Grants for Homeowners in Delaware

How can I get a home improvement grant in Delaware?

There are home improvement and support programs in Delaware, most of which are in Wilmington and Dover. Home improvement or home repair grants as well as zero-interest loans in this or any other state in the US are available to low and moderate-income homeowners, renters, and lenders. There are some home improvement and support programs in Delaware whose funds may primarily be used by low-income families with children, low-income single parents, low-income senior citizens, veterans, and disabled people. The process until applicants are approved can be long and requires providing a large amount of 100% accurate information. 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 if you need such funds. 

For convenience, search and apply for Delaware home repair grants online. You can also start by visiting or contacting your U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD’s Wilmington Field Office, https://www.hud.gov/states/delaware/offices, or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link: https://www.hud.gov/states/delaware/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. These programs provide funds to income-eligible homeowners for home repairs, improvements, and modifications.

As a state, Delaware offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have 3 offices in the State of Delaware that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials from their Restores. You can visit their official sites, and contact a local 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=DE. 

If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Delaware 2-1-1 is also a great place to start. It is a free, confidential service available to anyone and it is responsible for the 211 helplines in Delaware. Delaware 2-1-1 helpline is Delaware’s only comprehensive, community information and referral helpline. This live telephone service is 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.delaware211.org/

How can I get a solar grant in Delaware?

Delaware has lots of sunshine and laws favorable for going solar. Delaware offers some 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, Delaware offers some 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. Delaware’s average cost of a solar panel installation ranges from $10,285.00 to $13,915.00. On a cost per watt ($/W) basis, a solar panel installation in Delaware ranges in price from $2.06 to $2.78. You can apply for this credit on your taxes when purchasing solar systems and installing 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.

The Green Energy Program includes several different types of green energy funding programs from the state’s major electric utilities. The program is funded through a public benefits fund charge ($0.000356 per kilowatt-hour consumed) collected monthly by Delmarva Power. Delaware’s other utilities operate similar programs. Grants are available for qualifying renewable energy systems installed in Delaware by applicants whose electricity provider collects funds for the program and offers a grant program for renewable energy projects. Each electric utility company offering rebates through the Green Energy Program has unique program regulations, requirements, and application forms. See below for specific details.

How can I get a debt grant?

Dealing with various debts in the middle of the Covid-19 crisis is not easy. Whether you have become unemployed or underemployed as a result of the pandemics, there are federal and state resources you may use to lower your debt. Although getting a grant that will completely cover all of your debts is NOT available, there are still several other options in Delaware to consolidate and lower them. This state offers financial assistance for bills, rent, and mortgage to income-eligible residents. 

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 Delaware you may contact:

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

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, mortgage, 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 Delaware impacted by the Covid-19 crisis may also use these programs. Many utility companies in Delaware also have programs to assist low-income customers. LIHEAP pays only one benefit per year. These funds may help you pay your utility bills or give you a discount and lower the amount of energy you use.

The Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP) is a federally funded program for low-income families that need help in meeting their costs of home energy. According to the official site, the Division of State Service Centers (DSSC) administers this program on a contractual basis with Catholic Charities, Inc.  Funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  DEAP services provide assistance to income eligible families to help them meet their home energy needs.  Income eligibility is defined as 200% of the federal poverty level. DEAP has several components which include:

• Fuel Assistance:  Help with home energy bills from the period of October 1 – March 31.  This includes grants to income eligible households to help pay for home heating, which includes electricity, natural gas, kerosene, propane, coal, or wood.  Grants are made to both homeowners and renters. 
• Crisis Assistance:  This component helps households in crisis during the winter months and may be in the form of a supplemental grant to their fuel assistance benefit.  In addition to being income eligible, households must show they are experiencing a crisis (i.e., shut-off notice, out of fuel, no money to pay for fuel).
• Summer Cooling Assistance Program (SCAP):   This program operates during the months of June-August and helps pay for electricity to cool homes with air conditioning during the hot, humid summer months.  In addition to receiving a grant to offset the high costs of electricity to air condition a home, some populations may be eligible to receive a room sized air conditioning unit. 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)  is Delaware’s main cash assistance program. It is administered through a joint effort of the Division of Social Services (DSS), Delaware Department of Labor, Delaware Department of Transportation and the Delaware Economic Development Office. The goal of TANF is to give people temporary help until they get a job. Within the program both the State and the TANF client have responsibilities. The State provides positive incentives for the family to become self-sufficient, and the family must accept responsibility to become self-sufficient and self-supporting. Time on TANF is limited for most people. You can get benefits for 36 months, but you must work or participate in work related activities for 30 hours a week to receive a TANF check.

