How can I get a home improvement grant in Utah?

Home improvement or home repair grants and zero-interest loans in Utah or any other state in the US are available to low and moderate-income homeowners, renters, and lenders. There are a lot of home improvement and support programs in Utah whose funds may primarily be used by low-income families with children, low-income single parents, low-income senior citizens, veterans, and disabled people. The process until applicants are approved can be long and requires providing a large amount of 100% accurate information. The eligibility requirements on these funds vary on income, age, type of property, as well as the location of the property. Reaching out to federal, state and county agencies that administer grant and loan programs and getting informed of the documents and eligibility requirements is your first step if you need such funds. 

Did you know that there are several Virginia solar incentives, rebates, and programs expiring in 2023? Before you start worrying, you should know that there are unbelievable new incentives here now! Check out one of the most popular resources for learning about these programs in the link below.

Access Virginia Solar Programs

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

As a state, Utah offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have seven offices in the State of Utah that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials from their Restores. You can visit their official sites, and contact a local office, and get informed on the programs they offer, as well as the documents and eligibility requirements: https://www.habitat.org/local/affiliate-by-state?state=UT

If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Utah 2-1-1 is also a great place to start. 2-1-1 is a free, confidential service available to anyone and it is responsible for the 211 helplines in Utah. This live telephone service is available on a 24-hour basis to connect residents to a variety of human services or social services across the state. According to their official website, the 2-1-1 call specialists can be found in every state and they are available 24/7 to help callers find such services as mortgage, rent, and utility assistance, food, emergency shelter, health care, counseling, support groups, etc., that are available right in their communities: https://211utah.org/

Explore comprehensive home improvement programs available in your area. Whether you're looking to upgrade your windows, install a new roof, or completely remodel your home, find out how these programs can help you achieve your goals with financial assistance and expert advice.

Access Virginia Home Improvement Programs

How can I get a solar grant in Utah?

The state of Utah has plenty of reasons to go solar. This state has plenty of sunshine throughout the year, and a lot of incentives for going solar, which is why a lot of homes and businesses in this state started getting their power from solar panels. Utah offers some renewable energy and energy efficiency incentive programs, which are available for residential customers, small and large businesses, and government agencies, to improve the environment and stimulate sustainable economic development and growth. Going solar in 2021 is essential for reducing carbon emissions by using renewable clean energy from the sun and lowering your monthly energy costs. Beyond the federal ITC, Utah offers additional incentives for going solar, depending on where you live and who your utility company is. 

The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit or ITC is a federal policy that supports the use of solar energy in the USA. This policy represents a 26% tax credit claimed against the tax liability for solar systems on residential and commercial properties. The average cost of a solar panel installation ranges from $12,325.00 to $16,675.00 On a cost per watt ($/W) basis, a solar panel installation in Utah ranges in price from $2.46 to $3.34. 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 Utah solar tax credit, officially known as the Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit (RESTC), covers up to 25% of the purchase and installation costs for residential solar PV projects, capped at $1,600.00, whichever is less. This can be applied to residential and commercial renewable energy generating systems. The tax credit amount varies based on technology type and whether it is a residential or commercial installation. The Utah residential solar tax credit is phasing down. The cap dollar amount applicants can receive begins to phase down as follows:

  • 25% capped at $1,200 until 12/31/21
  • 25% capped at $800 until 12/31/22
  • 25% capped at $400 until 12/31/23
  • Utah tax credit expires in 2024.

Register at the following site if you decide to go solar and you are interested in this program: https://oedapply.smapply.org/ 

Net metering is also available in Utah. This solar incentive allows you to store energy in the electric grid. When your solar panels produce excess power, that energy is sent to the grid and in exchange, you can pull from the grid when your system is under-producing like during nighttime. When you generate electricity from your solar array for your home or business, it reduces the amount of energy you purchase from your electric utility. This way it lowers your monthly electricity bills. There is no charge for customers to have a net meter installed. 

How can I get a debt grant?

