Grants for Homeowners in Arizona

How can I get a home improvement grant in Arizona?

Home improvement or home repair grants and loans in Arizona 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 for these funds vary on income, age, type of property, as well as 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 Arizona 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 Phoenix, or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs. 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, Arizona offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have over 20  offices in Arizona 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.

If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, 2-1-1 Arizona is also a great place to start. 2-1-1 Arizona is a free, confidential service available to anyone and it is responsible in Arizona 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. Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Arizona and you will reach a highly-trained information and referral specialist who will assess your needs and provide a list of referrals to available resources in your community. 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 a mortgage, rent, utility assistance, food, emergency shelter, health care, counseling, support groups, etc., that are available right in their communities. 

How can I get a solar grant in Arizona?

Arizona is one of the top five states in the U.S. for going solar because it has more sunny days than any other state. This state 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, Arizona offers additional incentives for going solar, depending on where you live and who your utility company is. 

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. A 5 kilowatts (kW) solar installation in Arizona averages between $10,710 and $14,490 in cost, with an average gross price of $12,600. 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.

Arizona Residential Solar Energy Tax Credit is another reason for going solar in Arizona. A tax credit of 25% is available to all new solar system users. There is a maximum of $1,000.00 credit per residence to be used toward your State income taxes. To be eligible for this tax credit, the applicants’ energy system must be compliant with the applicable standards of safety, and performance, and have all the required warranties on its parts.

Energy Equipment Property Tax Exemption is also available on the added home value from the rooftop panel system. To qualify for the property tax exemption, the property owner must provide their county assessor with documentation affirming the actual purchase and installation, including costs, of the eligible equipment. This documentation must be submitted no less than six months before the notice of full cash value is issued for the initial valuation year.

Solar Equipment Sales Tax Exemption means a 5.6% home solar system state sales tax exemption. When you buy a new solar power system in Arizona, you won’t pay any sales taxes.

The exemption is for 100% of the sales tax on eligible equipment, like residential rooftop solar panels and solar water heaters. 

How can I get a debt grant?

Dealing with debt in the middle of the Covid-19 crisis is not easy. Whether you have become unemployed or underemployed as a result of the pandemic, there are federal and state resources you may use. Although getting a grant that will completely cover all of your debt is NOT available, there are still several other options in Arizona 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 loan 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. Here is a list of approved credit counseling agencies in the state of Arizona  you may contact:

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, reducing the interest rate on your credit, and creating 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 making 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 Arizona impacted by the Covid-19 crisis may also use these programs. Many utility companies in Arizona also have programs to assist low-income customers. These funds may help you pay your utility bills or give you a discount and lower the amount of energy you use. 

The Arizona Low Income Utility Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers three types of assistance: bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, and weatherization and energy-related home repairs. LIHEAP eligibility is limited to once in 12 months. Eligibility is based on several factors, including household income, household size, and heating costs. A household income of at least 150% of the Area Median Income is required. Find your LIHEAP local provider on the following link if you are interested and eligible for this program:

The Arizona State Department of Economic Security offers different kinds of services to help its residents in need. Emergency Cash Assistance is a one-time cash payment to families having emergency housing, utility, or other need.  Complete and submit an online application through Health-e-Arizona Plus.

Households that meet low-income guidelines or receive public benefits, may enroll in the LifeLine program, where they may apply for discounts on their cellular or home telephone bills. This program is available in every state, to low-income service users with a household income of 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The LifeLine Program provides a discount of up to $9.25 a month.

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 from the IRS. Arizona offers property tax relief programs for the permanent residence of qualified homeowners, including senior citizens, people with disabilities, and veterans.

Low-income seniors in Arizona are eligible for Property Tax Postponement. The property tax payment for their primary residence can be postponed until they sell the property or no longer live in the property. Seniors are also eligible to freeze the “primary” property value of their home to help keep certain portions of their property taxes from increasing by applying with your local County Assessor’s office.

Arizona also offers Sales Tax Exemptions for certain items. Some examples of exceptions to the sales tax are certain types of groceries, some medical devices, certain prescription medications, and any machinery and chemicals which are used in research and development. The state of Arizona also does not generally collect sales taxes on the vast majority of services performed.

How can I get a grant to repair my home?

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 the property’s location. 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 funding. 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 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 home repair, home rehabilitation, community upgrades, and low-income family support for all residents. If you require such programs to renovate your home and make it a safe place to live, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. Contact the HUD office, organizations like Arizona Homeownership Resource Center, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together in your area.

How can I get a grant for windows?

