. Residents of South Dakota impacted by the Covid-19 crisis may also use these programs. Many utility companies in South Dakota also have programs to assist low-income customers. These funds may help you pay your utility bills or lower the amount of energy you use. 

The South Dakota Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps eligible low-income families with home heating costs. This program is available all over the US. The LIEAP program partially pays the cost of natural gas, electricity, propane, fuel oil, coal, wood, or other fuel sources. Eligibility and assistance amounts are based on the number of people in your home, the income of everyone in your home, the type and cost of heating, and where you live. Priority is given to households with elderly and disabled individuals and to families with small children. The local community action agency is responsible for the weatherization program and they will perform an energy evaluation for determining your home’s weatherization needs.

https://dss.sd.gov/formsandpubs/docs/ENERGY/energyassistanceapplication.pdf.

The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) is the emergency component of LIEAP. A household that has not received LIEAP fuel assistance during the heating season may qualify for ECIP fuel assistance. The household must be income-eligible and in a crisis, such as having a shutoff or disconnection notice or have an eviction notice for nonpayment if heat is included in the rent. To qualify for ECIP furnace repair, the household must be eligible for fuel assistance and either has a furnace that has quit working or has a furnace that is not working properly. To apply, contact the South Dakota Department of Social Services, Office of Energy Assistance at (800) 233-8503.

South Dakota Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a temporary public assistance work program administered by the Department of Social Services and the Department of Labor and Regulation. It is designed to provide temporary assistance and economic self-sufficiency for children and families. TANF is a needs-based program for families with children under age 18 (or under age 19 if the child is in high school) who need financial support.

Organizations like GROW South Dakota can also help low-income homeowners with their bills. This is a statewide non-profit organization that provides programs and loan products to advance housing, community, and economic development. This organization can provide a one-time per household emergency assistance grant to help individuals/families pay for rent, utilities, or other emergency needs. GROW SD offers emergency services only in the following South Dakota counties: Beadle, Brown, Campbell, Day, Edmunds, Faulk, Hand, Hughes, Hyde, McPherson, Marshall, Potter, Roberts, Spink, Stanley, Sully, Walworth. 

Counties in South Dakota, such as Lawrence County offer economic assistance to their residents in need. Economic Assistance is available for rent, utilities, and burials. Rent and utility assistance may be approved once in a 12-month period. You may use the following link to start your application process and receive the assistance you need:

https://www.lawrence.sd.us/DocumentCenter/View/267/Application-for-County-Assistance-PDF.

Are there tax grants for homeowners?

Although there are no specific tax grants for homeowners, there are cases in which you can get help with your debt to the IRS. South Dakota offers property tax relief programs for the permanent residence of qualified homeowners., including senior citizens, people with disabilities, and veterans.

The Homestead Exemption Program delays the payment of property taxes until the property is sold. The property taxes are added up and interest of 4% a year is accrued but the taxes are not required to be paid until the property is transferred. The taxes are a lien on the property and must be paid along with the interest before the property can be transferred. The eligibility requirements for this program include that the applicant is at least 70 years old or a surviving spouse. You may use the application at the following link if you are interested in applying for this program: https://sddor.seamlessdocs.com/f/pt38c.

The South Dakota Housing Development Authority or SDHDA’s Tax Credit is available through a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC), which reduces the amount of federal income tax you pay, giving you more disposable income. With SDHDA’s Tax Credit (MCC), a percentage of your mortgage interest can be used as a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax bill, and the remaining interest paid is still eligible for the home mortgage interest deduction. You are eligible for this program if you are purchasing your first home which means you have not owned a home in the last three years. The maximum home sales price does not exceed the current purchase price limit of $300,000.00 or if the home is located in a federally designated targeted area, $366,000.00.

South Dakota also has an Assessment Freeze for the Elderly and Disabled Program. Under the program, a qualifying homeowner’s property assessment is prevented from increasing for tax purposes. If the actual value of the home increases, the homeowner still pays property taxes on the lower value. To be eligible for the Assessment Freeze for the Elderly and Disabled Program, individuals must have an income of less than $29,565.46 for a single-member household (only one individual in the household) or less than $36,956.82 for a multiple-member household.

