Grants for Homeowners in Pennsylvania

How can I get a home improvement grant in Pennsylvania?

Home improvement or home repair grants and loans in Pennsylvania and any other state in the US 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. 

For convenience, search and apply for Pennsylvania home repair grants online. If you need to connect with resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, PA 211 is a great place to start. Visit their site or call 211 and get the information you need https://www.pa211.org/. You can also visit your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office and get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link: https://www.hud.gov/states/pennsylvania/homeownership/homerepairs.

One very important factor when applying is being informed on time since most of them operate on a first-comes first-served basis. Knowing where to start so you can begin the qualifying portion is your first goal. There is more than one place where you can get informed and apply for these funds. First, keep in mind 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.

How can I get a solar grant in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania offers home and business owners as well as non-profits and government properties incentives and rebates for installing alternative energy, including photovoltaics, solar thermal, wind turbines, and geothermal systems. Solar power in Pennsylvania currently provides less than 1% of the state’s electricity. Pennsylvania has two main programs to support the development of residential solar systems: net metering and solar renewable energy certificates. 

Pennsylvania is one of the few states that offers an SREC program. SRECs, also known as Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), let you earn credits for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar energy your system creates. Each year, you could make money by selling your solar credits in the SREC market. Each year, you could make money by selling your solar credits in the SREC market.

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 Pennsylvania is $12,429.00, and using the ITC this year your cost will be at $9,198.00. 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 Pennsylvania Sunshine program offers rebates to residential and small commercial residents that install photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems. All residential applicants must be Pennsylvania residents, own the home upon which the system is installed, and use it as a primary residence. Work must be performed by a program-approved installer; PV systems must generally be grid-connected (exceptions on a case-by-case basis); for solar thermal shade and system performance analysis must indicate system output at least 80% of optimum.

The Philadelphia Solar Rebate is an incentive program that encourages property owners to install solar photovoltaic systems in Philadelphia. Solar Rebates are capped at $100,000.00 per project. 10% of the Rebate funds will be reserved for low- and moderate-income households. The rebate is based on the DC system size of the solar project. It amounts to:

• $0.20 per watt for residential projects.
• $0.10 per watt for commercial projects.

According to their official website, to be eligible for this program, you must meet certain criteria:

• Have installed solar on their property located in the city of Philadelphia,
• Have received Permission to Operate from PECO on or after July 1, 2019.
• Be current with or in a payment agreement for all taxes and other indebtedness to the City.
• Not have any unresolved building code or other property-related code violations.

If you are interested in going solar, email the form below to SolarRebate@philaenergy.org. 

https://formstack.io/5133D.

If you are located in Philadelphia, you may also be eligible for the Solarize Philly Program by the Philadelphia Energy Authority. Their Solar Savings Grant Program provides a grant for a portion of the project cost and participants can finance the remainder of the cost and start saving from the first year. To qualify for this program, your total household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.

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 Pennsylvania to consolidate your debts. While the government does not typically provide debt grants, it does 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. 

You can use Golden Financial Services, a debt settlement company, and their Pennsylvania Debt Relief Program. InCharge also provides free, nonprofit credit counseling and debt management programs to Pennsylvania residents.

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.

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, and others in need. Many Pennsylvania utility companies 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 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP  provides help to families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited to your bill. These grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. For more information about LIHEAP, please contact your county assistance office found at the link below, or call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095:

https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/CAO-Contact.aspx

For this and many other programs available in Pennsylvania, apply on the following link:

https://www.compass.state.pa.us/compass.web/Public/CMPHome

Crisis Assistance is a federal grant that is awarded to income-eligible customers who are either without utility service or have received a 10-day shut-off notice. To locate the site nearest you or find out if you are eligible, call 215-560-1583 and get the information you need. 

The Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) grant is designed to pay off the balance of a customer’s unpaid utility bill and bring it to zero. UESF is a privately funded grant available to income-eligible customers who are behind on their utility bills. It is offered when no other federal aid is available. The maximum UESF grant amount is $1,500.00. According to their official website, the eligibility requirements for these funds are:

• You may receive a UESF grant only every two years,
• You must have applied for LIHEAP and Crisis first, if eligible,
• You must have a zero balance after receiving the grant,
• Household income is at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

A new program in Norristown is now available to assist income-eligible renters and homeowners whose income has been affected by Covid 19, due to lay-offs, furloughs, or reduced work hours. The Mortgage and Utility Assistance Program offers up to $2,000.00 over a 3-month period and it includes $1,500.00 per family for mortgage assistance and $500.00 per family for utility assistance. You can apply at the following link: 

https://www.tfaforms.com/4880670

Veterans in Pennsylvania may also receive financial aid for housing security deposits, rent or mortgage payments, basic utilities, car payments, insurance or gas, medical expenses, etc. Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, INC. helps veterans and their families by paying directly to landlords, vendors, and creditors. For more information on this program call (717) 761-4017 or email  info@pawoundedwarriors.org.