Dealing with various debts in the middle of the Covid-19 crisis is not easy. Whether you have become unemployed or underemployed as a result of the pandemics, there are federal and state resources you may use to lower your debt. Although getting a grant that will completely cover all of your debts is NOT available, there are still several other options in Utah to consolidate and lower them. This state offers financial assistance for bills, rent, and mortgage to income-eligible residents. 

While the government and government-approved agencies do not typically provide debt grants, they do offer a variety of programs that can assist consumers who are struggling with their finances or overwhelmed with credit card debts. Many credit counselors offer debt consolidation programs that can lower the interest rate on your outstanding debts, like high-interest credit card debts. Another option at your disposal is the debt consolidation loans where a debt consolidation lender pays off your debts and all you are left with is one single payment for this new loan. The third option is debt settlement in which a debt negotiator works out a settlement with your creditors. 

If you’re facing unmanageable debt, a Debt Management Program might be the answer. This program helps you pay off your debt to multiple creditors with a single, comfortable monthly payment. When you sign for this kind of program at any of the available agencies, they negotiate better terms for you from each of your creditors. The payment then goes to your chosen agency and they distribute those funds on your behalf. A debt management plan is not a loan, but an agreement between debt management companies and creditors on your behalf. Although this is NOT a grant, you still save money in interest and fees. Before you agree to a debt management plan, it is advisable to get help from a credit counseling organization. Debt Management Plans usually last from 36 to 60 months. The link below shows a list of approved credit counseling agencies in the state of Utah you may contact:

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

You can also try and reduce your debt by applying online for debt counseling services at InCharge.org, a non-profit organization. This organization has a debt management program that works directly with creditors to consolidate your debt through the method of combining multiple debts into one monthly payment, reduce the interest rate on your credit, and create a monthly payment plan that you can afford.        

Another financial strategy to pay off your debts is through a Debt Consolidation Loan. This means getting a loan to pay off all of your debts and then make single monthly payments to your lender. The advantages are that debt consolidation loans usually carry a lower interest rate, and these loans usually take 2 to 5 years to repay, depending on the amount. The loans can be secured by a home, car, or property or be unsecured.      

Debt Settlement is your third option, in which a debt negotiator works out a settlement with your creditor. This settlement reduces your existing loan principles and credit card balances by a substantial margin. This option is a prime alternative to bankruptcy. 

If you are having credit card debts, you can use a Balance Transfer Credit Card. This type of card typically comes with a promotional, low, or zero percent interest rate, which lasts usually 12-18, but in some cases could go for 24 months.

Are there homeowner grants for bills?

The government or other available grant programs can provide financial aid to help pay for housing, mortgage, rent, utilities, medical supplies, or even transportation costs. There are resources for low-income families, single mothers, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans and their families, the unemployed, the underemployed, and others in need. Residents of Utah impacted by the Covid-19 crisis may also use these programs. Many utility companies in Utah also have programs to assist low-income customers. These funds may help you pay your utility bills or give you a discount and lower the amount of energy you use.

The Utah Home Energy Assistance Target Program (HEAT) helps low-income households with their heating utility bills. This program provides winter utility assistance to low-income households targeting those who are truly vulnerable – the lowest-income households with the highest heating costs, the disabled, elderly, and families with preschool-age children. Utah Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) program is the state’s LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). The state administers the program through State Energy Assistance and Lifeline (SEAL). Utah HEAT – LIHEAP also offers two supplemental programs such as HEAT Energy Crisis Intervention and Weatherization.

https://www.benefitsapplication.com/program_info/UT/LIHEAP

The Utah Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides financial and medical assistance to needy dependent children in Utah and the parents, or relatives, with whom the children are living. A family can only get TANF for 60-months (5 years) in a lifetime. These payments are based on the family’s income and number of members. Apply online for this program at the following link: https://jobs.utah.gov/assistance/index.html

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.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program is a Federal Communication Commission program that helps households struggling to pay for internet service during the coronavirus pandemic. This new benefit connects eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, and virtual classrooms. Eligible households can receive a discount up to $50.00/month towards broadband service including unlimited data plans, up to $75.00/month for tribal households, or up to $100.00/one-time to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if the household contributes $10.00 to $50.00 toward the purchase price. 