Property Tax Exemption is also available to disable and paraplegic veterans. This program exempts the property from all property taxes. The Property Tax Exemption for Paraplegic Veterans requires the veteran applicant to own the property that they are seeking an exemption for. The Exemption Program exempts a veteran’s property from all property taxes. The Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans program exempts up to $150,000.00 of the assessed value for qualifying property. The veteran must be rated as permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. 

How can I get a grant to repair my home?

Wouldn’t it be nice to have all the necessary home improvement projects done and not pay a thing? Well, grants may help you with some of those expenses. But, home repair grants and loans are NOT given to anyone and for any purpose. The best way to get a grant to repair your home is to meet all the required criteria, have all the necessary documents, and submit your application within the given deadline.

Each of these grants varies in income, age, type of repair necessary, and location of the property. Very low income and low-income families, families with children, single parents, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and veterans have a primary position when it comes to approval. Repairing a home is a very broad subject and can cover many projects within. Unfortunately, not all of them are eligible for grant fundings. No one will give you free money if you don’t like the tiles in your bathroom or the color of your kitchen cabinets. Emergency repairs, including repairs addressing health and safety hazards, as well as home modifications that improve code violations are the only eligible repairs. Start by researching online on the available federal and state programs, then move to your county and city. Non-profit organizations, charities, and local churches also provide financial aid, volunteer labor, or discounted material you may use.

Keep in mind these funds are limited and they usually work on a first-come, first-served basis, so you want to be informed on time. Make sure you meet all the required criteria and you have all the necessary documents. Another fact you should know is that not all grants will be categorized specifically under home improvement needs. They may be related to broader themes such as conservation, community upgrades, veteran or low-income family support for all residents.

For convenience, search and apply for South Dakota home repair grants online. You can start by visiting or contacting your U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD official office, found in the City of Sioux Falls, https://www.hud.gov/states/south_dakota/offices or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link: https://www.hud.gov/states/south_dakota/homeownership/homerepairs. HUD provides federal assistance to local administrations and organizations, such as the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) or the HOME Investment Partnership Program. 

As a state, South Dakota offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have ten offices in South Dakota that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials. You can find and contact an office, and get informed on the programs they offer, as well as the documents and eligibility requirements: 

https://www.habitat.org/local/affiliate-by-state?state=SD.

There are also four Community Action Agencies operating in South Dakota and they all offer all kinds of assistance to people in need through grants for bills, employment services, education, and other aid to low-income. You can find and contact an office, and get informed on the programs they offer, as well as the documents and eligibility requirements: 

https://www.hud.gov/states/south_dakota/community/actionagencies.

If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Helpline Center is also a great place to start. Helpline Center is a free, confidential service available to anyone and it is responsible in South Dakota for the 211 helplines. This is a live telephone service available on a 24-hour basis to connect residents to a variety of human services or social services across the state. According to their official website, the 2-1-1 call specialists can be found in every state and they are available 24/7 to help callers find such services as mortgage, rent, and utility assistance, food, emergency shelter, health care, counseling, support groups, etc., that are available right in their communities. https://www.helplinecenter.org/.

How can I get a grant for windows?

Grants are available in South Dakota to help with the cost of repairing or installing new windows if your current windows are cracked, broken, leaking, old, or inefficient. Window repair and replacement are considered an emergency repair and it is usually covered by all home improvement grant and loan programs.

The Weatherization Assistance Program is designed to help low-income South Dakota households overcome the high cost of energy by making their homes more energy-efficient. The South Dakota Weatherization Assistance Program’s main purpose is reducing home energy and utility bills. Although WAP is not a home improvement program and will not cover the cost of new windows, it can still provide minor repairs that can save you up to $300.00 on your utility bills. To be eligible for this benefit program, you must be a resident of South Dakota. To apply, use the link:  https://dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/energyassistance/assistance.aspx.

