5 Government Programs That Will Pay for Your Home Upgrades
Home repair and improvement can cost up to thousands of dollars–the kind of money most people don’t have. Fortunately, there are various government programs designed to help people with these. They might aim to make your home more energy-efficient, safer, or simply up-to-code–in any case, your expenses are offset by a great degree. Let’s explore some of these programs below.
The HOMES Rebate Program
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While not directly considered funding in itself, the HOMES Rebate Program does reward homeowners for boosting their home’s energy efficiency. The rebates are calculated based on the energy savings achieved—meaning the bigger your improvement, the larger your reward. For example, sealing your home’s air leaks or upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system could make you eligible for rebates as high as $8,000.
High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA)
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HEEHRA is the result of a push toward clean energy in residential spaces. If you’ve been considering switching to electric appliances, this program offers significant rebates—up to $14,000 for eligible households. Consider replacing an aging gas furnace with a heat pump or upgrading to an induction stove. The savings can be substantial.
Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit
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Tax credits are a homeowner’s best friend, and this one is no exception. The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit covers up to 30% of the cost of qualifying improvements, with an annual cap of $1,200. Upgrades like new insulation, energy-efficient windows, or advanced air-sealing measures not only make your home cozier but also reduce your taxable income—a win-win scenario.
Residential Clean Energy Tax Credits
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This tax credit goes beyond insulation and windows. It’s for those dreaming big—solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems. Homeowners can claim 30% of installation costs, potentially saving thousands. Renewable energy might sound like a hefty investment upfront, but this program makes it more attainable, and the long-term energy savings are hard to beat.
Weatherization Assistance Program
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For households with limited incomes, keeping energy bills manageable is often a challenge. The Weatherization Assistance Program steps in to help by improving a home’s overall energy efficiency. Services could include everything from installing proper insulation to upgrading an outdated furnace.
Native American Housing Improvement Program
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This program addresses housing quality issues in tribal communities by offering grants to Native American families living in unsafe or inadequate conditions. These grants may be used to fix a leaky roof, replace faulty electrical systems, or even construct a new home with the aim of providing families have a safe, functional place to live.
Area Agency on Aging Home Modifications
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If you or a loved one is looking to age in place, the Area Agencies on Aging can provide funding for modifications that make homes safer for older adults. Projects might include installing ramps, grab bars, or non-slip flooring to prevent falls. These agencies work with local governments and nonprofits to ensure that seniors can remain in their homes comfortably and safely.
Granting Freedom Program
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Veterans with disabilities often need specialized home modifications to improve accessibility. The Granting Freedom Program provides funding for modifications like stairlifts, accessible bathrooms, or widened doorways. It’s a way to honor the sacrifices veterans have made for the country.
Rental Unit Accessibility Modification (RUAM) Program
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Accessibility isn’t just a concern for homeowners—renters also face barriers when their homes don’t meet their physical needs. The RUAM program helps tenants with disabilities fund modifications to their rental units. These might include installing wheelchair ramps, lowering countertops, or adding accessible showers.
Owner-Occupied Modification Grant Program
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This program focuses on providing grants for homeowners who need to make essential repairs or modifications. For example, families facing structural issues like foundation cracks, roof leaks, or unsafe staircases can receive funding to address these problems. The program is particularly beneficial for low-income households that might not otherwise afford such repairs
HUD Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
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HUD’s CDBG program isn’t exclusively for individual homeowners, but it plays an essential role in improving housing and infrastructure in communities. Local governments receive funding, which is often used to subsidize repairs and upgrades for qualifying residents. This could include anything from fixing a leaky roof to making a home wheelchair-accessible. It’s worth checking with your city or county to see what local initiatives are funded by this program.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Home Grants
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When natural disasters strike, FEMA steps in with grants to help families rebuild and make their homes safer for the future. It covers essential repairs, such as fixing damaged roofs, replacing flooded flooring, and even elevating homes in flood-prone areas. If you’ve experienced a disaster, these grants can help restore your home and provide peace of mind for the next storm season.
USDA Single Family Housing Repair Grants
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Otherwise known as the Section 504 Home Repair Program, this program is specifically aimed at rural homeowners with low incomes. It provides grants of up to $10,000 to make essential repairs, such as addressing health and safety hazards or upgrading outdated systems. Elderly homeowners are often prioritized.
Healthy Homes Production Grant Program
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The Healthy Homes Production Grant Program focuses on reducing health hazards in residential properties. These grants are often used to eliminate mold, asbestos, lead paint, and other dangers that can harm residents, particularly children. The funding helps create safer, healthier living environments by tackling issues that often go unaddressed due to high repair costs.
HOME Investment Partnerships Program
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As a more generic program, this flexible source of funding is used by local governments to provide direct assistance to low-income homeowners. It offers to help with everything from repairing leaky roofs to upgrading aging heating systems. The program is essentially aimed at community development.