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. Utah offers property tax relief programs for the permanent residence of qualified homeowners, including senior citizens, people with disabilities, and veterans.

There are two tax relief programs available to senior citizens. The Circuit Breaker Tax Relief Program requires an individual to be 66 by the end of the year. The purpose of this program is to provide general property tax relief to certain poor taxpayers who have household incomes below statutorily mandated levels and who own their place of residence. The amount of the exemption will be up to the maximum amount allowed by legislation for the year, plus an additional credit equal to the tax on 20% of the fair market value of the residence. The County Low Income Tax Relief Program requires an individual to be age 65 by the end of the year. It is possible for an individual to qualify for and receive tax relief from both programs in the same year. The purpose of this program is to provide tax relief to claimants who have income below statutorily mandated levels and who own their residence. The amount of the exemption will be 50% of the taxes due, up to the maximum amount allowed by the legislature for the year. Online applications for both of these programs are available at the following link:

https://www.utahcounty.gov/Dept/ClerkAud/OnlineAbatement/CircuitBreaker/option.html

How can I get a grant to repair my home?

Home repair grants and loans are NOT given to anyone and for any purpose. The best way to get a grant to repair your home is to meet all the required criteria, have all the necessary documents, and submit your application within the given deadline.

Each of these grants varies in income, age, type of repair necessary, and location of the property. Very low income and low-income families, families with children, single parents, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and veterans have a primary position when it comes to approval. Repairing a home is a very broad subject and can cover many projects within. Unfortunately, not all of them are eligible for grant fundings. No one will give you free money if you don’t like the tiles in your bathroom or the color of your kitchen cabinets. Emergency repairs, including repairs addressing health and safety hazards, as well as home modifications that improve code violations are the only eligible repairs. Start by researching online on the available federal and state programs, then move to your county and city. Non-profit organizations, charities, and local churches also provide financial aid, volunteer labor, or discounted material you may use. 

Keep in mind these funds are limited and they usually work on a first-come, first-served basis, so you want to be informed on time. Make sure you meet all the required criteria and you have all the necessary documents. Another fact you should know is that not all grants will be categorized specifically under home improvement needs. They may be related to broader themes such as home repair, home rehabilitation, community upgrades, low-income family support for all residents. If you require such programs to renovate your home and make it a safe place to live, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. Contact the HUD’s official Utah office, visit the state’s official site, call the 24-hour live telephone service 2-1-1 or get in touch with non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together in your area.

How can I get a grant for windows?

Grants are available in Utah 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 grants and zero interest loan programs.

Utah Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is available to all income-eligible households in the state of Utah. This program is available all over the US. Although WAP is not a home improvement program and will not cover the cost of new windows, it can still provide minor repairs that can save you up on your utility bills. This program is 100% federally funded through a grant from the Federal Department of Energy. The services are provided for low-income households, particularly for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. Households participating in WAP will usually save up to 33% in their energy costs. To receive WAP services in Utah, eligible applicants need to fill out the application at the following link: https://www.benefitsapplication.com/program_info/UT/WAP 

The cost of window repair and replacement can be covered by many home repair programs, including the Home Exterior Loan Program (HELP), administered by the City of Ogden. The City of Provo also administers an Emergency Home Repair Program that can help with broken and inefficient windows. Salt Lake City operates the Home Repair Program and the Salt Lake City Targeted Repair Program to help its income-eligible residents. West Valley City residents can use funds from the Home Rehabilitation Loan Program (HRL) if they have a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. The City of Orem provides qualifying homeowners with up to $15,000.00 through the Critical Home Repair & Housing Rehabilitation Program.   

If you are living in a rural area in Utah and anywhere in the US, getting help for repairing or replacing your windows is possible by the federal program Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504, operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program offers 1% interest loans up to $20,000.00 to low-income homeowners and grants up to $7,500.00 to low-income people over 62. You can also make a combination of a loan and a grant and get up to $27,500.00. Grants can only be used to correct health and safety deficiencies on properties, and loans can be used in all home improvement projects.     