House improvement projects, including the repair or replacement of windows, can be covered by the Community Home Improvement Program or CHIP, operated by the South Dakota Housing Development Authority. Loans with a 2,9% interest rate are available to cover the cost of your window repair or replacement project. Huron Housing Authority (HHA) hosts a program that can rehab an owner-occupied, single-family, low-income home located in the City of Huron. You may get funds from $1,000.00 to $10,000.00 first as a loan and then as a grant. Habitat for Humanity and Community Action Agencies are also found all over South Dakota. A Brush With Kindness is a Habitat for Humanity program that assists low-income homeowners with repair services including exterior painting, landscaping, roofing, and other minor repairs, like fixing broken windows and doors, missing shingles, etc. 

If you are in need of such programs to repair or replace your windows, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. Contact the HUD office, the South Dakota Housing Development Authority, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with the Community Action Agency or Habitat for Humanity in your area.

How can I get a grant for new flooring?

A home improvement flooring project is a complex and very expensive project. Whatever your home flooring style, you’re sure to face a repair or replacement project if you live in your home for a long time or have moved into an older property. Luckily, low and moderate-income homeowners in South Dakota can reach their local government or visit their government official site and apply for a home improvement grant or a zero-interest loan. These grants and zero or low-interest loans offer partial or complete financial aid to eligible homeowners, and they can be used for fixing health and safety-critical issues, as well as emergency repairs. Start your research online for federal, state, county, or city programs that may help you partially or completely lower your home improvement project cost.

If you are living in a rural area in South Dakota and anywhere in the US, getting help for repairing or replacing your flooring, as well as addressing foundation repairs, is possible by the federal program Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504, a program operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program offers 1% interest loans up to $20,000.00 to low-income homeowners and grants up to $7,500.00 to low-income people over 62. You can also make a combination of a loan and a grant and get up to $27,500.00. Grants can only be used to correct health and safety deficiencies on properties, and loans can be used in all home improvement projects. 

As a state, South Dakota offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. The Community Home Improvement Program or CHIP can offer you a 2,9% interest rate loan to cover the cost of your flooring project. This program is administered by the South Dakota Housing Development Authority. In Huron, residents may use funding from their Home Rehab Program, operated by the Huron Housing Authority.  According to their official site, if the applicant’s household income qualifies the funds that make the repairs may be considered a forgivable loan. If the eligible homeowner resides in the home for five years after the rehab is complete, the loan becomes a grant. Northeastern and North Central South Dakota Counties can get help from Homes Are Possible HAPI, Inc Home Improvement Grant to cover the cost of the home improvement flooring projects or foundation repairs. 

If you are in need of such programs to repair or replace your flooring, as well as to address foundation repairs, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. Contact the HUD office, the South Dakota Housing Development Authority, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with the Community Action Agency or Habitat for Humanity in your area.

Are there grants for the elderly?

Senior citizens living in South Dakota may get help from many federal, state, county, and city programs, as well as non-profit organizations and charities. This help can be in the form of home maintenance and minor repair services, transportation, assistive technology equipment, legal aid, food vouchers, and home-delivered meals, senior centers, caregiver counseling, and in-home respite care, etc. These assistance programs help the elderly, retirees, and older Americans, whether they have medical issues or not. 

The Older Americans Act (OAA) is a federal program that gives money to each state to provide assistance to elderly Americans who live outside of nursing homes. The goal is to help them remain living independently in their homes. Each local agency establishes a series of programs with the funds they have been granted. Any senior resident of South Dakota aged 60+ is eligible to receive some sort of assistance under the Older Americans Act. In most states, these programs provide services under different names, but in South Dakota, they are referred to as Long Term Services and Supports. Visit the official site of the Department of Human Resources of South Dakota and get informed on the ways you can get help:

https://dhs.sd.gov/LTSS/default.aspx.

South Dakota has four Medicaid waivers operated by the Departments of Social Services and Human Services. For persons with limited financial resources, Medicaid pays for nursing home care. The Medicaid HOPE Waivers are also called Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers or Waiver Funded Services. This program provides personal care and assistance, as well as homemaker support, delivered meals, and assistance for home modifications to improve a home’s safety and accessibility. Persons 65 and older qualify if they require nursing home care. Persons age 18 to 64 qualify if they have a formal designation of disabled by the Social Security Administration. This program is available in all South Dakota counties. Visit the official site of the Department of Human Resources of South Dakota and get informed on the ways you can get help: https://dhs.sd.gov/LTSS/default.aspx.

