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Repairing and Improving a Home

Look for help with repairing or making improvements to your home.

Help with Home Repairs and Modifications

If you plan to repair or renovate your home, government programs may make it easier for you to afford those home improvements.

What financial help is available for home repairs?

Home improvement loan programs help with home repairs and modifications. They are the most common type of government financial assistance for home improvements. Some programs are available nationwide, while others are only available at the state or county level.

Find Loans and Other Incentives

Help for Certain Demographic Groups

Am I eligible for home repair assistance?

Eligibility requirements vary from program to program. In general, it depends on:

  • Income level

  • The homeowner's age

  • Type of property

  • Where the property is located

How do I apply for home improvement programs?

Reach out to the federal, state, or county government agency that administers the program. Loans are made by traditional lenders. But the government programs help these lenders make loans that they might normally not fulfill. Grants are available depending on your income level and work to be done.

To get started, contact:

What else do I need to know before starting a home repair?

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Finding a good contractor to do repairs and improvements to your home is important. Before hiring a contractor, get tips from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on avoiding home improvement scams. Also, find out how you can report a problem, if you encounter any issues with work you've had done on your home.

Watch Out for Utility Lines Before You Dig - Call 811

Before digging on your property, call 811. Utilities will come out to mark the area to help you avoid damaging or being injured by underground utility lines. The timing for processing your request differs from state to state. Some states allow for an online digging request.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides households with free weatherization services. To be eligible, a household must have an income below a certain amount. The program's goal is to improve the energy efficiency of homes. Doing so can help families save on heating and cooling costs while staying safe and healthy.  

You can use WAP to improve your home's heating, cooling, and electrical systems. You can also use it to upgrade energy-consuming home appliances.

Find the state weatherization agency that serves your area.

Get Help with Your Home Energy Bill

If you can't afford to pay your home heating or cooling bill, you may be able to get help from the government or your local social services agency or nonprofit. 

What help is available for my home energy bill?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be able to help with:

  • Assistance to pay your heating or cooling bills
  • Emergency services in cases of energy crisis, such as utility shutoffs
  • Low-cost home improvements, known as weatherization, that make your home more energy efficient and lower your utility bills.

LIHEAP funds may not be used to pay water and sewer bills.

Am I eligible for LIHEAP?

This chart from Benefits.gov shows the average LIHEAP eligibility requirements. Actual requirements may vary by state, city, or region. Each local LIHEAP office sets its own eligibility requirements.

  • A person or family participating in certain other benefit programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF or welfare), or certain needs-tested veterans benefits may be automatically eligible.
  • Being qualified for LIHEAP does not guarantee that you will receive help. Whether or not you receive help depends on how much LIHEAP funding is available for the year.
  • On average, about 20% of households that are qualified for LIHEAP receive benefits. When LIHEAP funds run out for the year, no more benefits can be given until Congress makes more funds available.

How do I apply for LIHEAP?

Each state has different rules about when you can apply, how you apply, and the criteria you have to meet to get help.

Who do I contact for extra LIHEAP help?

Are there other places I can get help if I don't qualify for LIHEAP?

If your income is too high to qualify for LIHEAP but you need help paying for your energy bills, your local social services agency or a nonprofit organization may have funds to help. You can also contact your gas, oil, or electric company about budget billing programs or new payment options especially for customers with disabilities who are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Home Equity Loans

A home equity loan is a form of credit where your home is used as collateral to borrow money. You can use it to pay for major expenses, including education, medical bills, and home repairs. But, if you cannot pay back the loan, the lender could foreclose on your home.

Types of Home Equity Loans

There are two types of home equity loans:

  • Lump sum - This is a one-time, closed-end loan that usually has a fixed interest rate.

  • Revolving line of credit - You can withdraw the funds at any time for more flexibility. These usually have adjustable interest rates.

For more information, refer to What You Should Know About Home Equity Lines of Credit, a guide by the Federal Reserve Board. 

Talk to a Qualified Credit Counselor

Before taking out a home equity loan, you should be careful and consider the pros and cons.  You should explore alternatives with a credit counselor that do not put your home at risk of a forced sale.  If you are unable to make payments on time, you could end up losing your home. 

Contact a qualified credit counselor through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)

File a Complaint

If you have a problem with a home equity loan, you should contact the lender first. If you cannot resolve the issue with the lender, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

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Last Updated: May 27, 2021

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