If you need such programs to repair or replace your windows, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. Contact the HUD’s official Utah office, visit the state’s official site, call the 24-hour live telephone service 2-1-1 or get in touch with non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity in your area.

How can I get a grant for new flooring?

A home improvement flooring project is a complex and very expensive project. Whatever your home flooring style, you’re sure to face a repair or replacement project if you live in your home for a long time or have moved into an older property. Luckily, low and moderate-income homeowners in Utah can reach their local government or visit their government official site and apply for a home improvement grant or a zero-interest loan. These grants and zero or low-interest loans offer partial or complete financial aid to eligible homeowners, and they can be used for fixing health and safety-critical issues, as well as emergency repairs. Start your research online for federal, state, county, or city programs that may help you partially or completely lower your home improvement project cost.  

Repairing or replacing damaged floors and foundations can be covered by the Emergency Home Repair Program if you are a resident of the City of Provo. Salt Lake City also helps its residents that cannot afford their necessary home improvement projects through the Home Repair Program and the Salt Lake City Targeted Repair Program. A Home Rehabilitation Loan Program (HRL) is also available in West Valley City. The City of Orem operates the Critical Home Repair & Housing Rehabilitation Program that provides qualifying homeowners with up to $15,000.00 to repair critical damage to homes or eliminate specific and immediate hazards such as damaged flooring.    

If you are living in a rural area in the state of Utah and anywhere in the US, getting help for repairing or replacing your flooring, as well as addressing foundation repairs is possible by the federal program Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants or Section 504, a program operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program offers 1% interest loans up to $20,000.00 to low-income homeowners and grants up to $7,500.00 to low-income people over 62. You can also make a combination of a loan and a grant and get up to $27,500.00. Grants can only be used to correct health and safety deficiencies on properties, and loans can be used in all home improvement projects.

If you need such programs to repair or replace your flooring, as well as to address foundation repairs, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. Contact the HUD’s official Utah office, visit the state’s official site, call the 24-hour live telephone service 2-1-1 or get in touch with non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together in your area.

Are there grants for the elderly?

Senior citizens living in Utah may get help from many federal, state, county, and city programs, as well as non-profit organizations and charities. This help can be in the form of home maintenance and minor repair services, transportation, assistive technology equipment, legal aid, food vouchers, and home-delivered meals, senior centers, caregiver counseling, and in-home respite care, etc. These assistance programs help the elderly, retirees, and older Americans, whether they have medical issues or not.

The Utah Department of Human Services, Aging and Adult Services and the statewide network of Area Agencies on Aging assist older residents of Utah with a range of services and sources of information. Each local agency establishes a series of programs with the funds they have been granted. Any senior resident of Utah aged 60 and above is eligible to receive some sort of assistance under the Older Americans Act. The Older Americans Act (OAA) is a federal program that gives money to each state to assist elderly Americans who live outside of nursing homes. In many states, area agencies on aging operate as an office of a county and county employees are used to run the organization. Visit the official site of the state of Utah or one of the many Area Agencies on Aging and get informed on the ways you can get help: https://daas.utah.gov/locations-new/ 

The City of Provo administers an Emergency Home Repair Program to assist low-income homeowners aged 60 and above, people with disabilities, and low-moderate income households owned and occupied by active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces within Provo City limits. Funds up to $7,500.00 are given in the form of grants, and 0% deferred loans from $7,501.00 up to $15,000.00 are also available for emergency repairs of a more serious nature. For the $7,000 grant, there are no terms as no repayment is required.  Anything above that price and lower than $15,000 would be a 0% interest, deferred-payment loan which would be repaid when the applicant no longer resides in the home. The total household income of an applicant must not exceed 80% of the median area income for low-income households, adjusted household size, as determined by HUD and updated annually. Funds for the Program are available to the City through the federal Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). Eligible repairs include repair or replacement of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural systems, a repair to correct a health hazard, repair of roof if due to water leakage or similar damage, tree removal, repair work caused by flooding, fire, accidents or other unpreventable occurrences, etc.  