The South Dakota Division of Adult Services and Aging (ASA) In-Home Services program is a non-Medicaid program that provides services for seniors and disabled adults to enable them to continue to live independently at home, rather than require nursing home care. Services include assistance with everyday activities, such as grooming, bathing, eating, and mobility, homemaker tasks, such as grocery shopping and meal preparation, and a variety of other services. The ASA In-Home Services program is open to seniors aged 60 and above and people of all ages with disabilities. 

Seniors living in a rural area in South Dakota and anywhere in the US can get help for home improvement modifications through the federal program Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504, operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program offers 1% interest loans up to $20,000.00 to low-income homeowners and grants up to $7,500.00 to low-income people over 62. You can also make a combination of a loan and a grant and get up to $27,500.00. Grants can only be used to correct health and safety deficiencies on properties, and loans can be used in all home improvement projects.

Are there grants for low income homeowners?

There is a variety of financial assistance available when it comes to home improvement grants and loans in South Dakota. You may be eligible for all kinds of federal, state, county, or city grant programs. Some non-profit organizations and charities also help families in need, giving priority to low-income families with children, seniors, single parents, people with disabilities, and veterans and their families.

If you are living in a rural area in South Dakota and anywhere in the US, getting help for repairing or replacing your flooring, as well as addressing foundation repairs, is possible by the federal program Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504, a program operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program offers 1% interest loans up to $20,000.00 to low-income homeowners and grants up to $7,500.00 to low-income people over 62. You can also make a combination of a loan and a grant and get up to $27,500.00. Grants can only be used to correct health and safety deficiencies on properties, and loans can be used in all home improvement projects. 

The South Dakota Housing Development Authority operates the Community Home Improvement Program or CHIP.  This program provides low-interest loans for eligible borrowers to improve or repair the borrower’s present single-family home. Loans with a 2,9% interest rate are available to households with an annual income of a maximum of $90,600.00 for a household of 2 or less or a maximum of $105,700.00 for a household of 3 or more. These funds may be used in repairs including room and garage additions, fencing, painting, flooring, wiring, storm windows and doors, roofing, foundation repair, and more. To apply for a CHIP Loan, you will need to contact a CHIP Participating Lender from the list below:

https://www.sdhda.org/homeownership/home-improvement/chip-participating-lenders?utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sdhda.org%2Fhomeownership%2Fhome-improvement.

Huron Housing Authority (HHA) hosts a Home Rehab Program that can repair an owner-occupied, single-family, low-income home located in Huron, SD. Rehab projects must cost in the range of $1,000.00 to $10,000.00. Eligible projects are roof repair, shingle and roof replacement, siding, windows or doors, plumbing, electrical, foundation repairs, accessibility issues, or other life safety issues. According to their official site, if the applicant’s household income qualifies the funds that make the repairs may be considered a forgivable loan. If the eligible homeowner resides in the home for five years after the rehab is complete, the loan becomes a grant. The applicant including all current household members must be income eligible. Income eligibility is based on 80% of the Beadle County Area Median Income (AMI). Households will be served on a first-come, first-served basis and there is a limited amount of funding available for this program. If interested and eligible, use the application at the following link:

https://huronrehab.com/files/Application%20for%20Home%20Rehab%20Program%20updated%2014jan2021.pdf

There are also four Community Action Agencies operating in South Dakota and they all offer all kinds of assistance to people in need through grants for home improvements and home modifications, bills, employment services, education, and other aid to low-income people. You can find and contact an office, and get informed on the various programs they offer, as well as the documents and eligibility requirements for each one of them: 

https://www.hud.gov/states/south_dakota/community/actionagencies.

Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership is a community-based non-profit organization that serves primarily low-income families and senior citizens in a 14-county area of East Central South Dakota. ICAP delivers a repair and accessibility modification program for the homes of eligible persons and families.  The South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) funds the HOME Rehabilitation Program with HOME program funds allocated to the state by HUD. These HOME funds are available to eligible persons/families on a zero-interest, five-year decreasing balance loan, as long as the homeowner remains eligible for the program. HOME funds can be used for accessibility modifications for persons with disabilities, in addition to making necessary repairs for health, safety, and code compliance.

Northeastern and North Central South Dakota Counties can get help from Homes Are Possible HAPI, Inc Home Improvement Grant using funds from the South Dakota Housing Development Authority. HAPI’s service area is Beadle, Brown, Buffalo,  Campbell, Clark, Codington, Davison, Day, Deuel, Edmunds, Faulk, Grant, Hand, Hughes, Hyde, Jerauld,  Marshall, McPherson, Potter, Roberts, Sanborn, Spink, Stanley, Sully, and Walworth counties. Eligible repairs include roof repair and shingle replacement, flooring, windows and doors, foundation repairs, making a home handicap accessible, and more. Income limits for the current year are based on the 80% median income by county.

Neighbor Works can also be found in South Dakota. This community development agency offers low-interest loans to help residents with their home improvement projects. These funds may be used for roof repair or replacement, deck repair, porch repair, plumbing and electrical system repair, foundation repair, windows and doors, and more. Their Home Rehab Loan provides funds from $1,000.00 to $15,000.00 as a 5-year forgivable loan with 0% and no monthly payments.  To be eligible, the applicant’s income must be at least 80% of the area median income. They also offer a Housing Preservation Grant of up to $7,500.00 as a 3-year forgivable loan with 0% and no monthly payments.  To be eligible, the applicant’s income must be at least 50% of the area median income. For more information on these and other programs and their documents and eligibility requirements, call (605) 578-1401.

What are the easiest homeowner grants to get?

The easiest homeowner grants to get are those that have a solid foundation for requesting money, are well-thought-out, have a plan for the future, and are clear and concise in their goals and objectives. To obtain a grant, first, you look for an organization whose goals match what you need to have funded. Second, make sure you meet all the required criteria and you have all the necessary documents. All grants and loans vary by age, income, type of property, and the location of the property. These fundings are primarily available to low-income families, families with children, single parents, senior citizens, people with disabilities, veterans, and their families. Homeowners impacted by natural disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes can also get financial aid for these types of grants.

Smaller states, like South Dakota, have programs available to help their low-income residents. For convenience, search and apply for South Dakota home repair grants online. To search or apply for grants, use the free, official website, Grants.gov. If you need such programs to repair your home, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. Contact the HUD office, the South Dakota Housing Development Authority, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with the Community Action Agency or Habitat for Humanity in your area.

Keep in mind, there are no “easy” grants to get. There is a reason these funds are only available to people meeting all the required criteria. They are here to help people in need live in homes without code violations and health and safety hazards.

Can I get a grant to renovate my house?

House renovation grants in South Dakota and any other state are available to applicants but ONLY if you need an emergency modification in your home to remove life-threatening health or safety conditions, as well as addressing code violations. You also must meet the required criteria and have all the necessary documents to apply for these funds. A grant to renovate your house is not available to anyone and for any purpose. There must be a solid foundation for requesting these funds. Very low and low-income homeowners, low-income families with children, single parents, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities are usually eligible to receive these funds. Homeowners impacted by natural disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes can also get financial aid from these types of grants.

For convenience, search and apply for South Dakota home repair grants online. You can start by visiting or contacting your U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD official office, found in the City of Sioux Falls, https://www.hud.gov/states/south_dakota/offices or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link: https://www.hud.gov/states/south_dakota/homeownership/homerepairs. HUD provides federal assistance to local administrations and organizations, such as the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) or the HOME Investment Partnership Program. 

As a state, South Dakota offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have ten offices in South Dakota that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials. You can find and contact an office, and get informed on the programs they offer, as well as the documents and eligibility requirements: 

https://www.habitat.org/local/affiliate-by-state?state=SD.

