There are many ways homeowners can get grants in Massachusetts. Below we have included resources and brief overviews of grants we found attractive for Massachusetts homeowners.
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How can I get a home improvement grant in Massachusetts?
Home improvement or home repair grants and loans in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Boston, https://www.hud.gov/states/massachusetts/offices, or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link: https://www.hud.gov/states/massachusetts/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 Massachusetts may also use their official state site and research available options for home improvement projects. https://www.mass.gov/service-details/hmlp-resources-and-links
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As a state, Massachusetts offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have over 20 offices in Massachusetts that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials. You can find and contact an office, and get informed on the programs they offer, as well as the documents and eligibility requirements:
If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, 2-1-1 Massachusetts is also a great place to start. 2-1-1 Massachusetts is a free, confidential service available to anyone and it is responsible in Massachusetts for the 211 helplines. This is a live telephone service available on a 24-hour basis to connect residents to a variety of human services or social services across the state. Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Massachusetts and you will reach a highly-trained information and referral specialist who will assess your needs and provide a list of referrals to available resources in your community. If you are unable to reach 2-1-1 due to your telephone or cell phone carrier, a toll-free number is available 1-877-211-MASS (6277). 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.
How can I get a solar grant in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts 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, Massachusetts 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. The average cost of a solar panel installation in Massachusetts ranges from $13,175.00 to $17,825.00. On a cost per watt ($/W) basis, a solar panel installation in Massachusetts ranges in price from $2.64 to $3.56. 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.
Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit is another reason for going solar in Massachusetts. Applicants can receive a 15% of the system cost as a credit against their state income tax, up to $1,000.00. Additionally, Massachusetts also has no sales or property taxes associated with your solar installation.
The Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target Program (SMART) also offers some great benefits to Massachusetts residents who install solar panels on their homes. This program provides per-kWh incentives to solar PV projects up to 5 MW. The program is capped at an aggregate of 1,600 MW, and incentives are available in Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil territories.
Mass Solar Loan Program provides eligible low-income homeowners with access to a low-interest loan to finance a PV system. This program is administered in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC).
Solar Installation Property Tax Exemption means that the state of Massachusetts law provides that solar energy systems and wind energy systems used as a primary or auxiliary power system for heating or otherwise supplying the energy needs of taxable property are exempt from local property tax for 20 years.
Home Solar System Sales Tax Exemption is another benefit from going solar into the state of Massachusetts. When you purchase a new solar system in Massachusetts, you won’t pay any sales tax. The exemption is for 100% of the sales tax of your new home solar project, saving you up to 6.25%.
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. Although getting a grant that will completely cover all of your debt is NOT available, there are still several other options in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts you may contact:
You can also try and reduce your debt by applying online for debt counseling services at InCharge.org, a non-profit organization. This organization has a debt management program that works directly with creditors to consolidate your debt through the method of combining multiple debts into one monthly payment, 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 Massachusetts impacted by the Covid-19 crisis may also use these programs. Many utility companies in Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers three types of assistance: bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, and weatherization and energy-related home repairs. LIHEAP eligibility is limited to once in 12 months. Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member, 18 years of age or older. Household income cannot exceed 60% of the estimated State Median Income. Find your local provider on the following link if you are interested and eligible for this program:
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. Apply at the following link: https://www.checklifeline.org/lifeline.
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is available to any Massachusetts resident who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot pay their monthly bills. The applicant’s income must fall between 60 and 80 percent of the state’s median income levels. This fund provides modest payments to help people pay their gas, electric, and oil bills. You may apply for assistance by directly contacting your local Salvation Army Corps Community Center or Service Extension Unit: http://www.magoodneighbor.org/assistance.html.
Residents of Massachusetts may also receive financial assistance through Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC). These benefits include monthly cash payments to help applicants pay for necessities like housing, utilities, and clothing. They are administered through the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). Apply for these funds at the link below:
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. Massachusetts offers property tax relief programs for the permanent residence of qualified homeowners, including senior citizens, people with disabilities, and veterans.
Massachusetts Property Tax Relief For Seniors is available to residents who are at least 65 years old, living in Massachusetts for the last ten years, and owning/occupying the property for the last five. They may qualify for a $1000.00 tax credit. The income requirements for this program if single are $23,718.00 per year and assets not over $40,000. If you are married the income requirement is less than $35,578.00 and assets not above $55,000.00. Property Tax Exemptions are also available to veterans and their spouses, and people who are legally blind. Use the application below if you are eligible for this tax relief:
The Hardship Exemption is also available to Massachusettsans in need. It is only applicable for 3 years and each application must be approved annually by the Board of Assessors. This is a deferral for people experiencing financial hardship because of their age, infirmity, and financial condition.
