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How can I get a home improvement grant in New York?
Home improvement or home repair grants and loans are available to low and moderate-income homeowners, renters and lenders, low-income senior citizens, 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 is your first step. One very important factor when applying is being informed on time since most of them operate on a first-come first-served basis. There is more than one place where you can get informed and apply for these funds.
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Most of these programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD. This department has three official offices, in New York, Buffalo and Albany.
You can find more information on the programs they offer on the following link:
The National Residential Improvement Association is another place where you can get informed on the options at your disposal and their eligibility requirements. This association researches and compiles information on a variety of programs.
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How can I get a solar grant in New York?
New York offers some of the most attractive solar incentives in the US. Going solar in 2021 is essential for reducing carbon emissions by using renewable clean energy from the sun and lowering your monthly energy costs.
The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit or ITC is a federal policy that supports the use of solar energy in the USA. This policy represents a 26 % tax credit claimed against the tax liability for solar systems on residential and commercial properties. The average price of an average-sized 5 KW system in New York is $14,994.00, and using the ITC this year your cost will be at $11,096.00. 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.
The New York State Solar Energy Equipment Credit offers 25% of your qualified solar energy system equipment expenditures and is limited to $5,000.00. This is a non-refundable credit available to some NY taxpayers. You can start your application process by filling out this form below:
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority or NYSERDA offers a MegaWatt Block Program for residential solar projects in New York and offers up to $1,000.00 for every KW of solar power installed. The program provides an upfront dollars-per-watt rebate for both commercial and residential solar panel systems.
The Solar Electric Generating System Tax Abatement or SEGS provides a tax abatement to properties that use solar power. The solar electric generating system compliance period is the tax year in which the property tax abatement commences and the three tax years immediately thereafter. The eligibility of applicants is determined by the NYC Department of Buildings.
The NY-Sun is a program of NYSERDA and offers funds from multiple resources to make going solar more affordable. It works directly with solar contractors and developers. This program works on a first-come first-served basis.
How can I get a debt grant?
Although getting a grant that will cover your debt is not available, there are still several other options in New York to consolidate your 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.
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 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.
Money Management International or MMI offers financial education and counseling to consumers that struggle with debt. You can set up an appointment by calling 212-695-2941. This counseling can also be done over the phone at 866-550-8004 and it is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also apply online at the link below and get more informed https://www.moneymanagement.org/online-counseling.
Are there homeowner grants for bills?
The government or other available grants can give cash to help pay for housing, rent, utilities, medical supplies or even transportation costs. There are resources for low-income families, single mothers, the disabled, the unemployed, the underemployed, and others in need. Most utility, gas, and electric companies that operate in New York offer their customers energy bill assistance programs.
The Home Energy Assistance Program or HEAP provides help to low-income people to pay the cost of heating their homes. In New York City, this program is administered by the Human Resources Administration and it is a federally funded energy program. You are eligible for one benefit per program year based on income, household size, primary heating source, as well as the presence of a household member under 6, above 60, or a person with a disability. For more information, call your county’s representative: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/.
You can apply by submitting the following application:
You can receive a discount on your monthly telephone service, Internet service, or bundled service by applying to the LifeLine Program. 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.
The Emergency Assistance for Adults or EAA is a New York State program that provides financial help to senior citizens, blind or disabled individuals, and couples who have been determined eligible for or are receiving Supplemental Security Income or SSI.
The Emergency Assistance to Families with Children or EAF provides financial help to families with minor children to meet urgent needs.
311 Call Center is a free service that provides information on programs available across New York City, including emergency financial assistance. You can also call 718-557-1399 for this service. People can learn about resources to turn to for emergency money for paying heating bills or rent, shelters, and food pantries. Information is available on many resources. Emergency help with expenses is provided in case of fire disaster, domestic violence, homelessness, eviction, health issues, etc.
The government can also help you with medical bills and insurance options through its two programs Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program or CHIP. These programs help families with children who can’t afford health insurance.
Are there tax grants for homeowners?
The city of New York offers tax exemptions and abatements for seniors, veterans, clergy members, as well as people with disabilities. These benefits will not eliminate your tax debt, but they can lower your tax bill. A property tax break is available to senior citizens who are 65 or older and have a combined household income of $58,399.00. The home for which you are applying must be your primary residence.
