There are many ways homeowners can get grants in Indiana. Below we have included resources and brief overviews of grants we found attractive for Indiana homeowners.

Did you know that there are several Virginia solar incentives, rebates, and programs expiring in 2023? Before you start worrying, you should know that there are unbelievable new incentives here now! Check out one of the most popular resources for learning about these programs in the link below.

Access Virginia Solar Programs

How can I get a home improvement grant in Indiana?

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

For convenience, search and apply for Indiana 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 Indianapolis, https://www.hud.gov/states/indiana/offices, or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link: https://www.hud.gov/states/indiana/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. 

Residents of Indiana may also use their official state site and research available options for home improvement projects. https://www.in.gov/ihcda/homebuyers/

Explore comprehensive home improvement programs available in your area. Whether you're looking to upgrade your windows, install a new roof, or completely remodel your home, find out how these programs can help you achieve your goals with financial assistance and expert advice.

Access Virginia Home Improvement Programs

As a state, Indiana offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have over 40  offices in Indiana that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials from their Restores. You can find and contact an office, and get informed on the programs they offer, as well as the documents and eligibility requirements: 

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

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

https://in211.communityos.org/

How can I get a solar grant in Indiana?

Many homes and businesses in Indiana are powered by solar panels. 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, Indiana 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. Indiana’s average cost of a solar panel installation ranges from $12,962.00 to $17,538.00. On a cost per watt ($/W) basis, a solar panel installation in Indiana ranges in price from $2.59 to $3.51. 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.

The Indiana Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption ensures that new solar energy systems are exempt from property tax assessment value in perpetuity. 

In Indiana, certain items may be exempt from the sales tax to all consumers. While the Indiana sales tax of 7% applies to most transactions, there is a sales tax exemption on certain goods. Indiana also has a sales tax exemption for your solar panels, racking, and inverters.

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 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 debt is NOT available, there are still several other options in Indiana to consolidate and lower your debts. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are there homeowner grants for bills?

The government or other available grant programs can provide financial aid to help pay for housing, rent, utilities, medical supplies, or even transportation costs. There are resources for low-income families, single mothers, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans and their families, the unemployed, the underemployed, and others in need. Residents of Indiana impacted by the Covid-19 crisis may also use these programs. Many utility companies in Indiana 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 Indiana Low Income Utility Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers provides a one-time annual benefit that can assist you with the high cost of home energy and can help if you are about to get disconnected. 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 local provider on the following link if you are interested and eligible for this program:

https://www.in.gov/ihcda/files/Local-Intake-Sites-by-County-2019-2020.pdf

The Healthy Indiana Plan is a health insurance program for qualified adults. The plan is offered by the State of Indiana. It pays for medical costs for members and could even provide vision and dental coverage. Individuals with annual incomes up to $17,780.00 may qualify. 

HoosierRx is Indiana’s state pharmaceutical assistance program. It provides financial assistance to help seniors pay their Medicare Part D premiums, which provides for prescription drug coverage. This program is specifically designed for low-income Indiana residents. HoosierRX offers premium assistance for Medicare Part D, or the prescription drug coverage portion of Medicare Advantage, of up to $70.00 per month.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF is another program available in Indiana. This program provides cash assistance and supportive services to assist families with children under age 18. A family may not possess assets valued at over $1,000.00 at the time application for assistance is made. The house, which is the usual residence, is exempt.

Are there tax grants for homeowners?

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

Property tax deductions are available to property owners aged 65 and older. If you receive the over 65 or surviving spouse deduction, you will receive a reduction in your home’s assessed value of $12,480.00 or half the assessed value, whichever is less. The lower the assessed value of your home, the smaller your property tax bill. 

If you own a home and use it as your primary place of residence, your home and up to one acre of land could qualify for homestead deductions on your property tax bill. The standard homestead deduction is either 60% of your property’s assessed value or a maximum of $45,000.00, whichever is less.

