Below you will find many resources for homeowners who are looking for a grant in Maryland.

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How can I get a home improvement grant in Maryland?

Home improvement or home repair grants and loans in Maryland 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 if you are in need of such funds.

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

As a state, Maryland offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have over 10  offices in Maryland 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: 

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 California Home Improvement Programs
https://www.habitat.org/local/affiliate-by-state?state=MD.

Rebuilding Together is another non-profit organization that offers free services to low-income residents. This organization has affiliates in every Maryland county. https://rebuildingtogether.org/.

If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, 2-1-1 Maryland is also a great place to start. 2-1-1 Maryland is a free, confidential service available to anyone and it is responsible in Maryland 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://211md.org/

How can I get a solar grant in Maryland?

Maryland has lots of sunshine and laws that are favorable for solar power. Electricity rates in Maryland have increased by at least 78% since 2002, which is why many homes and businesses in this state start getting their power by solar panels. Maryland 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, Maryland 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. As of August 2021, the average solar panel cost in Maryland is $2.84/W. Given a solar panel system size of 5 kilowatts (kW), an average solar installation in Maryland ranges in cost from $12,070.00 to $16,330.00, with the average gross price for solar in Maryland coming in at $14,200.00.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.

Maryland’s Residential Clean Energy Grant Program offers $1,000.00 grants for homeowners. To encourage and help Maryland homeowners invest in clean energy, the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) provides grants for solar photovoltaic systems, solar water heating, geothermal heating & cooling, and wind turbine systems.

Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC) are also available to Maryland residents that decide to go solar. Homeowners and commercial property owners can get credit on their electric bills for excess solar energy. The energy is added back to the grid, where it is available for use by other utility customers. For example, credits generated during the summer can offset higher electric bills during the winter months.  

Maryland also has a Sales Tax and a Property Tax Exemption for solar power property (both commercial and residential) exempting the property from the otherwise applicable state tax. Maryland also provides for a state income tax credit for green buildings as well as a solar rebate of up to $10,000.00. When you purchase and install a new solar panel or solar hot water system in your home in Maryland, you won’t pay any state or local property taxes. When you purchase a new solar panel system in Maryland, you won’t pay any state sales and use tax. The exemption is for 100% of the sales tax on eligible equipment that uses solar energy to heat or cool a home, create electricity, or provide hot water. 

FY22 Community Solar LMI-PPA Grant Program provides funding to Community Solar Subscriber Organizations to offset costs associated with Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and enable clean energy to be offered to low to moderate-income households at lower costs. 

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 Maryland 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 Maryland you may contact:

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

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.

Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit is available to Maryland taxpayers who maintain Maryland residency for the 2021 tax year. Eligible applicants are all Maryland taxpayers who have incurred at least $20,000.00 in undergraduate and/or graduate student loan debt and have at least $5,000.00 in outstanding student loan debt at the time of applying for the tax credit. The credit can be worth up to $5,000.00, but most people receive about $1,000.00. With that money saved on your Maryland taxes, you must use the credited amount to pay down your student loan debts in either a one-time payment or through monthly payments during the two-year period after the credit has been awarded.

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 Maryland impacted by the Covid-19 crisis may also use these programs. Many utility companies in Maryland 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 Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) 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. This program is nationally known as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). MEAP 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://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/.

The Maryland Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) – known as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is another program available in Maryland. 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.

The Maryland American Water Hardship Program, which is administered by Dollar Energy Fund, assists eligible utility customers with their water bills. Customers may receive a one-time grant applied directly to their utility bills. Funds are dispersed on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants while funding is available. The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $200.00. Total gross household income for Maryland American Water customers must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. 

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

Are there tax grants for homeowners?

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

The State of Maryland has developed a program that allows credits against the homeowner’s property tax bill if the property taxes exceed a fixed percentage of the person’s gross income. The Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit Program is administered by the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). The tax credit is based upon the amount by which the property taxes exceed a percentage of your income according to the following formula: 0% of the first $8,000.00 of the combined household income; 4% of the next $4,000.00 of income; 6.5% of the next $4,000.00 of income; and 9% of all income above $16,000.00. https://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/Documents/2021-HTC-Application.pdf

Senior Tax Credit is available in some Maryland counties as part of the State Homeowner Tax Credit Program. The Senior Tax Credit is available to homeowners at least 65 for whom the property is their principal residence.

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 or the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, 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 Maryland 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 Maryland Weatherization Assistance Program is designed to help residents of Maryland 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. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is 100% federally funded through a grant from the Federal Department of Energy. To be eligible for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Maryland. The services are for low-income households, particularly for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. The program is available to both homeowners and renters and is administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through a network of Local Weatherizations Agencies (LWAs). To find your local agency, use the link:

https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Documents/wap/LocalWeatherizationAgencies(LWA)%20Contacts_2020.pdf.