Seniors can apply at the following link: https://a836-pts-efile.nyc.gov/SmartFile/Filing/FilingType/Info/NYC_SCHE
Disabled people can apply at the following site: https://a836-pts-efile.nyc.gov/SmartFile/Filing/FilingType/Info/NYC_DHE
And veterans can apply at the link below https://a836-pts-efile.nyc.gov/SmartFile/Filing/FilingType/Info/NYC_VET
How can I get a grant to repair my home?
Home repair or home improvement grants and loans are available in every county in New York. These funds may be used in improving safety and health hazards by low and moderate-income families, senior citizens, and disabled people.
The Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504 offers grant funds to low-income senior citizens and 1% interest loans to all rural homeowners for removing health and safety hazards and improving home conditions. The New York City Department of Housing and Preservations Development administers the HomeFix Program and the Housing Stability Loan Program. Non-profit organizations such as the Neighborhood Housing Services and the Community Development Corporation of Long Island also help individuals in need by providing resources they need for home repairs including basic structural defects or repair basic building systems. Home repair programs are also available to disaster-struck properties, like the homes damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
There are many federal and state grant fundings, as well as city and county programs and non-profit organizations that offer grants for home repairs or home improvements. The fastest way to apply is by filling out an application and submitting it online. Keep in mind that these funds are limited and usually they work on a first come first served basis, so it is very important to meet all the required criteria, have all the required documents, and apply on time.
How can I get a grant for windows?
The cost of repairing and replacing your windows can be covered by grants from the Weatherization Assistance Program, which is available in all states. This program is administered by local non-profit organizations and government entities and it is available to both homeowners, rental property owners, and renters. To be eligible for this program, your household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income. You can apply by submitting an application, after which an energy audit is conducted.
http://www.nyhousingsearch.gov/weatherization/NYWeatherization.html
Getting help for repairing or replacing your windows is also possible by using funds from various organizations within your city or county. If you live in a rural area you can apply for the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504. This program offers 1% interest loans to low-income homeowners and grants to people over 62. The HomeFix Program also helps eligible homeowners living in the five boroughs of New York into one-to-four family homes with low- and no-interest and potentially forgivable loans for home repairs. If you are living in Brooklyn you can use funds from the Owner-Occupied Home Repair Grant Program, which is administered by the Neighborhood Housing Services. Income-eligible households can use resources from the Long Island Home Improvement Program by the Community Development Corporation of Long Island for home repairs including basic structural defects, including windows repairs and replacements. The Town of Colonie Residential Rehabilitation program provides grants funded by HUD to low-and moderate-income families who reside in the Town of Colonie, Village of Colonie, and Village of Menands who want to repair their homes.
Home improvement programs are available in every city in New York, and they all provide complete or partial financial aid to eligible homeowners, renters, and landlords. Start by using the free website www.grants.gov and get the financial aid you need.
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 can reach their local government or visit their government official site and apply for a home improvement grant. These grants offer partial or complete financial aid to eligible homeowners, and they can be used for health and safety issues, as well as emergency repairs.
Getting help for repairing or replacing your flooring is also possible by using funds from various organizations within your city or county. If you live in a rural area you can apply for the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504. This program offers 1% interest loans to low-income homeowners and grants to people over 62. The New York City Department of Housing and Preservation Development administers the HomeFix Program and you can get loans or forgivable loans up to $60,000.00 if you live in any of the five boroughs in New York City. The Neighborhood Housing Services also administers an Owner-Occupied Home Repair Grant Program and provides funds up to $20,000.00 to owners of 1-4 unit family houses, coops, and condos. The Emergency Home Repair Loan Program is another available option, administered by the Community Development Corporation of Long Island or CDCLI, for your home repairs and offers up to $5,000.00. These funds may be used for emergency needs only, and damaged floorings and foundations qualify as such.
Home improvement programs are available in every city in New York, and they all provide complete or partial financial aid to eligible homeowners, renters, and landlords. Start by using the free website www.grants.gov and get the financial aid you need.
Are there grants for the elderly?
There are plenty of programs that help senior citizens in their everyday life, home improvement, housing, and supportive services, and medical care.
The Residential Emergency Services to Offer Repairs to the Elderly or the RESTORE Program provides financial aid to senior citizen homeowners who are 60 years of age or older. These funds are available to homeowners with a household income that doesn’t exceed 100% of the area median income. The RESTORE Program is critical to seniors in New York State who prefer to remain in their homes but need emergency repairs to ensure safe, adequate housing conditions. These funds may be used in removing health and safety issues in homes owned by seniors.