The supplemental homestead deduction is based on the assessed value of your property and equals:

  • 35% of the assessed value of a property that is less than $600,000.00.
  • 25% of the assessed value of a property that is more than $600,000.00.

Anyone who pays property taxes on their principal place of residence in Indiana is entitled to Residential Homeowner’s Property Tax Deduction. Applicants are able to take a deduction of up to $2,500.00 of the Indiana property taxes paid on their principal place of residence. Your principal place of residence is the place where you have your true, fixed home and where you intend to return after being absent.

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 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, organizations like the Indiana Department of Housing, visit the state’s official site, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with the or Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together in your area.

How can I get a grant for windows?

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

The Indiana Weatherization Assistance Program is designed to help residents of Indiana 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 Indiana. 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 Indiana Department of Housing through a network of local Community Action Agencies (CAAs). To find your local agency, use the link: https://www.incap.org/find-your-caa.

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

Every county and bigger city administers a program that assists its low-income residents. The cost of energy-efficient windows and doors can be covered by the City of Kokomo’s Exterior Home Improvement Program. The South Bend Home Improvement Program also helps with non-emergency improvements like fixing poorly sealed windows ranging from $150.00-$500.00 per home. The City of Hammond residents may use loans up to $5,000.00 available on a first-come first-served basis from the Emergency Repair Program.

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 Indiana Department of Housing, visit the state’s official site, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with the or 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 Indiana 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 Indiana 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. 

All counties in Indiana offer some sort of support to their low and moderate-income residents. The City of Bloomington administers the Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program and offers a 0% interest loan of up to $38,500.00. The funds can be used to replace or improve the foundation of the home. Fort Wayne low-income residents may use the Homeowner Repair Program to cover the cost of their necessary home improvement projects. Owner-occupied residences within the corporate boundaries of Lawrenceburg are eligible for the City’s Residential Exterior Improvement Grant. Homeowner Repairs are also available through the West Indianapolis Development Corporation. These funds may be used by households with an income of at least 80% of the area median income. 

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 Indiana Department of Housing, visit the state’s official site, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with the or Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together in your area.

Are there grants for the elderly?

Senior citizens living in Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Indiana, 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 state of Indiana and get informed on the ways you can get help: 

https://www.in.gov/fssa/da/area-agencies-on-aging/.

Seniors living in a rural area in Indiana 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.

Clinton County senior residents may use funds from the Senior Homeowner Assistance For Repairs Program (SHARP). Eligibility requirements include being age 62 and older and having a household income of at least 80% of the area median income. 

The Senior Homeowner Assistance for Repairs Program (SHARP) is also available in the City of Frankfort. The purpose of SHARP is to help eligible senior citizen homeowners address higher-cost maintenance items such as roofs, windows, heating, and air conditioning systems. These grants may also be used to make accessibility modifications such as handicapped showers and access ramps.

The City of Gary uses Community Development Block Grant funds to administers multiple programs and assists very low and low to moderate-income owners/occupants in bringing their homes up to an acceptable standard code. Their Senior Repair Program offers a rehabilitation grant, up to a maximum of $25,000.00, that can be awarded to income-eligible senior homeowners to make needed repairs to their residential properties to bring them into code compliance. Eligible repairs include roof repair and replacement, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and disabled accessibility.

NeighborLink Indianapolis Low-Income Senior Home Repairs helps very low-income seniors that are living in unsafe, non-functional, or uninhabitable structures. Volunteers can help residents in need with repairs such as plumbing, heating, electrical safety, ceiling, and wall repair, floor and tripping hazard issues, roofing problems, and more. 

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 Indiana. 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.

The Habitat Boone County Repair program is designed to aid Boone County homeowners with exterior home preservation repairs. This program only does exterior repairs for low-income homeowners who need assistance to do the necessary work. Having calculated the repair cost, the homeowner’s portion will be determined bases on a sliding scale figuring the Area Median Income, and the household income. Eligible repairs include exterior painting, siding repair, gutter repair, windows, doors, concrete services, ramps, rails, and more. Fill out the following application if you need such funds: 

https://8d6b521c-8f42-478c-88e5-655b2ace7381.filesusr.com/ugd/493436_66697d17ceda4d239461627b4dc1cd57.pdf

Homeowner Repairs are available through the West Indianapolis Development Corporation. These funds may be used by households with an income of at least 80% of the area median income. 