There are also four Community Action Agencies operating in South Dakota and they all offer all kinds of assistance to people in need through grants for bills, employment services, education, and other aid to low-income. You can find and contact an office, and get informed on the programs they offer, as well as the documents and eligibility requirements: 

https://www.hud.gov/states/south_dakota/community/actionagencies.

If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Helpline Center is also a great place to start. Helpline Center is a free, confidential service available to anyone and it is responsible in South Dakota for the 211 helplines. This is a live telephone service available on a 24-hour basis to connect residents to a variety of human services or social services across the state. According to their official website, the 2-1-1 call specialists can be found in every state and they are available 24/7 to help callers find such services as mortgage, rent, and utility assistance, food, emergency shelter, health care, counseling, support groups, etc., that are available right in their communities. https://www.helplinecenter.org/.

Can I get a grant to repair my roof?

Repairing or replacing your roof is an expensive cost, but leaking and damaged roofs can present a hazard for you and your family. What may seem like a simple leak could wind up costing you thousands of dollars in repair costs. All roofs eventually break down and need replacement, no matter the type of material or how well they were maintained. There are several options in which you can get financial aid from federal and state agencies for a complete or partial replacement and repair. As a state, South Dakota offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. South Dakota home improvement grants and zero-interest loans are available to low-income homeowners to reduce the cost of their emergency repairs that present safety and health hazards, including problems with damaged and leaking roofs. These grants are usually administered at a local level by governments and agencies.

House improvement projects, including the repair or replacement of roofs, can be covered by the Community Home Improvement Program or CHIP, operated by the South Dakota Housing Development Authority. Loans with a 2,9% interest rate are available to cover the cost of your roof and shingle repair or replacement project. Huron Housing Authority (HHA) hosts a program that can help repair an owner-occupied, single-family, low-income home located in the City of Huron. You may get funds from $1,000.00 to $10,000.00 first as a loan and then transform it into a grant. Habitat for Humanity and Community Action Agencies are also found all over South Dakota. A Brush With Kindness is a Habitat for Humanity program that assists low-income homeowners with repair services including exterior painting, landscaping, roofing, and other minor repairs, like fixing broken windows and doors, missing shingles, etc. 

If you are in need and eligible for such programs to partially or completely cover the cost of your roof repair or roof replacement project, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. Contact the HUD office, the South Dakota Housing Development Authority, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with the Community Action Agency in your area.

How do I apply for a federal home repair grant?

There are several places you can find available federal home improvement grants. The United States government has 26 agencies in charge of making grants. In addition to federal grants, some states have grant programs. Locate and contact your local government office. Government representatives, there will be able to advise you about eligibility requirements and other necessary criteria for applying for a grant. To search or apply for grants, you can also use the free, official website, Grants.gov. First, you have to register an account on this site. Then, you can search their site for their available grants and apply.  

Besides meeting the required criteria and applying within the deadline, it is very important to have ALL the necessary documents. For example, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD provides all kinds of housing support and helps communities. If you live in a rural area, then you might be interested in The Very Low-Income Housing Repair Program – Section 504. Applicants interested in applying for a repair loan or grant can contact their local Rural Development office and provide the following documentation:

•  Form RD 410-4 (https://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/RD410-4.PDF), 
• Form RD 3550-1 (https://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/RD3550-1.PDF), 
• Form RD 3550-4
• (https://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/RD3550-4.PDF), and 
• All application items are listed in the Attachment 12-E checklist (https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RD-SFH-Attachment12E.pdf). 

The applications are accepted year-round and their approval time depends on funding availability in your area. 

How does HUD mortgage assistance work?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides housing grants to low-income families. These grants help families pay for rent, purchase or even rehabilitate a home. HUD also allocates grant funds to local governments and nonprofit agencies so they can develop their affordable housing program in their communities. HUD-approved counseling agencies are available in every state to help you find a housing grant in an area near you.

The approved housing agencies in South Dakota can be found at their site:  

https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?webListAction=search&searchstate=SD

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also funds an Emergency Homeowners Loan Program or EHLP, that provides mortgage help and loans to those homeowners who may be facing foreclosure due to a drop in household income from a job loss, underemployment, or reduction in working hours, involuntary unemployment, or a medical condition or emergency. 