The Senior Citizen Home Assistance Program or SCHAP assists low and moderate-income seniors of age 60 and above with their home repairs. These funds may be used by seniors living in one of the five boroughs of New York City by owner-occupant one to four-family homes for at least two years. A maximum of $40,000 is available for single-family homes. For homeowners of two- to four-family homes, a maximum of $30,000 per dwelling unit is available. These loans vary from no-interest deferred loans to fully amortizing 3% interest loans. You can submit your application online at the following link:
https://web.archive.org/web/20201025084055/https://www.parodneckfoundation.org/intake-form/
The Home Equity Conversion Mortgages for Seniors or HECM is the Federal Housing Administration’s reverse mortgage program that enables one to withdraw a portion of one’s home equity. This program is available to senior citizens of age 62 and older, who are currently living in their home, it is their primary residence and has paid a considerable amount of their mortgage.
The Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program or EPIC is a New York State program for seniors administered by the Department of Health. This program helps senior citizens age 65 and above to supplement their out-of-pocket Medicare Part D drug plan costs. Your annual income must be $75,000.00 if single and $100,000.000 and you must be enrolled or eligible to be enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan.
Albany Community Development Agency administers a Senior Rehabilitation Program or SRP to provide funds for emergency repair. This program helps seniors of 62 and above, with an income of 80% of the median income. These funds may be used to repair residential structures that are owner-occupied, located within the city of Albany. All of the taxes, mortgages, and insurances must be current. The amount approved may be used in home repairs such as electrical system repairs, heating system repairs, plumbing system repairs, windows repairs or replacements, etc. The maximum amount of the grant is $5,000.00.
Are there grants for low income homeowners?
New York 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. These grants are usually administered at a local level by governments and agencies.
If you live in a rural area, then you might be eligible for the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504. The grants from this program are only available to low income senior citizens age 62 and above. Income-based grant eligibility is determined by the household’s adjusted annual income compared to the area median income. The maximum amount is $7,500.00 and it can be used in a combination with a loan for up to $27,000.00 to remove health and safety hazards. This program also offers 1% interest loans for up to $20,000.00 that can be repaid over 20 years. These loans may be used in repairing and improving your home, as well as removing health and safety hazards. Rural homeowners in New York may also be eligible for a higher grant and loan amount.
You can visit the official site of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and contact their New Your State Office at New York | Rural Development or find your county’s office at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/ny.
The New York City Department of Housing and Preservation Development administers the HomeFix Program to help eligible homeowners of one-to-four family homes with low- and no-interest and potentially forgivable loans for home repairs. These loans are up to $60,000.00 per home, with $30,000.00 per additional rental unit with an anticipated maximum loan amount of $150,000.00 for a four-family home. The eligibility requirements for this program are the following:
- You are an owner of a one-to-four family home in any of the five boroughs in New York City,
- The home is your primary residence,
- You don’t own a second property within a 100-mile radius of New York City,
- Your household income is at or below 165% of the Area Median Income,
- You don’t have a reverse mortgage.
For any additional questions about this program, call 646-513-3470.
Homeowners from New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County that are facing financial distress due to Covid-19 may receive aid through the Housing Stability Loan Program. These loans can be up to $10,000.00 and no payments are due in the first six months, and there are no prepayment penalties. For any additional information about this program, call 646-786-0888.
Home repair grants and loans are available in the area of Brooklyn by the Neighborhood Housing Services or NHS Brooklyn, a non-profit organization. This program is called the Owner-Occupied Home Repair Grant Program. The maximum amount of the grant is $20,000.00 and it is available to owners of 1-4 unit family houses, coops, and condos. To be eligible for these funds you must occupy the residence, meet household size and income requirements, be current on your mortgage payments, property taxes, and water bills, have homeowner’s insurance, as well as have $15,000.00 in liquid assets. This program works on a first-come first-served basis. The repairs covered by these funds are sewer and water main replacement, electrical repairs, lead-paint abatement, damaged walls and ceiling replacements, handicap accessibility, plumbing repairs, etc. You can apply by submitting this application:
NHS Brooklyn also offers repair loans for up to $100,000.00 with 3-6% interest rates. These funds may be used in repairs including water mains, sewer lines, roofs, plumbing, electrical repair, etc.