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?

Delaware is one of the U.S. states with the lowest property tax rates. Its average effective property tax rate is 0.56%. Although there are no specific tax grants for homeowners, there are cases in which you can get help with your debt to the IRS. Delaware offers property tax relief programs for the permanent residence of qualified homeowners, including senior citizens, people with disabilities, and veterans.

Partial tax exemptions are available for some taxpayers. Those who are disabled or over 65 may be eligible, depending upon income levels. Exemptions for non-profit organizations and for agricultural property are also available, provided conditions are met. The exemption application provides more complete information on eligibility requirements. 

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. The process until applicants are approved can be long and requires providing a large amount of 100% accurate information.

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 home repair, home rehabilitation, community upgrades, 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, visit the state’s official site, call 2-1-1 or get in touch with the Habitat for Humanity in your area.

How can I get a grant for windows?

Grants are available in Delaware 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 state of Delaware’s Weatherization Program is designed to reduce household energy use and costs in the homes of low-income persons throughout the state by installing energy efficiency improvements. The overall goal of the Weatherization Program is to serve those low-income households that are most vulnerable to high-energy costs and who do not have the means of making cost-effective energy conservation improvements to their homes. This program provides grants to states, territories, and some Indian tribes to improve the energy efficiency of the homes of low-income families. These governments, in turn, contract with local governments and nonprofit agencies to provide weatherization services to those in need using the latest technologies for home energy upgrades. To be eligible for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Delaware. Preference is given to individuals over 60, individuals with disabilities, and families with children under six. 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. 

Window repair and replacement are eligible projects that can be covered by the Housing Repair Program if you are a resident of Kent County. Home Repair Programs are also available in New Castle County. The Senior Minor Home Repair Program is a grant program designed to provide assistance to eligible senior homeowners who find themselves in need of small repairs to their homes. This program is available to homeowners age 60 years or older, who own and reside in the home as their primary residence. A Home Repair Loan Program is available to owner occupants of single-family dwellings whose family income falls within the low- to moderate-income guidelines. The City of Newark provides loans for needed home repairs and rehabilitation to eligible Newark homeowners under the CDBG program. The Home Improvement Program (HIP) helps local homeowners with their window repair and replacement.

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, visit the state’s official site, call 2-1-1 or get in touch with the 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 Delaware 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.

New flooring and repairing a damaged one are eligible projects that can be covered by the Housing Repair Program if you are a resident of Kent County. Home Repair Programs are also available in New Castle County. The Senior Minor Home Repair Program is a grant program designed to provide assistance to eligible senior homeowners who find themselves in need of small repairs to their homes. This program is available to homeowners age 60 years or older, who own and reside in the home as their primary residence. A Home Repair Loan Program is available to owner occupants of single-family dwellings whose family income falls within the low- to moderate-income guidelines. The City of Newark provides loans for needed home repairs and rehabilitation to eligible Newark homeowners under the CDBG program. The Home Improvement Program (HIP) helps local homeowners with their flooring repair and replacement.

If you are living in a rural area in the state of Delaware 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. 

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, visit the state’s official site, call 2-1-1 or get in touch with the Habitat for Humanity in your area.

Are there grants for the elderly?

Senior citizens living in Delaware 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 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 Delaware 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 Delaware, 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 Delaware Care Planning Council and get informed on the ways you can get help. https://www.longtermcarelink.net/contact.htm 

Home Repair Programs are also available in New Castle County. The Senior Minor Home Repair Program is a grant program designed to provide assistance to eligible senior homeowners who find themselves in need of small repairs to their homes. The Senior Minor Repair Program addresses minor home repair needs that focus on health, safety and security conditions of the home.  Repairs that generally qualify include minor carpentry repairs, minor plumbing repairs, minor electrical repairs, smoke detectors, and more. This program is available to homeowners age 60 years or older, who own and reside in the home as their primary residence. Property value cannot exceed $278,050.00 after repairs are made. Funding availability per home is from $500.00 to $2,500.00. Funding for this program is limited per fiscal year and is on a first come, first served basis. 