To qualify for this program you must fit certain criteria such as:

• You must be at least three months behind on their monthly mortgage payment,
• The home involved must be your primary residence,
• You must have demonstrated a timely payment record on their mortgage before the job loss or medical condition or event that produced the reduction of income for the homeowner.

If you are struggling to make your mortgage payment on your FHA-insured mortgage because of the impacts of COVID-19, you might get help from the Special COVID-19 mortgage relief for homeowners with FHA-insured single-family mortgages. Your mortgage servicer is required to offer you a mortgage payment forbearance, which allows you to reduce or pause making payments for six months, with the option to extend for an additional six months if needed. You must request a COVID-19 Forbearance from your mortgage servicer by June 30, 2021, and no extra fees, penalties, or interest will be added to your account. If you can resume making your payments, FHA’s COVID-19 Standalone Partial Claim takes your past due amounts and puts them in a subordinate lien to be repaid later. You will only repay this lien when your mortgage ends, which, for most borrowers, is when you sell your home or refinance your mortgage.

Is the mortgage relief program legit?

Fannie Mae’s HIRO program and Freddie Mac’s Enhanced Relief Refinance or FMERR are the only active relief programs today. They provide mortgage incentives by replacing your existing loan with a new loan that has a lower interest rate and more affordable payments.

Fannie Mae’s HIRO program can be used only by homeowners whose mortgages are currently owned by Fannie Mae. This program allows homeowners to refinance with no equity or an underwater loan. If your home has lost value since you bought it and you don’t have enough equity to do regular refinance, then this is a great option. You can’t apply to this program if you previously used the Home Affordable Refinance Program or HARP, which was a similar project by Fannie Mae that expired.

Freddie Mac’s Enhanced Relief Refinance program can be used for existing fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages. This program is intended to refinance into a more sustainable mortgage that promotes long-term homeownership success, to reduce the monthly principal and interest payment of your first Lien Mortgage, as well as if you are interested in potentially reducing principal and interest payment. Freddie Mac’s Enhanced Relief Refinance program is only available to homeowners whose mortgages are currently owned by Freddie Mac.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemics, there is also a Covid-19 Mortgage Relief Program. The COVID hardship forbearance applies to all federally backed and federally sponsored mortgages, which includes HUD/FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac mortgage loans. The Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) directed lenders holding federally-backed mortgages to suspend borrowers’ payments for up to a maximum of 360 days if they had experienced financial hardship due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Landlords of multi-family property mortgages can also receive relief. The CARES Act allows a 30-day forbearance for multi-family mortgages, and up to two 30-day extensions. You can apply for forbearance through Sept. 30, 2021, and will not be charged late fees or reported to credit bureaus. 

Is there a grant for rewiring a house?

A home electrical wiring is an expensive project and you may be eligible for a grant to partially or completely cover the cost. There are several options in which you can get financial aid from federal and state agencies for rewiring your house. Some of these funds can only be used in electrical system repairs and upgrades, others include a new rewiring of your home. South Dakota home improvement grants and zero-interest loans are available to low-income homeowners to reduce the cost of their emergency repairs that present safety and health hazards, including problems with the electrical system. These grants are usually administered at a local level by governments and agencies.

Replacing electrical, heating, and cooling systems are among the eligible weatherization projects covered by grants from the Department of Energy. The Weatherization Assistance Program pays for projects to make homes more energy-efficient and can help you with your electrical system repairs. Homes in rural areas of South Dakota are also eligible for the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants Program or Section 504. This program offers 1% interest loans up to $20,000.00 to low-income homeowners and grants up to $7,500.00 to low-income seniors over the age of 62. Problems with your electrical rewiring are considered a safety deficiency on the property and may be covered by both. 

The South Dakotans who need financial aid to cover their electrical system repair, upgrade, or replacement may also use funds from the South Dakota Housing Development Authority. This non-profit agency operates the Community Home Improvement Program or CHIP and provides loans with a 2,9% interest rate. Residents of Huron may use their Huron Housing Authority and apply for loans ranging from $1,000.00 to $10,000.00. If the receiver of the funds resides in the home for five years after the home repair project, this loan turns into a grant and no repayment is required. 