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, home modification, 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 official site of the state, 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is designed to help residents of Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts. Eligibility is also based on a maximum gross annual income not to exceed 60% of the Estimated State Median Income. The services are for low-income households, particularly for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. The program is funded by an annual grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and administered by a network of local agencies. To find your local agency, use the link: https://hedfuel.azurewebsites.net/.
If you are living in a rural area in Massachusetts 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 city in Massachusetts offers a similar home improvement grant or zero-interest loan program to help its low and moderate-income homeowners. The City of Brockton administers the Brockton Redevelopment Authority (BRA) to help low- and moderate-income households and areas of Brockton. This agency operates the Homeowner Rehab Program that provides financial assistance for projects such as windows repair and replacement. The City of Framingham operates a Housing Rehabilitation Program that assists qualified low and moderate-income property owners in making necessary repairs. A Home Improvement Program is also available to City of Pittsfield residents. Grants and low-interest loans can be used for code-related home improvements such as window repairs 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 official site of the state, 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 and bigger cities in Massachusetts offer some sort of support to their low and moderate-income residents. The City of Gloucester administers the Housing Rehabilitation Program and offers deferred payment, 0% interest loans. The City of Leominster also offers a 0% deferred payment loan to make necessary home improvements. The funds from this Housing Rehabilitation Program are primarily used to repair/replace substandard or failing housing conditions like damaged flooring. West Springfield low-income residents may use the Housing Rehabilitation Program funds, and Taunton residents have Rehabilitation Assistance, a non-forgivable, 0% interest, no monthly payment loan.
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 official site of the state, 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts Care Planning Council and get informed on the ways you can get help: https://www.caremassachusetts.org/list10_MA_Aging_Services_senior_centers.htm
Massachusetts Property Tax Relief For Seniors is available to residents who are at least 65 years old, living in Massachusetts for the last ten years, and owning/occupying the property for the last five. They may qualify for a $1000.00 tax credit. The income requirements for this program if single are $23,718.00 per year and assets not over $40,000. If you are married the income requirement is less than $35,578.00 and assets not over $55,000.00. Property Tax Exemptions are also available to veterans and their spouses, and people who are legally blind. Use the application below if you are eligible for this tax relief:
The City of Boston helps its low-income senior residents through the Department of Neighborhood Development. The Senior Home Repair Program provides a 0% interest, deferred payment home repair loan to residents age 62 and older who earn less than 80% of the area median income. These funds can be used in repairs including replacing a heating system, porch, or roof, fixing broken windows, updating a bathroom or a kitchen, exterior painting, and more. The City also offers a Seniors Save Program. This program offers an $8,000.00 grant to help eligible homeowners replace their aging heating systems. There is also a 0% interest deferred loan for the balance of the replacement. Fill out the application at the following link if you need such programs:
The City of Leominster offers an Elder Safety Program to help senior homeowners and renters over 62 years of age with safety issues at their homes. Eligible repairs include safety grab bars, shower seats, raised toiler seats, non-slip mats, and more.
Seniors living in a rural area in Massachusetts 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.
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 Massachusetts. 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.
If you or a household member is disabled or an elder, the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) can provide a loan so you can make needed adaptations or modifications to your home. This is a state-funded program that offers from $1,000.00 to $50,000.00 to eligible homeowners. HMLP also lends assistance from $1,000 to $30,000 to owners of manufactured or mobile homes. All borrowers are eligible for a 0% interest, deferred payment loan. The loan will not require monthly payment and payment is required when the property is sold or has its title transferred. Eligible projects funded through this program include ramps and lifts, hardwired alarm systems, fencing, sensory spaces, accessory dwelling units, as well as accessible bathrooms and kitchens.
