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How can I get a home improvement grant in Michigan?
Home improvement or home repair grants and loans in Michigan, 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.
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For convenience, search and apply for Michigan home repair grants online. You can start by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office https://www.hud.gov/states/michigan/offices or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link:
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, Michigan offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have affiliate offices all over Michigan that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials. You can find and contact your local office, and get informed on the programs they offer, as well as the documents and eligibility requirements. https://www.habitat.org/local/affiliate-by-state?state=MI.
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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.
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If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Michigan 211 is also a great place to start. This is a free, 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://www.mi211.org/.
How can I get a solar grant in Michigan?
Michigan 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, Michigan offers additional incentives for going solar, depending on where you live and who your utility company is.
The Residential Property Assessed Clean Energy Program, also known as R-PACE is a program that offers property owners 100% pre-funding for energy-saving upgrades. Homeowners repay the loans via a line item on their property tax bill and repayment responsibility transfers to the next owner if the home is sold.
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. Michigan’s average cost of a solar panel installation ranges from $13,302.00 to $17,998.00. 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.
Organizations like Michigan Saves offer Home Improvement Loans for an energy-modern home. Eligible projects include installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels among others.
How can I get a debt grant?
Although getting a grant that will completely cover all of your debt is NOT available, there are still several other options in Michigan 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 Michigan 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, the disabled, the unemployed, the underemployed, and others in need. Residents of Michigan impacted by the Covid-19 crisis may also use these programs. Many utility companies in Michigan also have programs to assist low-income customers. These programs may help you pay your utility bills or lower the amount of energy you use.
The State Emergency Relief Program (SER) provides help to people who need money quickly for an emergency. Some examples are to prevent an eviction, stop a utility shut off, or pay for a burial. Energy-related repairs have a lifetime maximum of $4,000.00 per SER group. Non-energy-related home repairs, including hot water heaters and septic systems for client-owned housing, have a lifetime maximum of $1,500.00 per SER group. Some examples of eligible home repairs include repairs to the basic structure, doors/windows, or roofs and replacement of a non-functioning furnace, hot water heater, or septic system. Energy-related repairs are limited to the repair/replacement of a non-functioning furnace.
Michigan Low Income Home Energy Assistance or LIHEAP is available to all low-income households who meet all the State Emergency Relief Program eligibility requirements. These eligibility requirements are based on income, residence, and the applicant’s use of social service programs. If you are having trouble paying your heating and electricity bills, this is the right program to apply: https://www.benefitsapplication.com/program_info/MI/LIHEAP
Temporary cash assistance is available to pregnant women and low-income families with minor children. Using MiBridges you may explore all your options in Michigan about getting help with your bills. You may register at MiBridges and apply online:
The Lifeline Assistance Program offers discounts on your communication bill. This program provides up to a $9.25 monthly discount on service for eligible low-income subscribers and up to $34.35 for those on Tribal lands.
The City of Lansing administers a Covid-19 Emergency Rental, Mortgage, and Utilities Assistance Program. This program offers financial help to its residents impacted by Covid-19. Applicants may receive up to $7,000.00 in grant support over a period of six consecutive months for past due or mortgage payments and up to $3,000.00 for past due utility payments. For more information call 517-332-4663, or email at assistance@capitalareahousing.org.
Oakland County Neighborhood & Housing Development Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Relief Program is available to Oakland County residents that have been affected by the Covid-19 crisis. This program is designed to assist low-income households whose gross household income is less than 80% of the Area Median Income. You may use the link below to apply:
Michigan residents who lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemics, may receive financial aid from the state. These Employee Assistance Grants are administered by the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation. These grants may be used by employees in bars, restaurants, casinos, golf courses, food trucks, nightclubs, theaters, hotels, motels. B&Bs, bowling alleys, banquet halls, etc. For eligibility questions, proof of impact, or proof of employment questions please contact the MRLAEF at grants@mrla.org or call 517-377-3938.
Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency also offers financial aid to Michigan residents through their Pandemic Unemployment Compensation or PUC or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation or PEUC. PEUC provides up to 53 weeks of additional unemployment benefits to qualified individuals who have exhausted all rights to regular unemployment benefits.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is also available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act). In Michigan, the weekly benefit amount will be from $160.00 to $362.00. Individuals who qualify for PUA are also eligible for an additional $600.00 per week in Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC).
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. Working families and individuals with low to moderate-income may be able to receive Michigan’s Earned Income Tax Credit. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax benefit for people who work full or part-time and have earned income under $56,844.00. To qualify, individuals must meet certain requirements and file a federal income tax return, even if no tax is owed or there is no requirement to file a return. If a federal EITC is granted, the state of Michigan will provide a 6% supplemental EITC when the taxpayer files his or her state income tax return.
Under the Michigan exemption system, each homeowner can exempt up to $40,475.00 of equity covered by the Homestead Exemption. If the homeowner is 65 or older, or is a person with a disability, the exemption will increase to $60,725.00.
The tax system in Michigan offers several advantages to senior citizens. In addition to their regular personal deduction of $2,900.00, persons 65 years or older are entitled to an additional exemption of $1,900.00 on their state income tax returns. The state of Michigan does not tax Social Security retirement benefits and has very moderate sales taxes.
A disabled veteran in the state of Michigan may receive a full property tax exemption on his/her primary residence if the veteran is 100% disabled as a result of service. This state also offers active military personnel a homestead tax credit, as well as a property tax relief.
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. 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 conservation, community upgrades, veteran or low-income family support for all residents.
For convenience, search and apply for Michigan home repair grants online. You can start by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office https://www.hud.gov/states/michigan/offices or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link:
Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have affiliate offices all over Michigan that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials. If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Michigan 211 is also a great place to start. https://www.mi211.org/.
How can I get a grant for windows?
Grants are available in Michigan 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.
Michigan low-income homeowners and renters may use the Michigan Weatherization Assistance Program, whose services include reducing home energy and lower utility bills. Eligibility is based on household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. To be eligible for this program, you must be a resident of Michigan and meet the income qualifications. 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 to $300.00 on your utility bills. For more information, call the Michigan Department of Human Services at 517-373-8896, or find your Weatherization Operator at the link below:
If you are living in a rural area in Michigan and anywhere in the US, getting help for repairing or replacing your windows is possible by the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504. 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.
As a state, Michigan offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. You can get help from your local Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, a non-profit organization. There are 50 affiliate offices in this state and they all provide help in rehabilitating and repairing homes of low-income families.
Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF) administers a Property Improvement Program (PIP) to income-eligible homeowners. Eligible repairs include projects like repairing and replacing windows. Loan amounts vary depending on the property type up to $25,000.00.
Almost all counties and major cities in the state of Michigan offer home improvement grants and zero-interest or deferred payment loans. Washtenaw County low-income residents may use financial aid from the Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program. Washtenaw residents may also use funds from the Emergency Repair Program. This program offers funding for urgent repairs up to $5,000.00 as a grant or $10,000.00 as a deferred payment loan. Getting help for window repair and replacement is also covered by the Home Improvement Program, administered by Oakland County, and offers interest-free loans of up to $18,000.00. Cities like Detroit offer a 0% Interest Home Repair Loan Program to low and moderate-income homeowners. Residents of Lansing may use the Homeowner Rehabilitation Program, which provides funds from $1,000.00 to $24,000.00. The cost of repairing defective windows and doors may also be covered by the Home Rehabilitation Program, administered by the City of Dearborn. Weatherization is also covered by the City of Livonia’s Home Improvement Loan Program.
If you are in need of 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. For convenience, search and apply for Michigan home repair grants online. You can start by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office https://www.hud.gov/states/michigan/offices or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link:
Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have affiliate offices all over Michigan that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials. If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Michigan 211 is also a great place to start. https://www.mi211.org/.
How can I get a grant for new flooring?