Eligible low-to moderate-income homeowners may apply for grants to renovate their houses in the City of Kokomo. The City’s Exterior Home Improvement Program offers 100% forgivable loans that can be used for new roofing and gutters, vinyl siding, porch repairs, and energy-efficient windows and doors. Total federal assistance to the homeowner (the City’s portion) is capped at $50,000.00.

The City of Gary uses Community Development Block Grant funds to administer multiple programs and assists very low and low to moderate-income owners/occupants in bringing their homes up to an acceptable standard code. Their Housing Repair Program offers a rehabilitation grant, up to a maximum of $25,000.00, that can be awarded to income-eligible homeowners to make needed repairs to their residential properties to bring them into code compliance. Eligible repairs include roof repair and replacement, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and disabled accessibility. The City also administers an Emergency Repair Program and offers up to $10,000.00 for home improvement projects such as furnace replacement, water heater replacement, or hazardous electrical and plumbing systems. 

The South Bend Home Improvement Program helps with non-emergency needs ranging from $150.00-$500.00 per home. The City of South Band also administers a Love Your Block Program and offers grants that can be used for small-scale home repairs such as broken doorbells, poorly sealed windows, dripping faucets, and more.

The City of Bloomington administers an Emergency Repair Program that offers grants of up to $7,500.00 is available for an owner-occupied home and up to $3,500.00 for an owner-occupied mobile home. Eligible repairs include replacement of a leaking roof and interior water leak damages, installing a new furnace or water heater, addressing electrical and plumbing issues, and repairing structural damages. Applicant’s income must be 60% or less of the Area Median Income. The City also administers the Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program and offers a 0% interest loan of up to $38,500.00. The funds can be used to replace an aged roof, improve the foundation, put in a new energy-efficient furnace, update a kitchen or bath, replace the flooring, or any number of other items. Applicant’s income must be 80% or less of the Area Median Income.

The Department of Redevelopment, on behalf of the City of East Chicago, allocates a portion of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Grant (HOME) funds to administer the Residential Repair Program. This program provides grants and loans to low and moderate-income homeowners to enable them to rehabilitate their homes in compliance with local and state housing code standards. The Rehab Program addresses needs that cause health and safety conditions and code violations for the homeowners. Eligible repairs include electrical systems, HVAC systems, plumbing systems, roof systems, and more.  

The City of Hammond residents may use loans up to $5,000.00 available on a first-come first-served basis from the Emergency Repair Program. Loans of 1 to 5 years are available at 3% interest. For those whose household income is below 50% of the median, deferment is granted on an annual basis. 

Fort Wayne low-income residents may use the Homeowner Repair Program to cover the cost of their necessary home improvement projects. The program offers 0% interest seven-year loans for heating, air conditioning, or roof replacement. Applicants must be located within the City limits and their household income must be at or below 80%  of the Area Median Income.

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Owner-occupied residences within the corporate boundaries of Lawrenceburg are eligible for the City’s Residential Exterior Improvement Grant. Applicants may apply for grants up to $5000.00 providing all eligibility and match requirements are met and grant funding is available. For every $2 of grant funding, the grant recipient must provide a match of $1. Based on this formula projects of up to $7500.00 would require a $2500.00 investment from the owner to receive $5000.00 in grant funding. Eligible repairs include roofs and gutters, windows and doors, front porch repair, front fence repair, and more.

Smaller towns like Cicero have programs to help their residents in need. The Helping Hand: A Home Repair Program for Local Residents is a program administered by the HAND (Hamilton Area Neighborhood Development) and Habitat for Humanity of Hamilton County. 