The Community Development Corporation of Long Island or CDCLI is a regional non-profit organization that helps individuals and families. Their Home improvement Programs offer grants and loans for making home more energy-efficient and safe. These funds may be used in attic and basement insulation, siding, roof replacements, new boilers, and water heaters, electrical upgrades, etc.
The Long Island Home Improvement Program provides income-eligible households the resources they need for home repairs including basic structural defects or repair basic building systems. These repairs may include heating system replacements, electrical service upgrades, roof replacements, siding repairs, gutter repairs, windows and doors repairs and replacements, structural corrections, etc. Due to the very high demand for this program, there is a 2-year waiting period. To qualify for this program, you must meet certain criteria such as:
- You must be a homeowner and resident of Nassau and Suffolk County,
- The property must be your primary residence,
- Your mortgages, taxes, and insurance must be current,
- Your gross annual income can not exceed 80% of the area median income.
If you are in need of such a program, you may apply by submitting this application,
http://www.cdcli.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/HIO-Program-Application.pdf
The Community Development Corporation of Long Island also offers Home Improvement Loans for these two counties. You can apply by submitting this application:
The Emergency Home Repair Loan Program is another available option, administered by the CDCLI, for your home repairs and offers up to $5,000.00. These funds may be used for emergency needs only, such as repairing hot water heaters, heating systems, roof repairs, tree removal, chimney repair, basement leaks, etc. The household income can not exceed 120% of the area median income. If you need more information on this program call 631-471-1215 ext. 151 or email homeloan@cdcli.org.
Senior citizens age 60 and above can use funding up to $10,000.00 from the RESTORE Program for emergency repairs. Their primary residence must be in Nassau or Suffolk County. These repairs may include heating system repairs and replacements, electrical repairs or upgrades, plumbing repairs, structural repairs of foundation, roof, windows, doors, floors, and stairs, as well as ramps and grab bars.
The town of Babylon also offers a Home Improvement Program to its residents. This program offers no-interest, deferred payment loans up to $50,000.00 to improve housing conditions and correct housing code violations. You can submit the following application at homeimprovement@cdcli.org or call 631-471-1215 x 102 for more information.
http://www.cdcli.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/TOB-APPLICATION-Final.pdf
Low-income homeowners can get grants for improvement and necessary repairs through funds from RUPCO or Rural Ulster Preservation Company, a non-profit organization that opened in 1981. This program is called Ulster County Single Home Repair Program and it is intended for Ulster residents only. These funds may be used in typical repairs such as roof replacements, windows and siding repairs, interior painting for lead stabilization, as well as different upgrades to heating, plumbing, and electrical systems. According to their official website, most funding is provided in the form of a zero-interest deferred loan with a term of 5 or 10 years depending on the funding source requirements. These funds require no payments or interest and are forgiven if residency is verified each year till the end of your term. The average grants are for $5,000.00 – $20,000.00 and you can apply by submitting this application:
The Albany County Rural Housing Alliance to ACRHA offers a wide variety of grant and loan programs to assist low- to low-moderate income households in Rural Albany County with home repairs or the purchase of a first home. The New York State Affordable Housing Corporation or AHC offers an NYC AHC grant to homeowners with an income of 112% of the area median income. These funds are available to homeowners who reside in the home and are current on their taxes, mortgages, and insurance. For home improvement projects, funds of up to $40,000.00 per unit may be available.
The Albany Community Development Agency also administers the Home Owner Assistance Program or HOAP. This program provides funds to low-income owner-occupied homes with an annual income at or below 80% of the area median income. These funds are provided by the Community Development Block Grant Program and may be used in the repair or replacement of major housing systems in danger of failure, energy conservation improvements, exterior painting, removal of architectural barriers, utility connections, etc. The emergency repairs include leaking roofs, broken sewer lines, leaking pipes, inoperable boilers, radiators, or hot water heaters, problems with electrical wiring, etc. The maximum amount of the grant is $40,000.00 for a single-family home and another $10,000.00 for every additional unit. This assistance will be in the form of a deferred loan, secured by a mortgage.
This agency also administers a Rehabilitation Assistance Program or RAP and Senior Rehabilitation Program or SRP. The RAP provides funds in the form of grants to housing units for emergency repairs that present safety and health hazards. The SRP program provides funds to senior citizens of age at or above 62. The income criteria for this grant is 80% of the area median income. These funds may be used to repair residential structures that are owner-occupied, and located within the city limits of Albany. The home repairs include electrical system repairs, heating system repairs, plumbing system repairs, windows repairs or replacements, etc. The maximum amount available for both of these programs is $5,000.00.