A home improvement flooring project is a complex and 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 Michigan 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 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 Michigan and anywhere in the US, getting help for repairing or replacing your flooring, as well as addressing foundation repairs is possible by the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504. 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.
As a state, Michigan offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. You can get help from your local Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, a non-profit organization. There are 50 affiliate offices in this state and they all provide help in rehabilitating and repairing homes of low-income families.
Almost all counties and major cities in the state of Michigan offer home improvement grants and zero-interest or deferred payment loans. Low and moderate residents of the City of Detroit may use the 0% Interest Home Repair Loan Program to partially or completely help with their cost of foundation repair and other structural repairs. Funds from $1,000.00 to $24,000.00 are also available to Lansing residents through the Homeowner Rehabilitation Program. The City of Dearborn also offers a Home Rehabilitation Program that helps its low-income residents.
If you are in need of such programs to repair or replace your flooring, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. For convenience, search and apply for Michigan home repair grants online. You can start by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office https://www.hud.gov/states/michigan/offices or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link:
Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have affiliate offices all over Michigan that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials. If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Michigan 211 is also a great place to start. https://www.mi211.org/.
Are there grants for the elderly?
Senior citizens living in Michigan 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 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 Michigan Department of Aging offers services and programs to assist older Michiganians. Most of these services are provided by the state’s Area Agencies on Aging.
If you are a Detroit low-income homeowner over the age of 62, or are over the age of 55, and receive Social Security Disability, you may use funds from the Senior Emergency Home Repair Program. One-time grants of up to $15,000.00 per household are available for qualified seniors to cover emergency repairs such as damaged and severely leaking pipes, electrical hazards, leaking roof, damaged floor areas, broken windows and doors, rotted steps, and porches, etc.
The Detroit Area on Aging offers home repair services through the state Medicaid MI choice waiver program or Integrated Care Organization’s MI Health Link Program. MI Choice waiver services include the home repair as well as caregiving services, nutrition, chore services, and non-emergency medical transportation. Home repair services, which may involve structural changes, offer permanent modification and/or renovation to extend the life of the home and/or prevent or remedy a substandard condition or safety hazard. This program offers eligible adults who meet income and asset criteria services like those provided by nursing homes.
Christmas in Action, a nonprofit organization, provides free repairs to low-income seniors in Wayne County. Safe At Home is Christmas in Action’s Emergency Repair team. These repairs are performed year-round but are limited to approximately $500.00 per project. Emergency repairs include gas leaks, electrical hazards, wheelchair ramps, heat and air issues, and accessibility issues.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides home repair grants to seniors aged 62 years of age or older. This program is called Section 504 or the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants. The senior can receive up to $7,500.00 to correct health and safety deficiencies on their properties. Seniors can also use a combination of a loan and grant, and receive up to $27,500.00. These funds may be used in all types of property improvements and modifications.
There are many programs in Michigan that offer help to seniors, federal, state, and local. You can start by searching the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development:
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 Michigan. You may be eligible for all kinds of federal, state, county, or city grant programs. There are also non-profit organizations and charities that help families in need, giving priority to low-income families with children, seniors, single parents, people with disabilities, and veterans.
If you are living in a rural area in Michigan 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. 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. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also offers a Section 502 Single Family Direct Loan Program to income-eligible applicants living in rural areas.
As a state, Michigan offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. You can get help from your local Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, a non-profit organization. There are 50 affiliate offices in this state and they all provide help in rehabilitating and repairing homes of low-income families.
Michigan State Housing Development Authority, through the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF), administers a Property Improvement Program (PIP) to income-eligible homeowners. Eligible repairs include projects like roofing, insulation, siding, windows, and doors, heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical, septic and sewer replacement, and more. Loan amounts vary depending on the property type up to $25,000.00.
