A grant is a type of financial aid that—unlike a loan—does not usually have to be repaid. These grants are meant to help specific groups, such as low-income families, seniors, veterans, and people living in disaster areas.
Because this is "free" money, the rules are very strict. You must use the money exactly as the program says (for example, fixing a roof or installing a wheelchair ramp), or you might have to pay it back.
10 Grant Options for 2026
For Rural Homeowners
1. USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program
- Best for: Very low-income homeowners in rural areas.
- What it does: It offers grants of up to $10,000 to seniors (age 62+) to fix health and safety hazards. It also offers low-interest loans of up to $40,000 for general repairs.
- To qualify: You must live in an eligible rural area and be unable to get a loan from anywhere else.
For Veterans
2. Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
- Best for: Veterans with serious service-related disabilities.
- What it does: Provides up to roughly $126,500 to build or remodel a home to help with mobility (like wheelchairs).
3. Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant
- Best for: Veterans who need smaller changes.
- What it does: Provides up to about $25,350 to modify a home you live in (like widening doorways or fixing bathrooms) for disabilities like blindness or respiratory issues.
4. Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant
- Best for: Disabled veterans living temporarily in a family member’s home.
- What it does: Provides smaller amounts of money to make a relative's house accessible while the veteran is staying there.
For Disaster Survivors
5. FEMA Housing Assistance
- What it does: Provides money to repair or replace a home if it was damaged in a federally declared disaster and you don't have enough insurance.
6. FEMA Direct Housing Assistance
- What it does: If you can’t live in your home after a disaster, FEMA may provide a temporary place to stay or fix your home enough to make it livable again.
7. FEMA Personal Property Assistance
- What it does: Helps replace essential items like appliances or tools that were destroyed in a disaster.
For Energy Savings and Bills
8. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- What it does: Helps families pay their heating or cooling bills so their power doesn't get shut off.
- To qualify: Your income must be below a certain level (usually 150% of the poverty level).
9. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
- What it does: Focuses on making your home more efficient to lower your bills. This includes adding insulation, sealing air leaks, or fixing old heaters and AC units.
- Note: Both homeowners and renters can apply for this.
For General Local Help
10. Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
- What it does: This program gives money to local community agencies. While it’s not always a "home repair grant," some local offices use this money to help people with small home projects or housing needs.
How to Qualify and Apply
Every program is different, but most will look at:
- Your Income: Many are reserved for "very low-income" households.
- Your Location: Some are only for rural areas or disaster zones.
- Your Status: Some are strictly for veterans or seniors.
Tips for Success:
- Search Locally: Many of the best grants are at the state or city level. Check your official state or county website.
- Gather Paperwork: You will likely need proof of income, homeownership, and ID.
- Watch for Scams: Real government grants will never ask you for an upfront fee or your credit card number to apply.
- Contact a Community Action Agency: These are local non-profits that help people navigate these government programs. They can often tell you exactly which ones you qualify for.
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Read next: Step-by-step: how to apply for a housing choice voucher in 2026