If you are in need and eligible for such programs to partially or completely cover the cost of your electrical system upgrade, repair, or replacement, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements and see if you qualify. Contact the HUD office, the South Dakota Housing Development Authority, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with the Community Action Agency in your area.

What is the Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program?

If you have been financially impacted due to COVID-19, the SD CARES Housing Assistance Program (SDCHAP) may provide temporary mortgage, rent, and/or utility assistance. Payment is made directly to the mortgage servicer, landlord, or utility provider on the applicant’s behalf. Funds can be used to cover rent, rental arrears, utilities, utility arrears, mortgage payments, and mortgage delinquency, from March 13, 2020, to the present. To be eligible for these funds, there are certain that must have been met:

• Be a South Dakota resident,
• Legally reside in the USA,
• Be financially impacted by the Covid-19 pandemics,
• Have a current household income at or below 115% of the Area Median Income.

The amount of assistance received by each household will be based on each household’s circumstances. Each household may receive up to 12 months of assistance if determined necessary. If you are in need of such a program and you meet all the required criteria, submit the application found at the following link:

https://sdcareshousingassistance.communityos.org/sdcares2021

Due to the Covid-19 pandemics, there is also a Covid-19 Mortgage Relief Program. With the CARES ACT, US residents have the right to obtain a 180-day pause in paying their mortgage or temporarily lower mortgage payments if they are a borrower on a federally backed mortgage loan and affirm that they are experiencing financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 emergency. This program is called mortgage forbearance or mortgage relief. The CARES Act also protects them from some negative information on their credit report because of any mortgage relief or assistance related to the COVID-19 emergency. 

What is a request for mortgage assistance?

A Request for Mortgage Assistance or RMA is the application you have to fill out to be considered for a mortgage loan modification. With a mortgage modification, you can permanently change one or more terms of your mortgage loan. This includes getting a lower interest rate, some or all late fees may be waived or reduced, your interest rate may be changed from an adjustable-rate loan to a fixed rate, the months or years the homeowner has to repay the loan may be lengthened, total loan principal may be reduced, as well as your second mortgage or equity loan could be waived.

https://www.hmpadmin.com/portal/programs/docs/hamp_borrower/rma_english_sd1110.pdf

This form requires detailed information about the borrower’s current financial situation. The information provided will allow the mortgage lender to determine the filer’s eligibility for mortgage assistance. This form includes your current income, debts, expenses, employment, bankruptcies, and other issues that will help the lender determine if you are eligible for mortgage assistance.

In the USA, modifications were made under the government’s Home Affordable Modification Program or HAMP.  

To qualify for this program you must have fit certain criteria such as:

• You are having trouble making your mortgage payments because of financial hardship,
• You obtained your mortgage on or before January 1, 2009,
• Your property has not been condemned,
• You owe up to $728,750.00 on your primary residence or one to four-unit rental property.

Who can get a home improvement grant?

Low and moderate-income families, seniors, veterans, single parents, disabled people, people impacted by Covid 19, as well as people impacted by natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods can get home improvement grants or zero-interest loans. In the case of home improvement grants, funds are available to help homeowners renovate their homes, and bringing them up to health and safety standards. You can apply to these federal, state, or local grants and loans, charities, community agencies, and nonprofit organizations and get the help you need. 

The biggest part of the eligibility to these programs is the household income. Assistance will usually be provided to families or individuals who are living in occupied single-family homes, or mobile homes and whose combined total household annual income does not exceed certain income thresholds. Every program has different criteria and provides different amounts of funding. By law, these rules must not discriminate against you because of your age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. 

These grant programs are primarily directed at very low and low-income homeowners who might not be approved by a bank for funding. Eligibility requirements vary by the grant. For the most part, grants will have requirements depending on the homeowner’s income, their location, and the projects the money can be used on. To search or apply for grants, use the free, official website, Grants.gov. Determining your eligibility for federal grants is an important first step in the federal grant application process.