The City of Boston helps its low-income residents through the Department of Neighborhood Development. The HomeWorks Home Equity Loan Program (HomeWorks HELP) provides eligible homeowners with a 0% interest rate, deferred payment home repair loan. Fill out the application at the following link if you need such a program:
The City of Brockton administers the Brockton Redevelopment Authority (BRA) to help low- and moderate-income households and areas of Brockton. This agency operates the Homeowner Rehab Program that provides financial assistance to owner-occupied single-family or owner-occupied two-family low-income homeowners to perform necessary home repairs and improvements. Financial assistance is offered in the form of a 0% interest, deferred payment loan, that is payable when the property is sold, transferred, or refinanced. Eligible repairs include roofing, chimney, electrical, plumbing, floors, windows, doors, foundation, and more. If you are interested in applying for the program fill out the pre-application at the link below:
The City of Cambridge also offers a Home Improvement Program (HIP) and provides low-interest and deferred payment home improvement loans. These funds can be used to address code violations or make needed upgrades.
The City of Framingham operates a Housing Rehabilitation Program that assists qualified low and moderate-income property owners in making necessary repairs, such as correction of hazardous conditions, correction of building code violations, repair or replacement of walls, ceilings, windows, and doors, electrical and plumbing repairs, repairing roofs, siding, and gutters, handicap access ramps, and decks, etc. Financial assistance is available in the form of deferred payment, no-interest loans to low-income owner-occupants.
Low-income residents of Gardner may use funds from the Housing Rehabilitation Program to cover the cost of their home improvement projects. To be qualified for this program applicants must meet the income guidelines. These funds may be used in repairs on doors, windows, wiring, roof, and more. Fill out the application at the following link if you require such a program:
http://www.gardner-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/422/Housing-Rehab-Application-For-Property-Owner-PDF.
The City of Gloucester offers deferred payment, 0% interest loans using funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. This Housing Rehabilitation Program can only be used in emergency repairs, building/health code violation repairs, and/or other repairs to improve the homes’ safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency.
The City of Haverhill also uses CDBG funds to administer a Housing Rehabilitation and Code Correction Program (HRCCP). This program helps eligible homeowners make necessary code/energy efficiency improvements to existing residential properties in targeted low and moderate-income neighborhoods. The applicant’s total household annual income must be at or below 80% of median income. Assistance is in the form of a 0% deferred payment loan, payable only if the property is sold or transferred, or ceases to be the applicant’s principal residence. There are no monthly payments. Eligible repairs include repair/upgrade of substandard electrical systems and fixtures, replacement of defective plumbing systems, roof replacements, replacement of private water/sewage systems, etc.
The City of Leominster offers a 0% deferred payment loan to make necessary home improvements. The funds from this Housing Rehabilitation Program are primarily used to repair/replace substandard or failing housing conditions and make energy efficiency improvements. Improvements can include, repairing or replacing a roof, windows, doors, water heater, furnace, flooring, plumbing, electrical and more. Monthly payments are not required and the loan does not need to be paid back until there is a transfer of title. The loan is immediately due and payable if the home is sold, ownership is transferred, and the homeowner fails to occupy the property, or fails to pay property taxes or property insurance. Loans are secured by a mortgage on the property.
The City of Marlborough also operates a Critical Home Repair Program to help income-eligible homeowners with their critical home repairs such as roof, deck, bathroom, and kitchen repair and replacement projects.
A Home Improvement Program is also available to City of Pittsfield residents. Grants and low-interest loans can be used for code-related home improvements such as correction of buildings state sanitary code violations. Eligible repairs include plumbing, electrical, repair of sewer lines, lead paint removal, new roofs and furnaces, vinyl siding and windows, porches, interior finish work. The City also administers a Resident Handicapped Accessible Ramp Program that provides grants to income-eligible homeowners and tenants for the construction of exterior wheelchair ramps, and a Lead Abatement Program.
Salisbury low-income residents may use funds from the Housing Rehabilitation Program and get housing rehab grants and loans for up to $30,000.00. Units with lead or septic replacement/sewer tie-in issues can receive up to $35,000.00. To be placed on this program’s waiting list, applicants may fill out the pre-application on the link below:
Rehabilitation Assistance is also available to Taunton residents. This program offers income-eligible homeowners a non-forgivable, 0% interest, no monthly payment loan, due and payable when the property is sold, transferred, or otherwise encumbered. All loans are secured by a mortgage against the subject property. Eligible repairs include health and safety issues, major code violations, energy upgrades, door/windows replacements, roofing, siding, and more.