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

Are there tax grants for homeowners?

Although there are no specific tax grants for homeowners, there are cases in which you can get help with your debt to the IRS. Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older may be eligible for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate if they meet certain eligibility requirements. Property Tax/Rent Rebates are based on property taxes or rent paid the previous calendar year. The maximum standard rebate is $650.00, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975.00. Pennsylvanians can now file property tax and rent rebate requests online through the Department of Revenue’s myPath system, the state announced Monday on its website. Seniors who live in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or Scranton with household income under $30,000.00 are eligible for a property tax rebate of an additional 50%. Apply online by filling in the required information on the following link:

https://mypath.pa.gov/_/#1

The city of Philadelphia also offers Homestead Exemptions on your real estate tax to its residents, by reducing the taxable portion of your property’s assessed value. You can apply by filling out the following application https://rev.phila.gov/homestead/ or calling  (215) 686-9200. 

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, 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. Emergency repairs, including addressing health and safety hazards, as well as home modification to improve code violations are the 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 required 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 Pennsylvania home repair grants online. If you need to connect with resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, PA 211 is a great place to start. Visit their site or call 211 and get the information you need https://www.pa211.org/.  You can also visit your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD office and get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link: https://www.hud.gov/states/pennsylvania/homeownership/homerepairs.

How can I get a grant for windows?

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

The Weatherization Assistance Program is available in all US. Pennsylvania’s Weatherization Assistance Program increases energy efficiency in homes by reducing energy costs and increasing comfort while safeguarding health and safety. The program assists low-income individuals and families whose total household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Weatherization services include repairing and installing windows. Where needed, the program will repair, caulk, and weather-strip windows and doors.

If you are living in a rural area, getting help for repairing or replacing your windows is possible by the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504 Home Repair Program. 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 grant and a loan and get up to $27,000.00.

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency administers the Homeowners Energy Efficiency Loan Program (HEELP). This program offers loans between $1,000.00 and $10,000.00 for specific energy efficiency repairs at a fixed rate of 1%. This agency also administers the HomeStyle Renovation program. This program allows eligible homebuyers purchasing a home or existing homeowners seeking a refinance mortgage to repair, remodel, renovate or complete energy improvements, including repairing and installing new windows. 

Every county in Pennsylvania uses federal and state fundings to provide aid to eligible homeowners and each of these programs includes the repairing and replacing of windows.  Allegheny County administers the Allegheny Home Improvement Loan Program, Chester County offers the Housing Rehabilitation Program, and Montgomery County has the Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program. Luzerne County uses HUD funds to administer programs such as the Emergency Home Rehabilitation Program, and the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Monroe offers a Housing Rehabilitation Program to assist homeowners to rehabilitate owner-occupied homes in Monroe County to repair any code violation and to meet housing quality standards. If you are living in Norristown, you may be eligible for the Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program, and if you are a resident of Williamsport, you may use fundings from the Owner Occupied Single Family Rehabilitation Program.

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. Start your research online for federal, state, county, or city programs that may help you partially or totally. 

Emergency /Priority Improvement Loans with a 0% interest rate up to 10,000.00 and General Improvement Loans with a 3% interest rate up to 23,000.00 may be used for the rehabilitation and improvement of single-family residential properties in Allegheny County. These funds may be used in limited emergency repair projects only, including flooring. The Montgomery County’s Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program offers funds up to $45,000.00 for home improvement projects including repair of structural deficiencies that could lead to the collapse of floors. Foundation repairs are also eligible projects that can be covered by the Lehigh Wide Housing Rehabilitation Program. Chester County offers the Housing Rehabilitation Program, and Montgomery County has the Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program. Luzerne County uses HUD funds to administer programs such as the Emergency Home Rehabilitation Program, and the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Monroe offers a Housing Rehabilitation Program to assist homeowners to rehabilitate owner-occupied homes in Monroe County to repair any code violation and to meet housing quality standards.

For convenience, search and apply for Pennsylvania home repair grants online. If you need to connect with resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, PA 211 is a great place to start. Visit their site or call 211 and get the information you need https://www.pa211.org/. 