State Emergency Relief assists with home repairs to correct unsafe conditions and restore essential services. Eligible home repairs may include the repair or replacement of a non-functioning furnace, hot water heaters, or septic systems. Energy-related repairs have a lifetime maximum of $4,000.00 per SER group. Non-energy-related home repairs, including hot water heaters and septic systems for client-owned housing, have a lifetime maximum of $1,500.00 per SER group. Some examples of eligible home repairs include repairs to the basic structure, doors/windows, or roofs and replacement of a non-functioning furnace, hot water heater, or septic system. Energy-related repairs are limited to the repair/replacement of a non-functioning furnace.
Neighborhood Impact Program (NIP), of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBI), provides grants up to $7,500.00 to assist homeowners in making repairs to their homes, including deferred maintenance. Homeowners must own and occupy a single-family home, condominium, or modular unit (plus duplexes, with certain restrictions) for at least six months prior to enrollment and be current on mortgage payments. Eligible projects include repair or replacement of existing windows, soffit and fascia, siding, roof, gutters, downspouts, caulking, exterior doors, weather stripping, attic and wall insulation, heating/furnace, ventilation, and air conditioning, well/septic/sewer, water heater, electrical, and more.
Washtenaw County has a couple of programs that provide financial aid to its low-income residents. Their Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program (which includes a Roof Replacement Program) can provide home improvements to low-income families with a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. Washtenaw residents may also use funds from the Emergency Repair Program. This program offers funding for urgent repairs up to $5,000.00 as a grant or $10,000.00 as a deferred payment loan. Emergency repair loans shall be in the form of a deferred, no-interest property lien that is forgiven at a rate of one-fifth per year for the five-year period after project completion. The Accessibility Ramp Program offers funding for the installation of exterior wheelchair ramps in order to improve the accessibility of a home. If interested, call 734-544-3008 for more information or to apply.
Oakland County also offers a Home Improvement Program. Low-income homeowners may receive interest-free loans of up to $18,000.00 to make needed home repairs, including barrier-free access and energy-saving upgrades. These funds may be used in electrical system repairs, plumbing system repairs, roof repair or replacement, windows, doors, wells, chimneys, insulation, etc. You may apply by filling out the form below:
Monroe County low-income residents may get financial help from one of its many grant programs, such as the Emergency Housing Rehab Program. This program offers qualifying homeowners with one rehabilitation project on their homes, such as roofing repair or replacement, furnace repair or replacement, well repair or replacement, and more.
The City of Detroit offers a 0% Interest Home Repair Loan Program to low and moderate-income homeowners with a credit score of at least 560. These funds may be used in home improvement projects such as electrical repairs, furnace, and HVAC replacements, roof replacement, windows and doors replacement, concrete repairs, plumbing system repairs, porches, foundations, and other structural repairs. You may apply by filling out the form below:
http://www.detroithomeloans.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Home-Repair-Loan-Intake-Form.pdf?12f517.
The City of Lansing also offers a Homeowner Rehabilitation Program and provides funds from $1,000.00 to $24.000.00. These funds may be used in home improvement projects such as the ones addressing code violations, reduction of lead paint hazards, repairs to improve energy efficiency, and more. To learn more about the program and the documents and eligibility requirements, call (517) 332-4663.
If you live within the city limit of Battle Creek, you may use funds from their Minor Home Repair Program. This program offers up to $5,000.00 for home repair projects and up to $15,000.00 for a new roof. Eligible repairs include an electrical system, steps and ramps, toilets and faucets, furnace or other heating systems, and more. For more information call 269-966-3315 ext 1524 or email LLrounds@battlecreekmi.gov, or use the application below:
http://www.battlecreekmi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/116/Minor-Home-Repair-Application-PDF?bidId=.
The City of Dearborn administers a Home Rehabilitation Program to income-eligible homeowners. These funds may be used in home improvement projects such as lead hazard reduction, repair of defective doors and windows, roof replacement, concrete replacement, plumbing repair, major sewer repairs, etc. For more information, call 313-943-2180.