The City of Somerville uses funds from HUD to operate a Housing Rehabilitation Program. Funding is offered in the form of 0% interest, deferred payment loans, payable when the property is sold or transferred. These funds have a maximum amount of up to $25,000.00 per unit without lead abatement and $50,000.00 with lead abatement or with a current certificate of deleading compliance. Eligible repairs include kitchen and bathroom repairs, roofs, siding, painting, plumbing, electrical, flooring, windows, and more. The City also offers a 0% interest, 3-year forgivable loan of up to $10,000.00 to homeowners wanting to replace their old or damaged heating systems. Use the application at the link below for any of these programs:
West Springfield low-income residents may use the Housing Rehabilitation Program funds to address code violations and accessibility upgrades. Eligible repairs include roofs, chimneys, floors, insulation, foundation, electrical system, plumbing system, lead paint removal, etc.
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 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 Massachusetts, have different programs available to help their low and moderate-income residents. For convenience, search and apply for Massachusetts 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, visit the official site of the state, 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 Massachusetts. 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.
Do your research and see if you meet some of the documents and eligibility requirements. For convenience, search and apply for Massachusetts 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 Boston, https://www.hud.gov/states/massachusetts/offices, or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link: https://www.hud.gov/states/massachusetts/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 Massachusetts may also use their official state site and research available options for home improvement projects. https://www.mass.gov/service-details/hmlp-resources-and-links
As a state, Massachusetts offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have over 20 offices in Massachusetts that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials. You can find and contact an office, and get informed on the programs they offer, as well as the documents and eligibility requirements:
If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, 2-1-1 Massachusetts is also a great place to start. 2-1-1 Massachusetts is a free, confidential service available to anyone and it is responsible in Massachusetts for the 211 helplines. If you are unable to reach 2-1-1 due to your telephone or cell phone carrier, a toll-free number is available 1-877-211-MASS (6277). https://mass211.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, Massachusetts offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Massachusetts 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 Homeowner Rehab Program, administered by the city of Boston. The City of Cambridge also offers a Home Improvement Program (HIP) and provides low-interest and deferred payment home improvement loans. These funds can be used to address code violations such as damaged roofs. The City of Framingham offers a Housing Rehabilitation Program that assists qualified low and moderate-income property owners in making necessary repairs, such as repairing roofs. A Home Improvement Program is also available to City of Pittsfield residents. Grants and low-interest loans can be used for code-related home improvements such as new roofs. Salisbury low-income residents may use funds from the Housing Rehabilitation Program and get housing rehab grants and loans for up to $30,000.00.
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 official site of the state, 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 anywhere in the US, 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 Massachusetts can be found at their site:
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also funds an Emergency Homeowners Loan Program or EHLP, that provides mortgage help and loans to those homeowners who may be facing foreclosure due to a drop in household income from a job loss, underemployment, or reduction in working hours, involuntary unemployment, or a medical condition or emergency.
To qualify for this program you must fit certain criteria such as:
- You must be at least three months behind on 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 its cost. There are several options in which you can get financial aid from federal and state agencies for rewiring your house. Some of these funds can only be used in electrical system repairs and upgrades, others include a new rewiring of your home.
Massachusetts 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 programs are usually administered at a local level by governments and agencies. They cover the costs of the rewiring projects, which include labor expenses, equipment, and supply purchases.
Every city in Massachusetts offers a similar home improvement grant or zero-interest loan program to help its low and moderate-income homeowners. The City of Boston helps its residents through its HomeWorks Home Equity Loan Program (HomeWorks HELP) and provides eligible homeowners with a 0% interest rate, deferred payment home repair loan. The City of Brockton operates the Homeowner Rehab Program that provides financial assistance in the form of a 0% interest, deferred payment loan. Low-income residents of Gardner may use funds from the Housing Rehabilitation Program to cover the cost of their wiring. A Home Improvement Program is also available to City of Pittsfield residents. Grants and low-interest loans can be used for code-related home improvements such as a damaged electrical system.
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 official site of the state, 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 Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offers programs that can assist low-income households impacted by the Covid 19 crisis with paying their rent or mortgage. The Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program (ERMA) is available for households within the 50-80% range of Area Median Income. ERMA may provide up to $10,000.00 for eligible households to assist with rent or mortgage arrears accrued after April 1, 2020, and/or with upcoming rent or mortgage payments. The program is funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security CARES Act. If you think you might qualify for mortgage assistance from the ERMA program, contact one of the agencies that administer 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.
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?
Very low, 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 home improvement grants, funds are available to help homeowners renovate their homes and bring them up to health and safety standards. You can apply to these federal, state, or local grants and loans, charities, community agencies, and nonprofit organizations and get the help you need.
The biggest part of the eligibility 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 official site of the state, call 2-1-1- or get in touch with the or Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together in your area.