If you are living in a rural area in Maryland 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 in the state of Maryland has a program that assists its low-income residents. Repairing and replacing windows can be covered by the Maryland WholeHome Program and the Housing Rehabilitation Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Howard County residents may use the Reinvest, Renovate, Restore, or RRR Program to cover the cost of their window repair or replacement. Cities like Annapolis also offer Housing Rehabilitation Programs to assist their low-income residents with their home improvement projects. Homeowners living in Hagerstown may receive grants through the Emergency Repair Program, and Rockville residents may use the Single Family Rehabilitation Program. Bowie is another city in the state of Maryland that administers a Single Family Housing Rehabilitation Program which provides financial assistance to income-eligible homeowners. 

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 or the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, 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 Maryland 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 Maryland 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 bigger counties and cities in the state of Maryland offer financial assistance in the form of grants or zero-interest loans to their residents in need. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development administers the Maryland WholeHome Program and the Housing Rehabilitation Program to assist in the rehabilitation of owner-occupied single homes. Howard County residents may use the Reinvest, Renovate, Restore, or RRR Program, and Frederick County can get funds from the Emergency Housing Rehabilitation Program and the Senior Housing Rehabilitation Grant Program. Cities like Bowie administer the Single Family Housing Rehabilitation Program, and the City of Annapolis uses funds from the Community Development Block Grant Program or CDBG to administer a Housing Rehabilitation Program.

If you need such programs to repair or replace your flooring, as well as to address foundation repairs, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. Contact the HUD office or the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, 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 Maryland 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 Maryland Department of Aging (MDoA) and the statewide network of 19 Area Agencies on Aging assist older Marylanders with a range of services and sources of information. Each local agency establishes a series of programs with the funds they have been granted. Any senior resident of Maryland aged 60 and above is eligible to receive some sort of assistance under the Older Americans Act. 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. Visit the official site of the state of Maryland and get informed on the ways you can get help: 

https://aging.maryland.gov/SiteAssets/Pages/area-agencies-on-aging/Area%20Agency%20on%20Aging%20(AAA)%20List%20in%20PDF.pdf

The Maryland Accessible Homes for Seniors is a statewide program offered to low-income elderly individuals that makes improvements to one’s home to increase accessibility. This program provides eligible senior applicants with a deferred payment loan of 30 years. This is essentially a second mortgage at zero percent interest with no monthly payments. Repayment of the loan is due at the sale or transfer of ownership of the home or when the loan recipient moves from the home. Eligibility requirements include the applicant being a Maryland resident with at least one resident age 55 or older. Financial requirements state that income can be no greater than 80% of the Maryland median or 80% of the Washington, D.C. MSA median. Eligible improvements include the addition of exterior ramps or stairlifts, widening of doorways, bathroom modifications, the addition of a first-floor bedroom or bathroom, and more. If an applicant is not eligible for a loan, a grant of up to $25,000.00 may be available. Use the application at the following link if you are in need and eligible for such a program:

https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Documents/ahsp/ahsp_application.pdf

The Frederick County administers the Senior Housing Rehabilitation Grant Program and provides grants up to $15,000.00 to very low-income senior homeowners to make emergency home repairs, to correct substandard conditions and code violations, to install indoor plumbing, or make other accessible, health, and safety modifications to be able to remain in the home for a longer period of time. 

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 Maryland. 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. 

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development offers the Maryland WholeHome Program and provides low-interest rate loans and grants. These funds may be used for plumbing and septic repairs, roof repair and replacement, correct building violations, address structural or maintenance issues, install accessibility aids such as hand railings, ramps, grab bars, wider doorways, and more. 

This department also administers the Housing Rehabilitation Program. The funds from this program may be used to assist in the rehabilitation of owner-occupied single-family homes and, if funds are available, rental housing with one to four units​. Interest rates range from 0% to 6% and are based on the applicant’s ability to pay. Loans have interest rates based on the income of tenants served and projected income available to repay the loan. Generally, the maximum loan is 110 percent of the value of the property. Loans in excess of $5,000.00 or with deferred payments are secured by a mortgage. The maximum loan term is 30 years. Use the application at the following link to apply for this program:

https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Documents/mhrp-sf_application.pdf

Prince George’s County administers the Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Program and provides low-income residents with funds for addressing code violations at their homes. Home improvement loans up to $60,000.00 can be used for removing health hazards, safety and code compliance repairs, improving energy efficiency, and ADA-related improvements. Although this program has committed all funds for 2018-2020, you can still be notified if additional funding becomes available.