Grants are available in Arizona 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 emergency repair and it is usually covered by all home improvement grant and loan programs.

The Arizona Weatherization Assistance Program is designed to help residents of Arizona overcome the high cost of energy by making their homes more energy-efficient. 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 on your utility bills. To be eligible for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Arizona. The services are for low-income households, particularly for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. The program is available to eligible homeowners and renters and is administered by the Arizona Department of Housing through a network of local agencies. Here you can find your local agency. 

If you are living in a rural area in Arizona and anywhere in the US, getting help for repairing or replacing your windows is possible through 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. 

All counties and bigger cities in Arizona have programs that help low-income homeowners with their needed home improvement projects. Mohave County low-income residents may use funds from the Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation to repair their windows. Maricopa County also administers a Home Weatherization Program, available to homeowners with a household income of at least 80% of the area median income. Cities like Surprise offer grant funds through their Home Repair Programs, to cover broken window repairs. The City of Avondale Home Repair Program offers eligible homeowners assistance with either minor or substantial home repairs like weatherization.    

If you need 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, organizations like the Arizona Department of Housing, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together 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 Arizona 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 the state of Arizona and anywhere in the US, getting help for repairing or replacing your flooring, as well as addressing foundation repairs is possible through 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. 

All counties in Arizona offer some sort of support to their low and moderate-income residents. Mohave County assists its residents in the form of a deferred forgivable loan at 0% interest with a 5, 10, or 15-year lien period. These funds may be used to eliminate safety issues such as damaged flooring and foundation. Maricopa County offers the Emergency Home Repair and the Home Rehabilitation Program. Cities like Glendale offer an Emergency Home Repair Program to cover the cost of home improvement projects. City of Peoria residents who need assistance with emergency home repairs like replacing their damaged flooring may use the Emergency Home Repair Program, administered by Habitat for Humanity. The assistance is up to $20,000.00. If your improvement projects cost more, you may also apply for the Single Family Major Rehabilitation Program.

If you need 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, organizations like the Arizona Department of Housing, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together in your area.

Are there grants for the elderly?

Senior citizens living in Arizona 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, home-delivered meals, senior centers, caregiver counseling, 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 assist 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 Arizona aged 60 and above 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 Arizona, they are referred to as Area Agencies on Aging. The Administration on Aging is established by the Older Americans Act as a separate agency under the Department of Health and Human Services Visit the official site of the Arizona Care Planning Council and get informed on the ways you can get help. 

The Arizona Area Agency on Aging operates a 24-hr Senior Help Line that informs seniors of their help opportunities. Call specialists can assist in answering your questions about transportation, housing, long-term care, home-delivered meals, home care, and other numerous services. Call 602-264-4357 (HELP) and get the information you need.

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), also known as the Mature Worker Program assists low-income, unemployed individuals aged 55 years or older find employment. SCSEP provides paid work-based training for eligible individuals. 

Seniors living in rural areas in Arizona and anywhere in the US can also 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. Generally, rural areas with a population of less than 35,000 are eligible. This program offers grants of up to $7,500.00 to low-income people over 62 and can only be used to correct health and safety deficiencies on properties. Applicants can also make a combination of a loan and a grant and get up to $27,500.00.

Low-income seniors in Arizona are eligible for Property Tax Postponement. The property tax payment for their primary residence can be postponed until they sell the property or no longer live in the property. Seniors are also eligible to freeze the “primary” property value of their home to help keep certain portions of their property taxes from increasing by applying with your local County Assessor’s office. 

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 Arizona. 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. The eligibility requirements for these funds vary on income, age, type of property, as well as location of the property.

Mohave County in the state of Arizona assists its residents in the form of a deferred forgivable loan at 0% interest with a 5, 10, or 15-year lien period. These funds may be used to eliminate safety issues such as roof, electrical system, plumbing, flooring, code violations, and more. The maximum assistance for this Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation is $50,000.00.

Maricopa County administers home improvement programs to help its low-income residents in need. The Emergency Home Repair Program is available to Maricopa homeowners with a household income at or below 80% of the area median income. Other programs include the Home Rehabilitation and the Home Weatherization Program.  

Pima County residents may use one of the many home repair programs the city administers. The Home Repair Program provides grant assistance to low-income homeowners who live in unincorporated Pima County, Sahuarita, and Oro Valley. This city also provides a Roof Repair Program and covers the cost of replacing deteriorated roof systems including shingles, built-up roofs, rolled roofing, replacing deteriorated roof sheathing, fascia, and rafters, as well as mobile home roofs. Major System Repairs is another available option. This program includes the replacement of costly major home systems such as roofs, air conditioning, furnaces, evaporative coolers, water heaters, electrical, gas, and water service upgrades, and other related items.