If you are a senior living in a rural area in the state of Delaware 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. 

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 Delaware. 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 on these funds vary on income, age, type of property, as well as the location of the property. 

Kent County residents can use funds from the Housing Repair Program for repairs and renovations that will bring a home up to housing code standards. Examples of some of the types of work done are: electrical, plumbing, roofing, heating and structural renovations. Bids are requested from County-Approved licensed Contractors. A lien (in the form of a mortgage) is placed on the property being repaired. This lien has a 0% interest rate and NO monthly payments. The term of the lien is 5-10 years, depending upon the amount of funds spent. At the end of the lien term, the mortgage is considered satisfied. The residence being considered for a grant must be owner-occupied. The total annual income of the occupants cannot exceed the income limits set for Kent County. All City and County taxes, sewer fees and property assessments must be paid. 

Home Repair Programs are also available in New Castle County. These programs help qualified homeowners to have repairs made which are necessary to free their homes of health and safety hazards. Funding is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis starting with names on an established waiting list. The Emergency Repair Loan Program is an affordable home repair program designed to assist qualified homeowners repair one critical need in their home. Eligible improvements include non-functioning heaters during heating season,  severe plumbing leaks, unsafe electrical systems, severely leaking roofs, replacement of a broken or non functioning sewer line or system, replacement of a broken water line, and more. The home must be located in New Castle County, Delaware, outside the boundaries of the cities of Wilmington and Newark.The Emergency Repair Loan Program is available to households with adjusted gross income below 80% of HUD Area Median Income, please see chart. Loan interest rate is 0%. Loan Term is three (3) or five (5) years, or deferred if income is below 50%. Deferred loans are due and payable if the property is sold, rented, refinanced, transferred, or is no longer owner-occupied.  Funding availability per loan is from $500.00 to $5,000.00. 

The Senior Minor Home Repair Program is a grant program designed to provide assistance to eligible senior homeowners who find themselves in need of small repairs to their homes. The Senior Minor Repair Program addresses minor home repair needs that focus on health, safety and security conditions of the home.  Repairs that generally qualify include minor carpentry repairs, minor plumbing repairs, minor electrical repairs, smoke detectors, and more. This program is available to homeowners age 60 years or older, who own and reside in the home as their primary residence. Property value cannot exceed $278,050.00 after repairs are made. Funding availability per home is from $500.00 to $2,500.00. Funding for this program is limited per fiscal year and is on a first come, first served basis. 

The Architectural Accessibility Program is a grant program designed to enhance the ability of a qualified household member to safely function in their home and enter and exit the home safely. This program helps with the installation of an access ramp, widening of doorways, installation of grab bars, re-plumbing of kitchen and bath to provide access to facilities, installing a hard surface walkway to a ramp, lowering electrical switches, and more. Funding availability per home is from $500.00 to $5,000.00.    

Sussex County provides funds for rehabilitating substandard homes in this county. The Community Development and Housing Department applies for funding on behalf of local municipalities who request assistance from the County. The Department’s funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Delaware State Housing Authority, and the Sussex County Council. The program guidelines narrow eligibility to those families of low to moderate incomes. The home must be the homeowner’s primary residence and must be a permanent resident of Sussex County.

A Home Repair Loan Program is available to owner occupants of single-family dwellings whose family income falls within the low- to moderate-income guidelines. Applicants must live in and hold the deed to the property they wish to have repaired in order to be eligible for assistance under this program. Applicants must have owned their properties for a minimum of 12 months. City and county property taxes and water and sewer bills must be in good standing. Eligible improvements include heating, roofing, plumbing, electrical, handicapped facilities where needed, and any condition where an emergency need exists to provide safe and decent living quarters. All loans are secured with a mortgage against the borrower’s property.