Howard County residents may use the Reinvest, Renovate, Restore, or RRR Program. The applicants must be homeowners in Howard County and live in the home as their primary residence. Their household income may not exceed 80% of Howard County Area Median Income adjusted for family size.  All property taxes, homeowner’s insurance premiums, and outstanding home mortgages must be current. Eligible repairs include but are not limited to heating and air systems, electrical wiring, plumbing, roofs, windows, doors, painting, and landscaping. The Howard County Housing Department also administers the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program (MHRP) and the Maryland Whole Home program to County homeowners on behalf of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

The Frederick County administers the Emergency Housing Rehabilitation Program and provides zero-interest, deferred loans up to $15,000.00 for emergency repairs. These funds may be used by homeowners to make emergency home repairs to correct substandard conditions and code violations, to install indoor plumbing, or make other accessible, health, and safety modifications. The City also administers the Senior Housing Rehabilitation Grant Program and provides grants to very low income senior homeowners. 

Talbot County has many programs to help eligible homeowners with repairs and rehabilitation of their homes. Eligible repairs include installing a new roof, replacing a heating and air conditioning system, upgrading an electrical and plumbing system, energy efficiency, corrections to health, safety, and other code violations, as well as home modifications for people with disabilities. 

Home rehabilitation projects are also covered by the Worcester County Housing Rehabilitation Program. This program provides grant and loan funding to both owner-occupied and rental properties for general rehabilitation and lead paint removal services. 

The City of Annapolis uses funds from the Community Development Block Grant Program or CDBG to administer a Housing Rehabilitation Program. The maximum expenditure per household is $30,000.00. Eligible repairs include roof replacement, plumbing and electrical upgrades, furnace replacement, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, and more. Apply at the following link: 

https://www.annapolis.gov/DocumentCenter/View/586/Property-Rehabilitation-Program-Application-PDF?bidId=

Homeowners living in Hagerstown may use funds from the Emergency Repair Program for a grant of up to $5,000.00. The City also administers a Down-Payment and Rehabilitation Program and provides funds up to $7,500.00 to apply towards the down payment and/or closing costs, select home rehabilitation in conjunction with the purchase, or a combination of both.

The City of Rockville has a Single Family Rehabilitation Program to assist income-eligible homeowners with their home improvements. This program offers no interest, forgivable loans available to low-to-moderate income homeowners for necessary repairs to their homes. A lien is placed on the property, forgiven over a five-year period at a rate of 20% per year. Typical repairs include roof replacement, plumbing and electrical upgrades, furnace replacement, and kitchen and bathroom rehabilitation. 

Bowie is another city in the state of Maryland that administers a Single Family Housing Rehabilitation Program which provides financial assistance to income-eligible homeowners. Eligible improvements for this program are roofing, siding, insulation, windows, doors, HVAC systems, plumbing system repairs, electrical upgrades, and more. The maximum grant funding per household is $10,000.00. Although this program currently has no available funds, you can still be notified if additional funding becomes available.

Arundel Community Development Services, Inc. (ACDS) is a non-profit organization that helps Anne Arundel County, South Baltimore City, and City of Annapolis homeowners through the Property Rehabilitation Program. This program offers low or zero-interest loans (usually with no payments), available to owner-occupants with a household income at or below 80% of the area median income. Eligible properties include townhouses, single-family detached homes, and/or condominiums. Funds up to $40,000.00 may be used for the installation of new roofs, heating and ventilation systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, and addressing other code violations. Other eligible repairs may include replacing windows and exterior doors, replacing defective plumbing and electricity, replacing deteriorated flooring, removing peeling paint, and other health, safety, or code-related work. Start by filling out the pr-application at the following link:  https://acdsinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Property-Rehab.-Pre-App.pdf.

This organization also administers the Property Repair Program. These funds can only be used to repair health, safety, and/or housing code deficiencies identified by an ACDS Construction Specialist. 

Another non-profit organization, Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland, can help residents in need through their Home Repair Program. This program provides help to owner-occupied homes. Homeowners with a household income of 0 to 30% of Area Median Income pay 1% of project cost, and the ones with an income of 30% to 80% of Area Median Income pay 5% of project cost (Min. $125). Eligible improvements include roof repair and replacement, water heater replacement, porch repair and replacement, minor electrical repairs, and more.

What are the easiest homeowner grants to get?

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

Populated states, like Maryland, have different programs available to help their low and moderate-income residents. For convenience, search and apply for Maryland 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, start with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development or do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. Contact the HUD office or the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, 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. The process until applicants are approved can be long and requires providing a large amount of 100% accurate information. Income limitations are one of the most important factors when applying. There is a reason these funds are only available to people meeting all the required criteria. They are here to help people in need live in homes without code violations and health and safety hazards.