If your income level is higher, or 125% of the area median income, then you may apply for the Rehabilitation Assistance Program II or RAP II. The maximum amount of this grant is also $5,000.00 and it can be used in emergency repairs only.
South End Improvement Corporation provides funds through its various programs. The Home Improvement Program or HIP provides grants up to $40,000.00 to homeowners, whose primary residence is located in the South End. Homeowners are eligible if their household income is 112% or under the annual median income of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan area. These funds may be used to correct basic structural defects or repair basic building systems.
Another available option is the Homeowner Assistance Rehabilitation Program or HARP that uses funds from the NYC Homes and Community Renewal. The maximum amount is up to $35,000.00 per unit. To be eligible you must own and reside in the home, and have an income of at or below 80% of the annual median income of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan area. These funds may be used for addressing health and safety issues, as well as heating, electrical, and roof repairs and replacements.
The third available program administered by the South End Improvement Corporation is the Home Maintenance and Security Program or HMS. This program provides funds up to $1,000.00 to South End homeowners for maintenance if their household income is 80% or under the annual median income of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan area. These funds may be used in minor repairs such as repairs to gutters and floors, repairs to broken windows and doors, caulking, weather-stripping, installation of temporary fencing, waterproofing, appliance replacements, etc.
The last program, The Residential Emergency Services to Offer Repairs to the Elderly or RESTORE. This program provides funds up to $10,000.00 per building to low-income senior citizens of age 60 and above. Homeowners are eligible if their household income is 100% or under the annual median income. These funds may be used in the repair and replacements of heating systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, as well as structural repairs such as roofs, floors, decks, doors, windows, etc.
If you need any of these programs you can fill out the form below or get more information at 518-436-8777 or email seicny@gmail.com.
The Town of Colonie Residential Rehabilitation program provides grants funded by HUD to low-and moderate-income families who reside in the Town of Colonie, Village of Colonie, and Village of Menands who want to repair their homes. The Residential Rehabilitation Program covers costs of up to $7,500.00 for owner-occupied manufactured housing and up to $18,000.00 for owner-occupied single units. To be eligible for this program, you must meet certain criteria such as:
- You own and occupy the property,
- The residence is located in the brown of Colonie, Village of Colonie, or Village of Menands,
- Can provide proof of stable ownership, meaning you are current on your taxes, mortgage, and insurance,
- Your household income cannot exceed 80% of the area’s median income.
For more information, call (518) 783-2718.
HOMSITE is another nonprofit community development that provides housing and community development services to low and moderate-income people and neighborhoods. Their Home Improvement & Repair Programs provide funds for home improvements including roof repair and replacement, exterior painting, windows, and doors repairs or replacement, porch repair, electrical or plumbing repairs, etc.
The Home Repair Assistance Program or HRAP provides loans up to $20,000.00 to homeowners whose properties are located within the city of Auburn, a portion of which may be deferred. You can apply by submitting the following application to ericar@homehq.org:
If you live in Cayuga County then you can apply for the Cayuga County Home Repair Assistance Program and receive grant funds up to $20,000.00, a portion of which may be deferred. You can apply by submitting the following application to ericar@homehq.org:
Eligible homeowners who reside in the city of Buffalo may use funds from the NeighborWorks Community Partners Buffalo, a collaborative formed in 2016 and composed of four organizations. They offer a Grant + Loan Home Repair Program, a 60/40 Combo Home Repair Program, to help residents of Buffalo with health and safety projects. All grants must be paired with a pre-approved loan. These funds may be used in repairs such as roof, chimney, or gutter replacements, exterior painting, and siding, porch and stair repair, new windows and doors, electrical repairs, plumbing repairs, etc. To be eligible for this program, your household income must be at or below 80% of the area median income, and your minimum credit score must be 620. You can apply by submitting this application to info@nwcpbuffalo.org:
The NeighborWorks Community Partners Buffalo also offers Exterior Repair Loan from $5,000.000 to $40,000.00 to eligible homeowners and landlords. These funds may be used in exterior projects such as roof repairs, siding, exterior painting, exterior doors, exterior porch steps, etc. To qualify for this program you must meet certain criteria such as:
- A minimum credit score of 620,
- Current on taxes, mortgage, and insurance,
- No late payments in the past 12 months on any secured debt,
- $15.00/person or $25.00/couple Credit Report Fee,
- $50.00 Application Fee,
- $30.00 Document Preparation Fee.