Seniors (62 years of age and older) and individuals with disabilities (under federal guidelines) whose income is below 80% of median income are qualified to receive assistance with small household repairs through the Handyman Program. This program is available in Salt Lake City. 

Eligible improvements include installing window locks, dead bolts, grab bars, threshold, correcting toilet leaks, weather stripping doors, reglazing windows, cleaning and repairing gutters, and more. If you are a senior citizen living in Salt Lake City, and you are in need of such services, fill out the application at the following link: 

https://www.slc.gov/hand/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/08/Handyman_Service_Application_web_2019.pdf

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 Utah. You may be eligible for all kinds of federal, state, county, or city grant programs. Some non-profit organizations and charities also help families in need, giving priority to low-income families with children, seniors, single parents, people with disabilities, and veterans and their families. The eligibility requirements on these funds vary on income, age, type of property, as well as the location of the property.

Income-eligible homeowners of properties located in the City of Ogden can get help with their home improvement projects through the Emergency Home Repair Program. This program provides loans for home repairs that correct emergency issues that threaten the structure and the health of the household. Each loan has a maximum of $5,000.00. Eligible repairs usually include electric system, plumbing system, and heating system emergencies (roofing system is ineligible). If you are in need of such funds, apply online at the following link:

https://www.ogdencity.com/1992/18487/APPLY-ONLINE—EHRP?activeLiveTab=widgets#liveEditTab_versionsList

This City also administers a Home Exterior Loan Program (HELP) that provides home repair loans to income-eligible homeowners to preserve existing homes in existing vintage neighborhoods. This program is administered by the Community Development Division. Eligible improvements include fencing, painting, windows, doors, roofing, porches, electrical system upgrades, fire detection equipment, plumbing system, sewer system, and more. The maximum loan amount is based on the applicant’s eligible scope of work, available equity and ability to pay. All work must be done by a licensed contractor that is approved by Ogden City. If you are in need of uch funds, apply online at the following link:

https://www.ogdencity.com/1989/APPLY-ONLINE—HELP

The City of Provo administers an Emergency Home Repair Program to assist low-income homeowners aged 60 and above, people with disabilities, and low and moderate-income households owned and occupied by active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces within Provo City limits. Funds up to $7,500.00 are given in the form of grants, and 0% deferred loans from $7,501.00 up to $15,000.00 are also available for emergency repairs of a more serious nature. For the $7,000 grant, there are no terms as no repayment is required.  Anything above that price and lower than $15,000 would be a 0% interest, deferred-payment loan which would be repaid when the applicant no longer resides in the home. The total household income of an applicant must not exceed 80% of the median area income for low-income households, adjusted household size, as determined by HUD and updated annually. Funds for the Program are available to the City through the federal Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). Eligible repairs include repair or replacement of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural systems, a repair to correct a health hazard, repair of roof if due to water leakage or similar damage, tree removal, repair work caused by flooding, fire, accidents or other unpreventable occurrences, etc.  

Salt Lake City also helps its residents that cannot afford their necessary home improvement projects. The Home Repair Program provides owner-occupied households with no and low-interest loans to address health, safety and structural issues in their homes. If you are eligible for this program, and in need of such funds, apply at the link below:

https://www.slc.gov/hand/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/08/Home-_Rehabilitation_Application_web_5.2019.pdf

Very Low Income households (50% and under AMI) can also apply for the Salt Lake City Targeted Repair Program and receive a life-time maximum grant of up to $50,000.00 to repair major structural and/or mechanical component deficiencies in their home. 