Are there grants for the elderly?

Senior citizens living in Pennsylvania 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. Assistance programs help the elderly, retirees, and older Americans, whether they have medical issues or not. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging offers services and programs to assist older Pennsylvanians. Most of these services are provided by the state’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging. Start by finding your local agency at the following link:

https://www.aging.pa.gov/local-resources/Pages/AAA.aspx

If you are living in a rural area, getting help for repairing or replacing your home 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.

The Home Maintenance Program is administered by HPCC on behalf of the Chester County Department of Community Development to help seniors live better. This program provides basic home maintenance, repairs, and access modifications for residents of Chester County, 65 years of age and older. There is a $4,500.00 limit on work to be performed for each residence. The total household income must fall at or below 50% of the Median Income Limits. This cost is considered a one-time, full grant. Work includes any type of home maintenance and repairs including but is not limited to, roof repair, heater installation, windows, decks, bathrooms, siding, etc.

Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh provides free home repair to seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities through their Safe & Healthy Homes Program. Senior Oakland homeowners over the age of 55 and at or below 80% of the area median income may be eligible to receive up to $22,500.00 for home repairs when they join the Oakland Community Land Trust (CLT).

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 Pennsylvania. 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, people with disabilities, and veterans. 

If you are living in a rural area, getting help for repairing your home 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. To qualify for a loan or grant, you must fit certain criteria such as:

• Being a homeowner and occupant of the house;
• Having a family income that is under 50 % of the area income;
• Being unfit to affordable credit;
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident;
• For grants, you must meet all the criteria above plus be age 62 or older and not be able to repay a repair loan.

Pennsylvania’s Weatherization Assistance Program increases energy efficiency in homes by reducing energy costs and increasing comfort while safeguarding health and safety. Weatherization services include but are not limited to: installation of attic, minor repairs, and/or health and safety measures, installation of the attic, wall, basement, and crawlspace insulation and ventilation to reduce energy loss, etc. These funds are available to low-income individuals (at or below 200% of the federal poverty level), with priority given to higher-risk residents such as the elderly, disabled individuals, families with children, and high energy users. 

Start by finds your local agency: 

Agency List

The PA Accessible Housing Program (PAHP) provides grants that will enable low and moderate-income persons with permanent disabilities and older adults to make their current homes more accessible. The program assists people with permanent disabilities and older adults whose annual gross household incomes fall at or below 80% of the median income or 235% of the poverty level, whichever is higher, as set by HUD. 

The Homeowners Energy Efficiency Loan Program (HEELP) offers loans between $1,000.00 and $10,000.00 for specific energy efficiency repairs at a fixed rate of 1%. This program is administered by the PA Housing Finance Agency. These funds may be used for energy-efficient windows and doors, energy-efficient heating or cooling system repairs or replacements, roof replacements, caulking, sealing & insulation, etc. 

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency offers also the HomeStyle Renovation program which allows eligible homebuyers purchasing a home or existing homeowners seeking a refinance mortgage to repair, remodel, renovate, or complete energy improvements. These funds may be used in home improvement projects such as roof repair or replacement, repairs/improvements to plumbing and/or electric systems, upgrades to kitchen and/or bath areas, etc.

Pennvest has a program that is being administered in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) and a series of local banks. This program offers low-interest funding for individual homeowners to pay for the repair or replacement of their malfunctioning on-lot system that serves their principal residence. 

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) offers a variety of programs to help homeowners and renters make necessary repairs and upgrades in order to stay in their homes. The Center for Housing Opportunities’ Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) provides financial assistance up to $30,000.00 to homeowners at or below 50% AMI for rehabilitating and improving residential owner-occupied properties within the City of Pittsburgh. Homeowners may apply for up to $30,000.00 in financial assistance. These funds will be in the form of a 0% interest, 30-year deferred loan. Another available option is the Homeowner Assistance Program PLUS (HAP+) which provides financial assistance up to $30,000.00 to homeowners between 51% AMI – 80% AMI for rehabilitating and improving residential owner-occupied properties within the City of Pittsburgh. 