The City of Livonia, through the federal Community Development Block Grant Program, operates a Home Improvement Loan Program. This program provides deferred repayment loans with interest rates of 0% and 3%. These funds may be used in repairs such as correction of local housing code violations, lead-based paint hazard reduction, weatherization improvements (i.e. windows, insulation), and more. This city also offers a Minor Home Repair Program to its residents. Eligible improvements include inspecting and correcting electrical hazards, insulation installation, repair or replacement of garage doors, garbage disposals, minor plumbing repairs, roof repairs, etc.
Residents of Sterling Heights may use funds from the Home Improvement Program the city operates. This program is available to owner-occupants of single-family homes with low to moderate household incomes. Use the application below, in order to apply:
With funds from the Community Development Block Grant Program, the city of Farmington Hills offers its residents a Housing Rehabilitation Program. These funds may be used in home improvement projects such as new electrical, heating, or plumbing installations, repair or replacement of roofs and gutters, replacement of windows, weather-striping and insulation, and more. If you are in need of such a program, call the Farmington Hills Community Development Office for information and application at 248-871-2543.
The City of Flint residents may use funds from the Flint Home Improvement Fund and apply for up to $20,000.00 low or no-interest loans. These funds may be used in home improvement projects such as furnace and hot water heater replacement, roof replacement or repair, kitchen and bath upgrades, and more. To be eligible, applicants must own and occupy as their primary residence a single-family home in the city of Flint.
Grants up to $5,000.00 are also available in the City of Novi, through the Minor Home Repair Program. The program gives priority to improvement projects including furnace repair, water heater, toilet, or garbage disposal replacement, fixing porches, wiring, leaky roofs, and removal of dangerous trees. In addition, to help with repairs, homeowners can apply for weatherization assistance to help improve their home’s energy efficiency and year-round comfort and lower utility bills. For more information, call 248-735-5692 or use the application below:
If you are in need of 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. For convenience, search and apply for Michigan home repair grants online. You can start by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office https://www.hud.gov/states/michigan/offices or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link:
Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have affiliate offices all over Michigan that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials. If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Michigan 211 is also a great place to start. https://www.mi211.org/.
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, and location. These fundings are primarily available to low-income families, families with children, single parents, senior citizens, disabled people, and veterans.
For convenience, search and apply for Michigan home repair grants online. To search or apply for grants, use the free, official website, Grants.gov. You can also start by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office https://www.hud.gov/states/michigan/offices or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link:
Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have affiliate offices all over Michigan that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials. If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Michigan 211 is also a great place to start. https://www.mi211.org/.
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?
House renovation grants in Michigan and any other state are available to applicants but ONLY if you are in need of 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. 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. You can also apply for disaster relief grants if your house is damaged by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods.
For convenience, search and apply for Michigan home repair grants online. To search or apply for grants, use the free, official website, Grants.gov. You can also start by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office https://www.hud.gov/states/michigan/offices or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link:
Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have affiliate offices all over Michigan that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials. If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Michigan 211 is also a great place to start. https://www.mi211.org/.
Can I get a grant to repair my roof?
Repairing or replacing roofs is an expensive cost, but leaking and damaged roofs can present a hazard for you and your family. 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, Michigan offers one of the highest levels of support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Michigan 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 roofs. These grants are usually administered at a local level by governments and agencies.
If you are living in a rural area anywhere in the US, getting help for repairing or replacing your roof is possible by the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504. 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.
A Property Improvement Program of PIP, administered by the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund, can provide low-income homeowners with grants up to $7,500.00. These funds may be used in home improvement projects such as roof repair or replacement.
Residents of Washtenaw County may use funds from their Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program, as well as the Roof Replacement Program to partially or completely cover the cost of their roof repair or replacement. Low-income Oakland homeowners may use the Home Improvement Program and receive interest-free loans up to $18,000.00 to fund their roof projects. The City of Lansing also offers a Homeowner Rehabilitation Program and provides funds from $1,000.00 up to $24,000.00, and the City Dearborn administers a Home Rehabilitation Program. The City of Highland Park offers a Housing Rehabilitation Program to low-income homeowners. This program covers numerous repairs including roof repair. Battle Creek low-income homeowners may use funds up to $5,000.00 through their minor Home Repair Program. This amount is increased to $15,000.00 for a new roof installment.