Can I get a grant to renovate my house?

There are plenty of available home renovation grants in the state of Maryland. 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 Maryland home repair grants online. You can also start by visiting or contacting your U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD’s official office, found in the city of Baltimore https://www.hud.gov/states/maryland/offices, or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link: https://www.hud.gov/states/maryland/homeownership/homerepairs. HUD provides federal assistance to local administrations and organizations, such as the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) or the HOME Investment Partnership Program. 

As a state, Maryland offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have over 10  offices in Maryland 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=MD.

Rebuilding Together is another non-profit organization that offers free services to low-income residents. This organization has affiliates in every Maryland county. https://rebuildingtogether.org/.

If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, 2-1-1 Maryland is also a great place to start. 2-1-1 Maryland is a free, confidential service available to anyone and it is responsible in Maryland 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://211md.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, Maryland offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Maryland 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 Maryland WholeHome Program, as well as the Housing Rehabilitation Program, both administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Frederic County residents may use the Emergency Housing Rehabilitation Program and get up to $15,000.00 in zero-interest, deferred loans. The City also administers the Senior Housing Rehabilitation Grant Program and provides grants to very low income senior homeowners. Roof repair and replacement are eligible projects that can be covered by the Housing Rehabilitation Program, administered by the City of Annapolis.  Low-income residents of Rockville may use the Single Family Rehabilitation Program, and Bowie residents have the Single Family Housing Rehabilitation Program.  

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 or the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, 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 Maryland can be found at their site:  

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

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. Maryland 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.

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development offers the Maryland WholeHome Program and the Housing Rehabilitation Program that help low-income residents with their electrical system repairs or replacements. Electrical wiring is also an eligible project that can be covered by the Reinvest, Renovate, Restore, or RRR Program, administered in Howard County. Frederick County and Talbot County also have home improvement programs that help their residents with addressing code violations at their homes. The City of Annapolis has the Housing Rehabilitation Program and residents of Hagerstown may use the Emergency Repairs Program.

If you are in need and eligible for such programs to partially or completely cover the cost of your electrical system upgrade, repair, or replacement, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements and see if you qualify. Contact the HUD office or the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, 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?

Maryland Home Owners Preserving Equity (HOPE) Initiative can help you save your home. The agency works with housing counselors at nonprofits throughout the state. Homeowners that are unable to pay their mortgage can call Maryland HOPE Hotline 1-877-467-7555 and  

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. The FHA has set a deadline of Sept. 30, 2021, to apply for initial COVID-19 forbearance. You can request an initial six months of forbearance and may have the possibility of extending the term depending on when you entered forbearance. 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.

Mortgage assistance is also available to future homebuyers to help with down payment and settlement costs. Arundel Community Development Services Inc. is a non-profit organization that offers Anne Arundel County residents deferred loans up to $20,000.00 to first-time homebuyers who do not exceed the income limits. The funds available through this Mortgage Assistance Program may be used as needed for closing costs, down payment assistance, and/or mortgage write-downs. The terms are very favorable and offered at zero percent (0%) interest with no monthly payments. Loans are due and payable upon sale, transfer of property when the property ceases to become a primary residence, or in 30 years, whichever comes first. The maximum sales price is $314,000.00 for existing homes and $388,000.00 for new construction.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP), which provides 30-year fixed-rate home loans to eligible homebuyers purchasing in Maryland. Homebuyers that are eligible for a Maryland Mortgage Program home loan are also eligible for a down payment assistance loan of up to $5,000. Through the Community Partners Incentive Program (CPIP) MMP will match our Homebuyer Assistance Program up to a maximum of $2,500.00 when the homebuyer uses the State’s Maryland Mortgage Program loan to purchase their home. For this and more similar programs visit the following link:

What is a request for mortgage assistance?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who can get a home improvement grant?

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

The biggest part of the eligibility to these programs is the household income. Assistance will usually be provided to families or individuals who are living in occupied single-family homes, or mobile homes and whose combined total household annual income does not exceed certain income thresholds. Every program has different criteria and provides different amounts of funding. By law, these rules must not discriminate against you because of your age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. 
These grant programs are primarily directed at very low and low-income homeowners who might not be approved by a bank for funding. Eligibility requirements vary by the grant. For the most part, grants will have requirements depending on the homeowner’s income, their location, and the projects the money can be used on. To search or apply for grants, use the free, official website, Grants.gov. Determining your eligibility for federal grants is an important first step in the federal grant application process. Contact the HUD office or the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, 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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