If you are in need of such programs, start by filling out the following application:

https://www.ura.org/media/W1siZiIsIjIwMjAvMDMvMTkvamJlb2Q2c2drX0hvbWVfUmVwYWlyX0Fzc2lzdGFuY2VfQXBwbGljYXRpb24uRmlsbGFibGVfMV8ucGRmIl1d/Home%20Repair%20Assistance%20Application.Fillable%20%281%29.pdf

The Allegheny Home Improvement Loan Program (AHILP) is the most affordable way for eligible Allegheny County residents to rehabilitate and improve their homes. Emergency /Priority Improvement Loans with a 0% interest rate up to 10,000.00 may be used for the repair of code violations or emergency conditions that present health and safety hazards. General Improvement Loans with a 3% interest rate up to 23,000.00 may be used for the rehabilitation and improvement of single-family residential properties. Grants are only available in connection to receiving a loan. They are available and are determined on a case-by-case basis for limited code repairs, lead hazard control/reduction work, accessibility improvements, and public sidewalk repairs. These funds may be used in repairs such as electrical and plumbing, flooring, roofing, retaining walls, siding, heating and cooling systems, windows and doors, water or sewage system repairs, etc. Eligible homes are residential, single-family dwellings located in Allegheny County, excluding the cities of Pittsburgh, McKeesport, Trafford, Penn Hills, and McDonald’s.

Chester County also administers a Housing Rehabilitation Program to help low to moderate-income homeowners correct local code violations in their homes. Violations may include but are not limited to, structural, plumbing, heating, and electrical problems. The eligible applicant must be the owner of the home and the household’s annual gross income must not exceed 80% of the area median income. The maximum amount of funding per single-family dwelling is $25,000.00 and the interest rate is 0%.

Low-income homeowners who live in southern Chester County may also apply for free home repair from the Good Neighbors, a non-profit organization. These organizations can provide help in repairs including electric systems, plumbing, and heating repairs, siding, painting, etc. 

Carlisle Borough provides funding to help property owners maintain their homes through the Carlisle Borough Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program. This program pays for home repairs, focusing on those to correct code deficiencies, in residences of qualified homeowners. Eligible work items include updating electrical wiring, heating systems, roof repair or replacement, insulation, doors, windows, siding, interior and exterior painting, chimneys, spouting, foundation repairs, kitchens, bathrooms, etc. Assistance is in the form of an interest-free deferred loan, and a mortgage is recorded as a lien against the property. A maximum of $20,000.00 in assistance can be provided per eligible home.

Montgomery County helps low and moderate-income homeowners using funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program offers funds up to $45,000.00 for home improvement projects including heater system, furnace, and hot water replacement, repair of structural deficiencies that could lead to the collapse of roofs, floors, ceilings, stairs and/or framing, repair of plumbing system failures, correction of electrical deficiencies, etc. These funds may be used by residents in Montgomery County, excluding properties located in Abington Township, Conshohocken Borough, Lower Merion Township, and Norristown Borough. This program is administered by the County Commissioners and the Office of Housing and Community Development and is eligible, call (610) 278-3540 to be put on a waiting list. 

The Municipality of Norristown in Montgomery County administers an Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program for income-eligible homeowners within the Municipality. Improvements are geared to assist homeowners to bring their properties up to code. The program is administered on a first come first serve basis. 

Bradford County also uses funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and provides financial aid to its eligible homeowners with the rehabilitation of their homes. The Housing Rehabilitation Program offers income-eligible, single-family, owner-occupants, retain homeowners insurance, with taxes paid to date, and may qualify for housing rehabilitation grants of up to $20,000 per household.

If you live in Lehigh County, own your home and your total gross annual household income falls below the income limit for your household size, you may be eligible to participate in the Lehigh Wide Housing Rehabilitation Program. This program offers up to $20,000.00 as a forgivable loan to cover the cost of repairs such as roof repair or replacement, foundation repairs, plumbing, windows, doors, electrical system repairs, water and sewer connections, etc. These funds are provided as a 0% interest five-year depreciating lien on owner-occupied properties. Call the Lehigh County Community Development office at 610-782-3565 for more information and how to apply. This program is available to residents of Lehigh County that live outside the city limits of Allentown and Bethlem.

Home improvement grants are also available in the city of Williamsport administered by the  Office of Economic & Community Development. The Owner Occupied Single Family Rehabilitation Program provides grants and very low interest or deferred repayment loans are available to qualified households. These funds may be used in projects such as repairs and replacements of roofs, floors, windows, doors, electrical systems, sewer, and water systems, etc. The household income must be at or below 80% of the area median income. The maximum amount that you may receive is $30,000.00. This city also offers a Handicapped Accessibility Home Improvement Program to residential properties within the City of Williamsport, that are occupied by low to moderate-income households with persons having disabling conditions. Work items covered under this program include railings, ramps, doorway adjustments, bathroom modifications, and more. A maximum of $5,000.00 is available to eligible applicants. 