West Valley City residents can use funds from the Home Rehabilitation Loan Program (HRL) if they have a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, and a minimum FICO credit score rating of 550 at the time of application submission. This program provides flexible 0-3% interest loans of up to $25,000, to assist homeowners financially with the repair work needed on the home. Eligible repairs include correction of any health or safety hazards, accessibility modifications, code compliance, and select energy improvements. West Valley City resident owners of mobile homes may also qualify for a Mobile Home Rehabilitation Program and get a grant to make needed repairs on their mobile home. An Emergency Repair and Minor Maintenance Program (ERMM) is available to extremely low income homeowners who need to make emergency repairs in order to prevent further or more extensive damage to their home.

The City of Orem provides qualifying homeowners with up to $15,000.00 to repair critical damage to homes or eliminate specific and immediate hazards. Eligible improvements for the Critical Home Repair & Housing Rehabilitation Program include repairing and replacing windows, electrical systems, plumbing systems, fixtures, roofs, interior and exterior painting, ADA improvements, and more. These funds are available to all single-family, multi-family, and mobile homes homeowners with a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. 

What are the easiest homeowner grants to get?

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

States, like Utah, have different programs available to help their low and moderate-income residents. For convenience, search and apply for Utah home repair grants online. To search or apply for grants, use the free, official website, Grants.gov. If you need such programs to repair your home, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. Contact the HUD’s official Utah office, visit the state’s official site, call the 24-hour live telephone service 2-1-1 or get in touch with non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together in your area.

Keep in mind, there are NO “easy” grants to get. The process until applicants are approved can be long and requires providing a large amount of 100% accurate information. Income limitations are one of the most important factors when applying. There is a reason these funds are only available to people meeting all the required criteria. They are here to help people in need live in homes without code violations and health and safety hazards.

Can I get a grant to renovate my house?

There are plenty of available home renovation grants in the state of Utah. These grants are available to applicants ONLY if you need an emergency modification in your home to remove life-threatening health or safety conditions, as well as addressing code violations. You also must meet the required criteria and have all the necessary documents to apply for these funds. A grant to renovate your house is not available to anyone and for any purpose. There must be a solid foundation for requesting these funds. Very low and low-income homeowners, low-income families with children, single parents, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities are usually eligible to receive these funds. Homeowners impacted by natural disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes can also get financial aid from these types of grants.

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

As a state, Utah offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, have seven offices in the State of Utah that can help your home improvement projects by providing volunteer labor and free or discounted materials from their Restores. You can visit their official sites, and contact a local office, and get informed on the programs they offer, as well as the documents and eligibility requirements: https://www.habitat.org/local/affiliate-by-state?state=UT

If you need to connect with available resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Utah 2-1-1 is also a great place to start. 2-1-1 is a free, confidential service available to anyone and it is responsible for the 211 helplines in Utah. This live telephone service is available on a 24-hour basis to connect residents to a variety of human services or social services across the state. According to their official website, the 2-1-1 call specialists can be found in every state and they are available 24/7 to help callers find such services as mortgage, rent, and utility assistance, food, emergency shelter, health care, counseling, support groups, etc., that are available right in their communities: https://211utah.org/

Can I get a grant to repair my roof?

Repairing or replacing your roof is an expensive cost, but leaking and damaged roofs can present a hazard for you and your family. What may seem like a simple leak could wind up costing you thousands of dollars in repair costs. All roofs eventually break down and need replacement, no matter the type of material or how well they were maintained. There are several options in which you can get financial aid from federal and state agencies for a complete or partial replacement and repair. As a state, Utah offers support to its residents, including new homeowners and long-time property owners alike. Utah home improvement grants and zero-interest loans are available to low-income homeowners to reduce the cost of their emergency repairs that present safety and health hazards, including problems with damaged and leaking roofs. These grants are usually administered at a local level by governments and agencies.

Getting help with a roof repair and replacement project is available to income-eligible residents of the City of Ogden through the Home Exterior Loan Program (HELP). This program is administered by the Community Development Division. The City of Provo administers an Emergency Home Repair Program and provides funds up to $7,500.00 in the form of grants, and 0% deferred loans from $7,501.00 up to $15,000.00. These funds can be used for repair of roofs if due to water leakage or similar damage. Salt Lake City also helps its residents that cannot afford their necessary home improvement projects through the Home Repair Program and the Salt Lake City Targeted Repair Program. West Valley City residents can use funds from the Home Rehabilitation Loan Program (HRL) for their roof repair or replacement project. The City of Orem administers the Critical Home Repair & Housing Rehabilitation Program which provides qualifying homeowners with up to $15,000.00 that can be used for home improvements.