Non-profit organizations like Community Home Repair assist low-income homeowners in Tucson and Pima County. They provide emergency home repairs and adaptive and safety modifications for people with disabilities. Eligible home repairs include roof repair, heating, and cooling repairs and replacements, gas, water and drain plumbing, electrical repairs, doors and windows, and water heaters. 

The City of Glendale, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona, offers an Emergency Home Repair Program to its income-eligible residents. Eligible repairs include plumbing or electrical system repairs, roof repair or replacement, repairs to stairs, windows, porches, air conditioner and heating system repair and replacement, and more. 

Mesa City residents may also use funds to cover their emergency repairs to eliminate unsafe conditions. Eligible projects include electrical, plumbing, roofing, windows, home accessibility, termite control, and more. These funds are given to properties within the Mesa city limit, owner-occupied for a minimum of one year to homeowners whose household income is at least 80% of the area median income. If you are interested and in need of such a program, visit their official site. 

The City of Phoenix offers an Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program (OOHRP) that provides financial assistance to eligible low and moderate-income homeowners citywide for emergency home repairs and/or to address health and/or safety hazards. The program may also address non-emergency home repairs to stabilize critical home systems such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and roof systems. The assistance is in the form of a zero percent (0%) interest, forgivable loan, and is secured by a lien on the primary residential property.

There are many home repair programs available in the City of Tucson. The Major Home Repair Program provides funds up to $25,000.00 to homeowners with a household income of at least 80% of the area median income. Eligible repairs include leaking roof repairs and replacements, repair of hazardous main electrical service, gas leaks, water heater replacement, structural repairs, and more. The Minor Home Repair Program offers a complete home assessment and up to $10,000.00 rehabilitation for low-income homeowners. The city also offers a Mobile Home Repair Program, a Home Access Program, and a Lead Hazard Reduction Program. 

City of Peoria residents who need assistance with emergency home repairs may use the Emergency Home Repair Program, administered by Habitat for Humanity. The assistance is up to $20,000.00. If your improvement projects cost more, you may apply for the Single Family Major Rehabilitation Program. 

Income-eligible, owner-occupied homes in Surprise in need of housing rehabilitation may use funds up to $3,500.00 from the Home Repair Program. Eligible projects may include plumbing repairs, water heater replacements, electrical repairs, HVAC repairs, broken window repairs, minor roof repairs, new or replacement smoke detectors, new or replacement carbon monoxide detectors, accessibility upgrades, and other health and safety issues. The city also offers the Housing Rehabilitation Deferred Loan that provides funding for repairs up to $20,000.00. The assistance is in the form of a zero percent (0%) interest deferred loan and is secured by a lien on the primary residential property. There is no payment due or necessary until there is a change of ownership of the property. Family income must be at or below 80% of the area median income for both of these programs. 

The City of Avondale Home Repair Program offers eligible homeowners assistance with either minor or substantial home repairs. This program is available to homeowners who need help with projects like roof repair, water heater replacement, cooling, and heating system repairs, plumbing leaks, weatherization, and electrical wiring problems. The program is available to individuals and families who own and occupy their homes and have an annual gross income that does not exceed 80% of the HUD Area Median Income. Funding for substantial home repairs is provided as a no-interest, no-payment, forgivable loan. The loan principal is reduced each year as long as the owner continues to own and occupy the home.

Chandler’s low-income residents may use help from the three programs the city administers. The Emergency Repair Program offers grants of up to $10,000.00 for minor home improvements that pose a serious and immediate threat to the health, safety, or welfare of the household. Eligible repairs include replacement and/or repair of HVAC, roofing, plumbing, electrical, broken glass, inoperable doors and windows, and more. The Exterior Home Improvement Loan Program provides no-interest forgivable loans for exterior improvements to single-family owner-occupied homes, condos, and townhouses. The loan’s maximum amount you may receive is $20,000.00 and it is 100% forgiven after five years. Eligible repairs include Replacement and/or repair of windows/exterior doors, roofs, exterior painting, fence/walls, stucco, front yard landscaping, security doors, concrete drives, pool fence, front porch lighting, weatherization, and more. Chandler also offers a Home Modifications Program for Persons with Disabilities and provides up to $10,000.00 for home modifications like the installation of wheelchair ramps, grab bars, railings, door hardware, modifications to showers, sinks, toilets, and more. Call the Housing Rehabilitation Hotline at 480-782-4323 and get more information on these programs and the documents and eligibility requirements. 