The city of Wilkes Barre offers two home repairs grant programs. The Emergency Rehabilitation Grant Program is administered by the Office of Community and Development and uses funds from HUD. This program offers financial aid to homeowners whose property is located within the city of Wilkes Barre, with a household income of 80% of the area median income for emergency repairs. The Home Rehabilitation Program is also available to Wilkes Barre residents who meet the required criteria:

• Property is owner-occupied,
• Applicants are consent to a Housing Code Inspection,
• Applicants household income is 80% of the area median income,
• Property’s taxes and insurances are current,
• Applicants must agree to a mortgage being placed on their property.

Eligible repairs include correcting code violations, such as upgrading electrical systems, heating systems, plumbing issues, and faulty roofs, useful life issues, and lead-based paint reduction activities. Grants will be forgiven in either 5 years or 10 years depending on the amount and loans will be with the City of Wilkes-Barre at 3% interest for a maximum of 15 years.

Upper Darby Township also offers a Home Improvement Code Compliance Program or HICCP. The goal of the HICCP program is to give as many eligible low and very low-income homeowners the resources to make essential repairs. The maximum amount of the grants is $15,000.00 and amounts over the first $15,000.00 but less than $25,000.00 stay as a lien on the property for an additional five-year period or until the property is sold. Use the following application if you are interested. https://www.upperdarby.org/downloads/li/permits/hiccp_app.pdf.

HUD funds in Lancaster Township are administered by the Redevelopment Authority and they offer a Home Repair Program to help low and moderate-income homeowners fix hazardous conditions in their homes. These funds are provided with a 0% interest, deferred payment loan that is secured with a mortgage on the property. The maximum value of a home cannot exceed $400,000.00. Owners must occupy their residence year-round and must own the property in fee simple title. The properties must be located in Lancaster County, but outside of Lancaster city. A Home Repair Loan may be for the amount needed to rehabilitate the property, up to a maximum of $24,999.00. If eligible, you can apply by calling the Program Specialist at (717) 394-0793 Ext. 210. and use the application below: 

https://www.lchra.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/HRP-Initial-Questionnaire_Fillable.pdf

The city of Borough’s Planning and Community Development Department administers a Home Rehabilitation Assistance Program from federal Community Development Block Grant and HOME grants. These funds may be used by low income homeowners to make needed home repairs and improvements. For more information, contact the Community Development and Housing Division at 814-234-7109.

Luzerne County uses HUD funds to administer programs such as the Emergency Home Rehabilitation Program. This program provides assistance to eligible homeowners in situations that create an unexpected and immediate danger to the health and well-being of the occupants of the home. Examples of an emergency situation are, no heat or water, hazardous electrical conditions, lead-based paint hazards in the home of a child under 6 with elevated blood lead levels, severe lead-based paint hazards, accessibility issues, or other factors determined by the inspector that create an immediate threat to the occupants or could lead to severe deterioration of the home. Household income must be at or below 80% of median income for the area, as established by HUD. Eligible properties for this program are single-family homes located in Luzerne County, outside the Cities of Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Pittston, and Nanticoke. The funding will be provided in the form of a non-interest-bearing forgivable loan. A lien will be placed on the home for the 5-year term of the loan.

Redevelopment Authority of the County of Monroe also offers a Housing Rehabilitation Program to assist homeowners to rehabilitate owner-occupied homes in Monroe County to repair any code violation and to meet housing quality standards. According to their official website, grants and loans are secured by a mortgage against the residence which requires no monthly payments. These funds may be used in repairs including correcting code violations, repairing major systems such as heating, electrical, plumbing, and roofing, making the home more energy-efficient, structural components, and windows and doors.

The Center for Community Action – Huntingdon provides financial aid to residents of Huntingdon County and Bedford County. Their Housing Rehabilitation Program provides major repairs to homes in order to bring the home up to HUD housing standards for health and safety. They also provide assistance to Bedford, Cambria, or Fulton county residents, through our LIHEAP Crisis program, to help you with furnace repair and replacement services. For more information call (814) 623-9129 or email dcatena@ccaofpa.org.

Low and moderate-income homeowners who own and occupy a residence in Washington County are eligible to receive assistance under the Home Rehabilitation Program when funding is available and the following criteria are met:

• annual income must not exceed 80% of the Median Family income,
• Property taxes are current,
• No municipal, state, or federal liens,
• Home has a value, after rehabilitation, that does not exceed $164,000.00,
• Not in foreclosure or bankruptcy.