If you are in need and eligible for such programs to partially or completely cover the cost of your roof repair or roof replacement project, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements. Contact the HUD’s official Utah office, visit the state’s official site, call the 24-hour live telephone service 2-1-1 or get in touch with non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity in your area.

How do I apply for a federal home repair grant?

There are several places you can find available federal home improvement grants. The United States government has 26 agencies in charge of making grants. In addition to federal grants, some states have grant programs. Locate and contact your local government office. Government representatives, there will be able to advise you about eligibility requirements and other necessary criteria for applying for a grant. To search or apply for grants, you can also use the free, official website, Grants.gov. First, you have to register an account on this site. Then, you can search their site for their available grants and apply.  

Besides meeting the required criteria and applying within the deadline, it is very important to have all the necessary documents. For example, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD provides all kinds of housing support and helps communities. If you live in a rural area, then you might be interested in the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants – Section 504. Applicants interested in applying for a repair loan or grant can contact their local Rural Development office and provide the following documentation:

The applications are accepted year-round and their approval time depends on funding availability in your area. 

How does HUD mortgage assistance work?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides housing grants to low-income families. These grants help families pay for rent, purchase or even rehabilitate a home. HUD also allocates grant funds to local governments and nonprofit agencies so they can develop their affordable housing program in their communities. HUD-approved counseling agencies are available in every state to help you find a housing grant in an area near you. The approved housing agencies in Utah can be found at their site:  

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

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also funds an Emergency Homeowners Loan Program or EHLP, that provides mortgage help and loans to those homeowners who may be facing foreclosure due to a drop in household income from a job loss, underemployment, or reduction in working hours, involuntary unemployment, or a medical condition or emergency. 

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

  • You must be at least three months behind on their monthly mortgage payment,
  • The home involved must be your primary residence,
  • You must have demonstrated a timely payment record on their mortgage before the job loss or medical condition or event that produced the reduction of income for the homeowner.

If you are struggling to make your mortgage payment on your FHA-insured mortgage because of the impacts of COVID-19, you might get help from the Special COVID-19 mortgage relief for homeowners with FHA-insured single-family mortgages. Your mortgage servicer is required to offer you a mortgage payment forbearance, which allows you to reduce or pause making payments for six months, with the option to extend for an additional six months if needed. You must request a COVID-19 Forbearance from your mortgage servicer by June 30, 2021, and no extra fees, penalties, or interest will be added to your account. If you can resume making your payments, FHA’s COVID-19 Standalone Partial Claim takes your past due amounts and puts them in a subordinate lien to be repaid later. You will only repay this lien when your mortgage ends, which, for most borrowers, is when you sell your home or refinance your mortgage.

Is the mortgage relief program legit?

Fannie Mae’s HIRO program and Freddie Mac’s Enhanced Relief Refinance or FMERR are the only active relief programs today. They provide mortgage incentives by replacing your existing loan with a new loan that has a lower interest rate and more affordable payments.

Fannie Mae’s HIRO program can be used only by homeowners whose mortgages are currently owned by Fannie Mae. This program allows homeowners to refinance with no equity or an underwater loan. If your home has lost value since you bought it and you don’t have enough equity to do regular refinance, then this is a great option. You can’t apply to this program if you previously used the Home Affordable Refinance Program or HARP, which was a similar project by Fannie Mae that expired.