The first step for applying is submitting the pre-screening form below to info@nwcpbuffalo.org:
A Homeowners Revolving Loan Fund Program is also available in partnership with Home HeadQuarters to assist residents of Erie County with health and safety repairs. The loan amount for this program is up to $25,000.00 at a 3.5% simple interest rate. The eligible applicants must have a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, and be current on all taxes, mortgage, and insurances. You can apply for this loan by submitting the following application to homehq@nwcommunitypartners.org or sending it by mail at 538 Erie Boulevard West, Ste. 100 Syracuse, NY 13204.
Home HeadQuarters is a non-profit organization that offers grant and loan programs to low income homeowners and first-time homebuyers in Central and Upstate New York. If you can’t cover your costs for an emergency repair, you can submit this application to this organization:
Another Loan Program is the FlexFund, which provides homeowners throughout Central New York with loans of up to $20,000 for home repairs or energy efficiency-related improvements. These loans have a 4.99%fixed interest rate and they are payable over 7 years.
You can start by applying below:
If you live in Onondaga County you might be interested in the Onondaga County 1% Home Improvement Loan and Grant Program. This program offers up to $20,000.00 in loans and grants of up to $6,000.00 or 30% of the overall loan. To qualify for this program, you must meet certain criteria:
- Homeowners, or someone in the household, must be impacted by Covid 19 in some manner, such as job loss, income loss, etc,
- Your repairs must be an urgent matter or exterior including roofs, furnaces, code violations, and other life and safety issues,
- Your household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income,
- Your mortgage must be current,
- Your property must be your primary residence, and it must be located in the following places: Village of East Syracuse, Hamlet of Mattydale, Village of North Syracuse, Bayberry neighborhood, Hamlets of Village Green and Seneca Knolls, Hamlet of Lyncourt, Hamlet of Minoa, Hamlet of Nedrow, Village of Jordan, Village of Liverpool, Village of Baldwinsville, Hamlet of Fairmount, or city of Syracuse neighborhoods Court-Woodlawn, Northside, or Washington Square.
If you are interested and eligible in this program, start by submitting the form below:
Loans up to $10,000.00 at 1% interest and payable over a period of 7 years are also available in Cicero, North Syracuse, Mattydale, East Syracuse, and city neighborhoods Strathmore, Elmwood, and North and South Valley. The Onondaga County Neighborhood Initiative: 1% Exterior Home Improvement Loan Program funds for exterior home improvements such as roof repair and replacements, exterior painting, window replacement, porch repair, exterior door replacement, fence installation, and repair, etc. This program is provided by a partnership between Home HeadQuarters and Onondaga County.
Homeowners in the Outer Comstock neighborhood can apply to the Outer Comstock Neighborhood: 1% Home Improvement Loan Program and receive loans up to $10,000.00 at 1% interest payable over 7 years for interior and exterior home improvements. This program doesn’t have income eligibility requirements. You can apply by filling out the application below:
The Syracuse Homeowner Assistance & Repair Program or SHARP provides grants up to $1,500.00 to homeowners living in the city of Syracuse for minor exterior or emergency home repairs. These repairs may include window repairs and replacements, exterior door repairs and replacements, step and railing repairs, etc. The homeowners must contribute 10% of the total project cost. The eligibility requirements for this program are:
- Your house must be located in the city of Syracuse and it must be your primary residence,
- Your household income must be at or below 80% of the area median income,
- Your property taxes must be current,
- You haven’t received a SHARP grant in the last three years.
The SHARP program works on a first come first served basis and it is currently closed for this year.
Solvay/Geddes Homeowner: 1% Home Improvement Loan is offering Solvay and Town of Geddes homeowners a $25,000.00 loan with 1% interest, payable over a period of 10 years. These funds may be used in interior and exterior home improvement projects. Your household income must be at or below 80% of the area median income. If you are eligible and interested in this program, start by submitting the application below:
City of Syracuse Southside-Sankofa District: 1% Loan Program is another available option to residents of the Southside-Sankofa District. This program offers loans up to $10,000.00 payable over a period of 7 years for exterior house improvements.