Pennsylvania is also the home to SEDA – Council of Government, or SEDA-COG, an economic development agency that serves 11 counties and helps rehabilitate homes for limited-income families. Their cover repairs include structural repairs, window replacement, plumbing repairs, electrical repairs, roofing repairs, etc.

What are the easiest homeowner grants to get?

The easiest homeowner grants to get are those that have a solid foundation for requesting money, are well-thought-out, have a plan for the future, and are clear and concise in their goals and objectives. To obtain a grant, first, you look for an organization whose goals match what you need to have funded. Second, make sure you meet all the required criteria and 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, senior citizens, disabled people, and veterans. 

Luckily, Pennsylvania is one of the most organized states when it comes to federal and state grants, county and city grants, as well as non-profit organizations and charities. For convenience, search and apply for Pennsylvania home repair grants online. If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, PA 211 is a great place to start. Visit their site or call 211 and get the information you need https://www.pa211.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 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 and you meet the required criteria then these funds are available. Very low and low-income people, families with children, 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 Pennsylvania home repair grants online. Do thorough research and contact your local offices. If you need to connect with resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, PA 211 is a great place to start. Visit their site or call 211 and get the information you need https://www.pa211.org/. You can also visit your local HUD office and get informed on the homeownership assistance and improvement programs on the following link: https://www.hud.gov/states/pennsylvania/homeownership/homerepairs. Every county and every city in Pennsylvania offers some sort of assistance for homeowners, whether in the form of grants or loans. 

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.

If you are living in a rural area anywhere in the US, getting help for repairing your home 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. Roof repair and replacement is an eligible project for this program. 

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency administers the Homeowners Energy Efficiency Loan Program (HEELP). This program offers loans between $1,000.00 and $10,000.00 for specific energy efficiency repairs at a fixed rate of 1%. This agency also administers the HomeStyle Renovation program. This program allows eligible homebuyers purchasing a home or existing homeowners seeking a refinance mortgage to repair, remodel, renovate, or complete energy improvements, including repairing and installing a new roof. 

Every county in Pennsylvania uses federal and state fundings to provide aid to eligible homeowners and each of these programs includes roof repairing and replacing. Allegheny County administers the Allegheny Home Improvement Loan Program, Chester County offers the Housing Rehabilitation Program, and Montgomery County has the Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program. Luzerne County uses HUD funds to administer programs such as the Emergency Home Rehabilitation Program, and the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Monroe offers a Housing Rehabilitation Program to assist homeowners to rehabilitate owner-occupied homes in Monroe County to repair any code violation and to meet housing quality standards. If you are living in Norristown, you may be eligible for the Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program, and if you are a resident of Williamsport, you may use fundings from the Owner Occupied Single Family Rehabilitation Program. You may apply for funding from Homeowner Funding, an organization that serves Pennsylvania among other states. 

How do I apply for a federal home repair grant?

There are several places you can find available 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 (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 Pennsylvania can be found at their site  https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?webListAction=search&searchstate=PA.

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. Pennsylvania 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.

Every county in Pennsylvania uses federal and state fundings to provide aid to eligible homeowners and each of these programs includes the repairing of electrical systems.  Allegheny County administers the Allegheny Home Improvement Loan Program, Chester County offers the Housing Rehabilitation Program, and Montgomery County has the Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program. Luzerne County uses HUD funds to administer programs such as the Emergency Home Rehabilitation Program, and the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Monroe offers a Housing Rehabilitation Program to assist homeowners to rehabilitate owner-occupied homes in Monroe County to repair any code violation and to meet housing quality standards. If you are living in Norristown, you may be eligible for the Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program, and if you are a resident of Williamsport, you may use fundings from the Owner Occupied Single Family Rehabilitation Program.

If you are living in a rural area, getting help for rewiring your house 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.

Reaching out to federal, state and county agencies that administer grant and loan programs is your first step. For convenience, search and apply for Pennsylvania home repair grants online. If you need to connect with resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, PA 211 is a great place to start. Visit their site or call 211 and get the information you need https://www.pa211.org/.

What is the Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program?

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency may be able to assist you in saving your home from foreclosure. The Agency has a program to assist with delinquent mortgages, the Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program, known as HEMAP. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible to receive a loan to bring your mortgage payments current. If you have a mortgage with PHFA and are in need of assistance with your mortgage, start by completing the following Financial Statement:

https://www.phfa.org/forms/collections/financial_statement.pdf

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Who can get a home improvement grant?

Low and moderate-income families, seniors, veterans, 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.