The City of Gilbert’s Emergency and Minor Home Repairs Program assists income-eligible homeowners with home improvement projects like heating and cooling, electrical, plumbing, roof leaks, etc. The city’s Roofing Repair / Replacement Program is designed to assist homeowners with extensive and costly roofing repairs or replacements that are beyond normal minor repairs. This program provides up to $10,500.00 to owner-occupied properties. An Exterior Paint Program is also available in this city to cover exterior painting projects.

Prescott Valey operates an Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program (OOHR) and provides help to low-income homeowners. These funds are available to homeowners with a household income of less than 80% of Yavapai County’s median income.

The City of Coolidge has two programs currently available, Emergency Home Repair and Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation. The Emergency Home Repair Program provides funds for roofs, heating and cooling units, and handicap accessibility. And the Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program provides funding in the form of a deferred payment loan. This loan does not need to be repaid as long as you live in the home and you maintain the property. Use the application on their official site if you need such a program.

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 location of the property. These findings 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.

Populated states, like Arizona, have different programs available to help their low and moderate-income residents. For convenience, search and apply for Arizona 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, organizations like the Arizona Department of Housing, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together 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?

There are plenty of available home renovation grants in the state of Arizona. These grants are available to applicants ONLY if you need an emergency modification in your home to remove life-threatening health or safety conditions, as well as address 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.

Do your research and see if you meet some of the documents and eligibility requirements. For convenience, search and apply for Arizona 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 Phoenix, or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs. 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, Arizona offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have over 20  offices in Arizona 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.

If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, 2-1-1 Arizona is also a great place to start. 2-1-1 Arizona is a free, confidential service available to anyone and it is responsible in Arizona 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. Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Arizona and you will reach a highly-trained information and referral specialist who will assess your needs and provide a list of referrals to available resources in your community. 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 a mortgage, rent, utility assistance, food, emergency shelter, health care, counseling, support groups, etc., that are available right in their communities. 

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, Arizona offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Arizona 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.

The cost of your roof repair or replacement can be partially or completely covered by the Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation if you are a resident of Mohave County. The Emergency Home Repair Program and Home Rehabilitation are also available to Maricopa homeowners. Roof repair and replacement projects may also be covered by the Emergency Home Repair Program if you are a low-income Glendale resident. Minor roof repairs that cost up to $3,500.00 can be funded by the Home Repair Program in the City of Surprise. The city also offers the Housing Rehabilitation Deferred Loan that provides funding for repairs up to $20,000.00. The city of Gilbert has a specific Roofing Repair / Replacement Program that is designed to assist homeowners with extensive and costly roofing repairs or replacements that are beyond normal minor repairs. This program provides up to $10,500.00 to owner-occupied properties.

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, organizations like the Arizona Department of Housing, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together 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 Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants – 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 
• Form RD 3550-1 
• Form RD 3550-4 and 
• All application items are listed in the Attachment 12-E checklist

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, and 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 Arizona can be found at their site.  

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 your 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 a 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, and 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 pandemic, 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 its 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. 

Arizona 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. Grants cover the costs of the rewiring projects, which include labor expenses, equipment, and supply purchases.

Electrical system repairs and upgrades can be covered by the Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program, administered by Mohave County. Maricopa County also administers home improvement programs to help its low-income residents in need. Cities like Glendale offer an Emergency Home Repair Program to cover the cost of electrical system repairs. The City of Phoenix offers an Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program (OOHRP) that provides financial assistance in the form of a zero percent (0%) interest, forgivable loan. There are also many home repair programs available in the City of Tucson. City of Peoria residents who need assistance with emergency home repairs may use the Emergency Home Repair Program, administered by Habitat for Humanity. Income-eligible, owner-occupied homes in Surprise in need of electrical repairs may use funds up to $3,500.00 from the Home Repair Program.

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, organizations like the Arizona Department of Housing, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together in your area.

What is the Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program?

There are hardship programs in place to help homeowners who have been directly or indirectly affected by the coronavirus and are struggling to make their mortgage payments.  The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, encourages homeowners to reach out to their mortgage servicers as soon as possible. 

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 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. 

Counties like Maricopa offer Rental and Mortgage Assistance to help their residents with their rental deposit or their monthly rental or mortgage payment. The Maricopa County Human Services Department (MCHSD) has launched a Client Portal to accept online applications for these funds. For residents living outside the cities of Glendale, Mesa, and Phoenix, assistance is provided through Community Action Program (CAP) offices located throughout the County.

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.

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 bring 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 for 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. Contact the HUD office, organizations like the Arizona Department of Housing, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together in your area.