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. For convenience, search and apply for Michigan home repair grants online. You can start by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office https://www.hud.gov/states/michigan/offices or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link:
Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have affiliate offices all over Michigan that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials. If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Michigan 211 is also a great place to start. https://www.mi211.org/.
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 their own 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 submit an application.
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 Very Low-Income Housing Repair Program – 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 own 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 Michigan 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 prior to 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 a period of 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 are able to 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 cost 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. Michigan 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.
As a state, Michigan offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Low-income homeowners from Washtenaw County may use funds from either the Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program or the Emergency Repair Program. Electrical system repairs may also be partially or completely covered by the Home Improvement Program, administered by Oakland County. Battle Creek residents may use the Minor Home Repair Program and get funds up to $5,000.00. The City of Dearborn offers a Home Rehabilitation Program to its income-eligible residents, and the City of Livonia operates a Home Improvement Loan Program.
A Property Improvement Program of PIP, administered by the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund, can provide low-income homeowners with grants up to $7,500.00. These funds may be used in home improvement projects such as rewiring a house, electrical system repairs, and upgrades.
If you are living in a rural area in Michigan and anywhere in the US, getting help for repairing or replacing your windows is possible by the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504. This program offers 1% interest loans up to $20,000.00 to low-income homeowners and grants up to $7,500.00 to low-income people over 62. You can also make a combination of a loan and a grant and get up to $27,500.00. Grants can only be used to correct health and safety deficiencies on properties, and loans can be used in all home improvement projects.
If you are in need and eligible for such programs to partially or completely cover the cost of your electrical system repair or replacement, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. For convenience, search and apply for Michigan home repair grants online. You can start by visiting your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office https://www.hud.gov/states/michigan/offices or get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link:
Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have affiliate offices all over Michigan that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials. If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Michigan 211 is also a great place to start. https://www.mi211.org/.
What is the Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program?
The state of Michigan offers a MiMortgage Relief Partnership to help Michigan residents impacted by the COvid-19 crisis. Under the MiMortgage Relief Partnership, impacted homeowners who contact their lenders or mortgage companies by December 31, 2021, can reach an agreement for mortgage relief that includes a 90-day grace period (three monthly payments), or forbearance for all mortgage programs, or other appropriate reliefs.
Michigan residents may also get help with their mortgage through the Unemployment Mortgage Subsidy Program. This program helps homeowners stay current with their mortgages by funding 50%(up to $750.00) on their monthly mortgage payments.
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 and charges may be waived or reduced, your interest rate may be changed from an adjustable-rate loan to a fixed rate, the months or years the homeowner has to repay the loan may be lengthened, total loan principal may be reduced, as well as your second mortgage or equity loan could be waived.
This form requires detailed information about the borrower’s current financial situation. The information provided will allow the mortgage lender to determine the filer’s eligibility for mortgage assistance. This form includes your current income, debts, expenses, employment, bankruptcies, and other issues that will help the lender determine if you are eligible for mortgage assistance.
In the USA, modifications were made under the government’s Home Affordable Modification Program or HAMP.
To qualify for this program you must have fit certain criteria such as:
- You are having trouble making your mortgage payments because of financial hardship,
- You obtained your mortgage on or before January 1, 2009,
- Your property has not been condemned,
- You owe up to $728,750.00 on your primary residence or one to four-unit rental property.
Who can get a home improvement grant?
Low and moderate-income families, seniors, veterans, single parents, disabled people, people impacted by Covid 19, as well as people impacted by natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods can get home improvement grants or zero-interest loans. You can apply to these federal, state, or local grants and loans, charities, community agencies, and nonprofit organizations and get the help you need. A big part of the eligibility to these programs is 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.
These grant programs are primarily directed at 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.