Homeowners in Tipperary Hill can use the Tipperary Hill Neighborhood Association : 3% Home Improvement Loan Program. This program provides funds by the Home HeadQuarters in partnership with the Tipperary Hill Neighborhood Association and offers loans up to $10,000.00 with 3% interest payable over a period of 7 years for exterior home improvements. You can apply by submitting the following application:
Home HeadQuarters, in partnership with the University Neighborhood Preservation Association, is offering homeowners in Syracuse’s University Neighborhood, loans of up to $10,000.00 at 1% interest for interior and exterior home improvements. This program is known as the University Neighborhood: 1% Home Improvement Loan Program and it offers loans up to $10,000.00 with 1% interest payable over seven years for interior and exterior home improvement projects. These funds may be used by residents in the University Neighborhood if it is their primary residence. You can apply by submitting the application below:
The Urgent Care Program is providing funds for emergency repair including leaking roofs, sewage, and plumbing leaking, collapsing of foundation, priority code violations, etc. Loans up to $20,000.00 with a 4.99% interest are available to income-eligible homeowners. Part of this loan may be used as a grant. Eligible requirements for this program are:
- You must own your home in the city of Syracuse and it must be your primary residence,
- The repairs must be urgent,
- Your household income must be at or below 80 of the HUD Median Income,
- Your taxes, mortgages, and insurance must be current.
You can use the application below when applying:
The Housing Assistance Program of Essex County or HAPEC is another non-profit organization that administers a voucher program, a first-time homebuyer program, a home repair program, mortgage, and housing counseling services. HAPEC is currently administering housing rehabilitation programs in the Towns of Jay and St. Armand uses funds from the New York Community Block Grant Program and provides deferred payment loans of up to $3,000.00. This organization also uses funds from The New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal’s HOME Program to assist low-income homeowners in Essex County.
You can fill out the form below if you have any questions regarding these programs
If you want to apply, start by filling out this application:
Center City is another non-profit organization located in the City of Niagara Falls New York. They provide help to low income homeowners through their Owner-Occupied Home Improvement Program. These funds may be used in repairing serious code violations in their homes and improving their structures,
Home repair grants may also be available to you if you live in the following counties in New York: Allegany, Cayuga, Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, and Yates Counties. Sheen Housing is a Rural Housing Preservation Company that provides grants to low-income families, seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities. For more information, you can contact Sheen Housing at (585) 657-4114, or Email: sheen2@rochester.rr.com.
If you are in need of such funds, you may start by submitting the following pre-screen application: https://sheenhousing.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Home-Repair-Survey.pdf.
Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services or INHS provides funds for minor and major repairs to low and moderate-income residents of Tompkins County and the surrounding area. These funds are available on a first comes first-served basis.
The INHS Minor Repair Program is available to people age 60 and older, people with disabilities, and/or single heads of households with dependents throughout Tompkins County. This program provides the funds for the labor, and you will provide the cost of materials
The INHS Major Repair Program is available to low income homeowners of any age for structural issues, health and safety concerns, and energy improvements. These repairs may include roof repairs, siding, windows and doors repairs and replacements, septic systems repairs and replacements, etc.
If you are in need of minor or major repairs in your home, submit the following application at fax (607) 277-4536:
Getting help in your home repairs is also available by Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit housing organization. You can find their local office at the link below and get more information. This program offers home repair services, such as painting, landscaping, weatherization, etc.
What are the easiest homeowner grants to get?
If you meet all the required criteria, and you apply with all the necessary documents within the given deadline, then every grant can be “easy to get”. Grants for homeowners are intended to help low and moderate-income people, low income families with children, senior citizens, veterans, and disabled people. There are plenty of federal and state programs, as well as non-profit organizations and charities that offer financial and any other help for improving house conditions and providing emergency repair to improve safety and health hazards. These grants and loans require certain income eligibility and usually work on a first-come first-served basis. If you meet all of that, you may apply and receive every one of these grants. You can start searching for New York State grant opportunities by following the link below:
Can I get a grant to renovate my house?