A Brush with Kindness, in partnership with the City of Wilmington and the American Rescue Plan Act, is a program administered by the Habitat for Humanity. Applicants must be homeowner occupied and living in the qualified census tracts. Eligible repairs include roof repair/replacement, HVAC repair/replacement, weatherization, window and/or door replacement, electrical and/or lighting repairs, masonry repairs, sidewalk repair/replacement, railing and safety issues, structural/safety repairs, handicap accessibility, exterior painting, and more. Applications can be found on the following link: 

https://www.habitatncc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Critical-Repairs-Program-Interest-Form.pdf

The City of Newark provides loans for needed home repairs and rehabilitation to eligible Newark homeowners under the CDBG program. The Home Improvement Program (HIP) helps local homeowners, who meet local CDBG income requirements, preserve and rehabilitate their homes. This program helps owner-occupants maintain their homes, which adds to the beauty and stability of the City’s neighborhoods. Funding is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis. The home must be located within the City of Newark municipal boundary. The property must have hazard insurance that meets the program requirements. Applicants must be current on all mortgages and taxes and not have delinquent federal, county, or city debt. Eligible repairs include heating, plumbing, electric systems, roofing, siding, and weatherization items, sewer and water systems, accessibility modifications, and more.

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.

States, like Delaware, have different programs available to help their low and moderate-income residents. For convenience, search and apply for Delaware 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’s official Delaware office, visit the state’s official site, call the 24-hour live telephone service 2-1-1 or get in touch with non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity in your area.

Keep in mind, there are NO “easy” grants to get. The process until applicants are approved can be long and requires providing a large amount of 100% accurate information. Income limitations are one of the most important factors when applying. 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 Delaware. 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.

For convenience, search and apply for Delaware home repair grants online. You can also start by visiting or contacting your U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD’s Wilmington Field Office, https://www.hud.gov/states/delaware/offices, or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link: https://www.hud.gov/states/delaware/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. These programs provide funds to income-eligible homeowners for home repairs, improvements, and modifications.

As a state, Delaware offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have 3 offices in the State of Delaware that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials from their Restores. You can visit their official sites, and contact a local 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=DE. 

If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Delaware 2-1-1 is also a great place to start. It is a free, confidential service available to anyone and it is responsible for the 211 helplines in Delaware. Delaware 2-1-1 helpline is Delaware’s only comprehensive, community information and referral helpline. This live telephone service is 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.delaware211.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, Delaware offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Delaware 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.

Roof repair and replacement are eligible projects that can be covered by the Housing Repair Program if you are a resident of Kent County. Home Repair Programs are also available in New Castle County. The Senior Minor Home Repair Program is a grant program designed to provide assistance to eligible senior homeowners who find themselves in need of small repairs to their homes. This program is available to homeowners age 60 years or older, who own and reside in the home as their primary residence. A Home Repair Loan Program is available to owner occupants of single-family dwellings whose family income falls within the low- to moderate-income guidelines. The City of Newark provides loans for needed home repairs and rehabilitation to eligible Newark homeowners under the CDBG program. The Home Improvement Program (HIP) helps local homeowners with their roof repair and replacement.

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, visit the state’s official site, call 2-1-1 or get in touch with the Habitat for Humanity 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 (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 Delaware can be found at their site:  

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

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. Delaware 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.

Rewiring your house, fixing a non operable electrical system and making minor electrical upgrades are all eligible projects that can be covered by the Housing Repair Program if you are a resident of Kent County. Home Repair Programs are also available in New Castle County. The Senior Minor Home Repair Program is a grant program designed to provide assistance to eligible senior homeowners who find themselves in need of small repairs to their homes. This program is available to homeowners age 60 years or older, who own and reside in the home as their primary residence. A Home Repair Loan Program is available to owner occupants of single-family dwellings whose family income falls within the low- to moderate-income guidelines. The City of Newark provides loans for needed home repairs and rehabilitation to eligible Newark homeowners under the CDBG program. The Home Improvement Program (HIP) helps local homeowners with their electrical system repair and replacement.

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, visit the state’s official site, call 2-1-1 or get in touch with the Habitat for Humanity in your area.

What is the Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program?

Mortgage Assistance Program for Delaware Homeowners Affected By Coronavirus offers financial assistance to homeowners who are at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure because of a pandemic-related job loss, reduced work hours, or unpaid leave. DEMAP provides eligible homeowners with up to $5,000 per household, paid directly to the mortgage servicer, to prevent a foreclosure. To qualify for mortgage relief from DEMAP, applicants  have to be the property owner of record, the property must be located in Delaware, and the mortgage loan must have been current before April 1, 2020, and not more than 30 days delinquent when you apply to the program.

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 correct code violations 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 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. Contact the HUD office, visit the state’s official site, call 2-1-1 or get in touch with the Habitat for Humanity in your area.