The City of Elkhart offers the following housing programs for low and moderate-income residents of Elkhart: Homeowner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation, Direct Assistance for Homebuyers, Lead Hazard Assessment and Reduction, and  Assistance to Not-for-Profit Housing Providers.

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.

Populated states, like Indiana, have different programs available to help their low and moderate-income residents. For convenience, search and apply for Indiana 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 Indiana Department of Housing, visit the state’s official site, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with the or 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 Indiana. 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 addressing code violations. You also must meet the required criteria and have all the necessary documents to apply for these funds. A grant to renovate your house is not available to anyone and for any purpose. There must be a solid foundation for requesting these funds. Very low and low-income homeowners, low-income families with children, single parents, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities are usually eligible to receive these funds. Homeowners impacted by natural disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes can also get financial aid from these types of grants.

For convenience, search and apply for Indiana 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 Indianapolis, https://www.hud.gov/states/indiana/offices, or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link: https://www.hud.gov/states/indiana/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. 

Residents of Indiana may also use their official state site and research available options for home improvement projects. https://www.in.gov/ihcda/homebuyers/

As a state, Indiana offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have over 40  offices in Indiana that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials from their Restores. You can find and contact an office, and get informed on the programs they offer, as well as the documents and eligibility requirements: 

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

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

https://in211.communityos.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, Indiana offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Indiana 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 City of Kokomo’s Exterior Home Improvement Program. This program offers 100% forgivable loans up to $50,000.00. Roof repair and replacement may also be covered by the Housing Repair Program administered by the City of Gary. Leaking roofs are an eligible home improvement project by the Emergency Repair Program and the Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program in the City of Bloomington. East Chicago residents may use funds from the Residential Repair Program and the City of Hammond residents may use loans up to $5,000.00 available on a first-come first-served basis from the Emergency Repair Program. Roof Replacement (full replacement, including decking) is also an eligible project covered by the Habitat for Humanity of Grant County’s Critical Repair Program. This program helps low-income homeowners with much-needed key home repairs so that they can continue to live in a safe and decent home.

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 Indiana Department of Housing, visit the state’s official site, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with the or 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:

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 Indiana can be found at their site:  

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

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. Indiana 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.

The City of Gary uses Community Development Block Grant funds to administer multiple programs and assists very low and low to moderate-income owners/occupants in bringing their homes up to an acceptable standard code. Both, their Housing Repair Program and Emergency Repair Program offer funds to repair or replace hazardous electrical. The City of Bloomington administers an Emergency Repair Program that offers grants of up to $7,500.00 is available for addressing electrical issues. The City of Chicago administers the Residential Repair Program to help low and moderate-income homeowners with their electrical systems. Smaller towns like Cicero have programs to help their residents in need. The Helping Hand: A Home Repair Program for Local Residents is a program that can help the town’s residents 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, organizations like the Indiana Department of Housing, visit the state’s official site, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with the or Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together in your area.

What is the Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program?

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority has re-opened its Hardest Hit Fund, which provides assistance to families who are at risk of foreclosure. HHF is a mortgage assistance payment program; the program can provide up to $30,000.00 to eligible Indiana homeowners who are struggling to pay their mortgage. 

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.

Cities like Indianapolis also have a Rental Assistance Program to help people impacted economically by Covid-19. This assistance is available to Marion County renters only. Households at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) that have experienced a reduction in earned income and are at risk of housing instability are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to households below 50% AMI or who have been unemployed for 90 days or longer at the time of application.

What is a request for mortgage assistance?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who can get a home improvement grant?

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

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

These grant programs are primarily directed at very low and low-income homeowners who might not be approved by a bank for funding. Eligibility requirements vary by the grant. For the most part, grants will have requirements depending on the homeowner’s income, their location, and the projects the money can be used on. To search or apply for grants, use the free, official website, Grants.gov. Determining your eligibility for federal grants is an important first step in the federal grant application process. Contact the HUD office, organizations like the Indiana Department of Housing, visit the state’s official site, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with the or Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together in your area.

 

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