Home modifications or home repair grants cannot be used by everyone and without an emergency need. Low-income people, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities are usually eligible to receive these funds but only for improving house conditions and providing emergency repair to improve safety and health hazards. You can also apply for disaster relief grants if your house is damaged by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD, as well as other entities, such as the Federal Housing Administration or FHA, and non-profit groups provide these home improvement grants. The HOME Investment Partnership Program, as well as the Community Development Block Grant Program, provides funds to state and local governments and these funds may assist you in buying your first home, repairing your home, or improving your home. Make sure you are properly informed on all the income, age, and location criteria before you apply. It is also very important to have all the documents required and to apply within the given deadline.
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. There are several options in which you can get financial aid from federal and state agencies for a complete or partial replacement and repair.
The Weatherization Assistance Program is the first thing you want to apply when in need. This program is available to low-income households, with a priority given to senior citizens, families with children, and people with disabilities. If your property is located in a rural area, then you might be eligible for the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504. This program provides grants to low-income people over 62 for up to $7,500.00 and loans to low-income people of every age to homeowners who earn less than 50% of the area median income.
Another available option is the HomeFix Program, administered by the New York City Department of Housing and Preservation Development. This program provides funds to eligible New York City homeowners of one-to-four family homes with low- and no-interest and potentially forgivable loans for home repairs.
Home repair grants and loans are available in the area of Brooklyn by the Neighborhood Housing Services or NHS Brooklyn, a non-profit organization. This program is called the Owner-Occupied Home Repair Grant Program. The maximum amount of the grant is $20,000.00 and it is available to owners of 1-4 unit family houses, coops, and condos.
The Community Development Corporation of Long Island or CDCLI administers the Long Island Home Improvement Program, aimed to help homeowners and residents of Nassau and Suffolk County. These funds may be used by income-eligible households for home repairs including basic structural defects or repair basic building systems. The Emergency Home Repair Loan Program is another available option, administered by the CDCLI, for your home repairs and offers up to $5,000.00. These funds may be used for emergency needs only, and leaking and damaged roofs qualify as such.
Home improvement programs are available in every city in New York, and they all provide complete or partial financial aid to eligible homeowners, renters, and landlords. Start by using the free website www.grants.gov and get the financial aid you need.
How do I apply for a federal home repair grant?
There are several places you can find available home improvement grants. To search or apply for grants, 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 (HUD) supports a network of housing counseling agencies throughout the country. These agencies provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, and credit issues. Your options may include a repayment plan, loan modification, short sale, or Deed-In-Lieu of foreclosure.
The approved housing agencies in New York can be found at their site https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?webListAction=search&searchstate=NY.
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.
Is there a grant for rewiring a house?
A home electrical wiring is an expensive cost and you may be eligible for a grant partially or fully covering the cost. There are several options in which you can get financial aid from federal and state agencies for a complete or partial rewiring of your house. New York 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.
If you live in a rural area, you may use funds from the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504. The grants from this program are only available to low income senior citizens age 62 and above, but 1% interest loans are available to all low income homeowners. Electrical repairs can also be covered by the Owner-Occupied Home Repair Grant Program, administered by the Neighborhood Housing Services or NHS Brooklyn. The maximum amount of the grant is $20,000.00 and it is available to owners of 1-4 unit family houses, coops, and condos. This organization also offers loans for up to $100,000.00 with 3-6% interest rates.
The Community Development Corporation of Long Island or CDCLI may help you financially with their Long Island Home Improvement Program. This program provides funds for home repairs including basic structural defects and electrical service upgrades. Since an electrical system’s malfunction is considered a life-threatening hazard, you may qualify for almost all emergency repair grants. Seniors may use the RESTORE program and get funding up to $10,000.00 and it is available in all counties of New York. And if your property is within the city limits of Albany, they may also be eligible for the Rehabilitation Assistance Program or RAP and Senior Rehabilitation Program or SRP.
Home improvement programs are available in every city in New York, and they all provide complete or partial financial aid to eligible homeowners, renters, and landlords. Start by using the free website www.grants.gov and get the financial aid you need.
What is the Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program?
The Center for New York City Neighborhoods is a non-profit organization that administers the New York Mortgage Assistance Program or NYS-MAP. This program offers 0% interest loans of up to $80,000.00 to eligible New Yorkers intended to bring a mortgage current, help get a modification, pay off property tax arrears, or settle other debts that could lead to foreclosure. These funds may be used by low to moderate-income homeowners, with an average household income of $53,311.00. Loans are made by Sustainable Neighborhoods LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Center.
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 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, 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 no-interest loans. You can apply to these federal or state 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.
Grant programs are primarily directed at low-income families 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.