Freddie Mac’s Enhanced Relief Refinance program can be used for existing fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages. This program is intended to refinance into a more sustainable mortgage that promotes long-term homeownership success, to reduce the monthly principal and interest payment of your first Lien Mortgage, as well as if you are interested in potentially reducing principal and interest payment. Freddie Mac’s Enhanced Relief Refinance program is only available to homeowners whose mortgages are currently owned by Freddie Mac.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemics, there is also a Covid-19 Mortgage Relief Program. The COVID hardship forbearance applies to all federally backed and federally sponsored mortgages, which includes HUD/FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac mortgage loans. The Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) directed lenders holding federally-backed mortgages to suspend borrowers’ payments for up to a maximum of 360 days if they had experienced financial hardship due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Landlords of multi-family property mortgages can also receive relief. The CARES Act allows a 30-day forbearance for multi-family mortgages, and up to two 30-day extensions. You can apply for forbearance through Sept. 30, 2021, and will not be charged late fees or reported to credit bureaus. 

Is there a grant for rewiring a house?

A home electrical wiring is an expensive project and you may be eligible for a grant to partially or completely cover the cost. There are several options in which you can get financial aid from federal and state agencies for rewiring your house. Some of these funds can only be used in electrical system repairs and upgrades, others include a new rewiring of your home. Utah home improvement grants and zero-interest forgivable loans are available to moderate and low-income homeowners to reduce the cost of their emergency repairs that present safety and health hazards, including problems with the electrical system. These grants are usually administered at a local level by governments and agencies. Grants cover the costs of the rewiring projects, which include labor expenses, equipment, and supply purchases.

Repairing a damaged electrical system, or getting a new rewiring on a house is an eligible project that can be covered by the Emergency Home Repair Program, administered by the City of Ogden. The City also operates a Home Exterior Loan Program (HELP) that provides electrical system upgrades. The City of Provo administers an Emergency Home Repair Program  through the federal Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). Salt Lake City also helps its residents that cannot afford their necessary home improvement projects. The Home Repair Program provides owner-occupied households with no and low-interest loans to repair or replace their electrical system. Very Low Income households (50% and under AMI) can also apply for the Salt Lake City Targeted Repair Program and receive a life-time maximum grant of up to $50,000.00. West Valley City residents can use funds from the Home Rehabilitation Loan Program (HRL) and the Emergency Repair and Minor Maintenance Program (ERMM) if they are having trouble repairing or replacing their home electrical wiring.

If you are in need and eligible for such programs to partially or completely cover the cost of your electrical system upgrade, repair, or replacement, do your research about available funds within your city/county and all the documents and eligibility requirements and see if you qualify. Contact the HUD’s official Utah, visit the state’s official site, call the 24-hour live telephone service 2-1-1 or get in touch with non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity in your area.

What is the Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program?

Households in Salt Lake City who have experienced a loss of income or been otherwise financially affected may submit an application to receive one to three months of mortgage payments up to $5,000.00. Households who have under 60% of the area median income (AMI) may be eligible for a grant while those over 60% AMI may be eligible for a 2% low-interest loan. This Mortgage Assistance Program is administered by the Community Development Corporation of Utah (CDCU). If you are in need of such assistance, use the application at the following link:

https://www.cdcutah.org/images/pdfs-doc/Mortgage_Assistance/City_Covid_Mtg_Asst_Packet-English.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 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://homeloanhelp.bankofamerica.com/assets/documents/Other_RMA_Bank-of-America.pdf

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

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

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

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

Who can get a home improvement grant?

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

The biggest part of the eligibility to these programs is the household income. Assistance will usually be provided to families or individuals who are living in occupied single-family homes, or mobile homes and whose combined total household annual income does not exceed certain income thresholds. Every program has different criteria and provides different amounts of funding. By law, these rules must not discriminate against you because of your age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. 

These grant programs are primarily directed at very low and low-income homeowners who might not be approved by a bank for funding. Eligibility requirements vary by the grant. For the most part, grants will have requirements depending on the homeowner’s income, their location, and the projects the money can be used on. To search or apply for grants, use the free, official website, Grants.gov. Determining your eligibility for federal grants is an important first step in the federal grant application process. Contact the HUD’s official Utah offices, visit the state’s official site, call the 24-hour live telephone service 2-1-1 or get in touch with non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together in your area.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *