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Veteran with a lower income living in a city or suburb:

HUD, Cities & Counties programs, State, Community Organisations, Disasters

Veteran with a lower income living in a rural area:

USDA, State, Community Organisations, Disasters

Veteran with a medium and higher income in a rural area:

USDA, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans

Veteran with a medium and higher income in a city or suburb:

HUD, State, Disasters, Home Improvement Loans

Seniors and Elders Help for Home Repairs

There are official free home repairs for senior citizens in Pennsylvania but they are not only for seniors. Seniors, just like all Pennsylvania, are eligible to the same home improvement programs listed on this page.

Question: Are home repair for senior citizens free?

Answer: Yes, usually, but it’s often different for each program. Some programs are 100% free while some other require a contribution and in other case. In most case they are free if the senior have a low income. You find your programs and your eligibility with the programs on this page.

Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn about home repair programs for seniors in your area as well as programs for seniors home modifications.

You can also find specific home modification programs for seniors.

WAP (2 programs)

Weatherization Assistant Program (WAP) is funded by the Federal but managed locally. It help improve or change windows for energy efficient ones at no cost. It also pay for attic insulation and ventilation, repair or replace broken heating, cooling and water heaters, as well as many other small work to improve your home energy efficiency.

WAP spent per home (average)

	Spent per Home	Homes Weatherized	Budget
Pennsylvania	$8,008	13,032	$139M

Source: State of Pennsylvania

Find the program detail and contact your local organisation managing WAP.

What home improvement help is in Pennsylvania?

HUD (Urban Housing Department) (2 programs)

HUD is the federal agency funding the PA’s Housing agencies, Counties and Cities. HUD have many programs from home buyer help, renter help, homeowners funding among many for home repairs and improvements.

 

2 loans programs helps people renovate, rehabilitate or improve their home (mobile homes included). Both are loan insurances for Pennsylvania’s homeowners who couldn’t otherwise get a loan:

Rehabilitation and repair loan (insurance): Known as “Title I Property Improvement Loan Program”, it helps you if you have not enough equity for a traditional loan, and the FHA (part of HUD) insure your loan for your lender.

• – House Loan amount limit: $25,000
• – Mobile home Loan amount limit: $25,090

203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance: This a special FHA loan that allows you to finance both the purchase or refinancing of a house and the cost of renovations into a single mortgage.

• – Limited 203k loan: Projects less than $35,000.
• – Standard 203k loan: Projects over $35,000.

In both Tittle 1 and 203(k), the money for the renovations is put in an escrow account and is only released to the contractor when the work is completed and inspected by a qualified professional. This helps ensure that the renovations are done properly and that the money is used for its intended purpose. It protects both the lender and you the homeowner.

State of Pennsylvania (7 programs)

Pennsylvania Accessible Housing (PAHP)(1 program)

New construction and rehabilitation of housing units for affordable rental or homeownership opportunities; rehabilitation of owner-occupied dwelling units.

Applicants seeking Existing Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation and Homebuyer activities funding will be limited to a maximum of $500,000 as a town, borough or township. Cities and county applicants are limited to $750,000. https://dced.pa.gov/programs/home/

PA Finance Housing Agency (6 programs)

The Pennsylvania Finance Housing Agency provides funds and programs directly to homeowners in the State but also to local housing agencies. It runs 6 main homeowners programs to help with home repairs and improvements.

ACCESS Home Modification Program

This program provides mortgage loans to assist persons with disabilities or who have a family member(s) living in the household with disabilities who are purchasing a home that needs accessibility modifications. This program provides a deferred payment loan, with no interest, and no monthly payment. The loan becomes due and payable upon sale, transfer, or non-owner occupancy of the property.

Eligible modification: may include, but are not limited to bathroom modifications, installation of grab bars and handrails, kitchen modifications, lifting devices, main level bathroom or bedroom addition, ramp addition or repair, sidewalk addition or repair, widening doorways or hallways. Amount: Not less than $1,000 and no more than $10,000. Funds will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

More information

HomeStyle® Renovation

Program allows eligible home buyers purchasing a home or existing homeowners seeking a refinance mortgage to repair, remodel, renovate or complete energy improvements. Qualified borrowers can fund up to 75% of the “as completed” appraised value of the property. This allows buyers to make needed repairs right away, without having to take out another loan at a higher rate and with a shorter repayment period. This program can be used in conjunction with the HFA Preferred™ program. For Manufactured homes, repairs are limited to the lesser of 50% of the “as completed” appraised value, or $50,000.

Common repairs include: Roof repair/replacement, Installation or improvement of heating and/or air conditioning systems, upgrades to kitchen and/or bath areas, Repairs/improvements to plumbing and/or electric systems, addition of living space.

More information

Purchase Improvement Loan

The program allows buyers who qualify for a Keystone Home Loan to purchase and improve/repair a home within one transaction. Eligible buyers may include between $1,000 and $15,000 for repairs and/or improvements with a conventional PHFA first mortgage, as long as the As Completed appraised value supports the cost of the repairs. Common repairs include: Renovation of plumbing or electric systems, Installation of improved heating or air conditioning systems, Addition of living space, Renovation of a kitchen or bath area, Replacement of a roof, Energy conservation and solar energy improvements.

More information

Homeowners Energy Efficiency Loan Program (HEELP)

This program offers loans between $1,000 and $10,000 for specific energy efficiency repairs at a fixed-rate of one percent (1%); (APR 1%) for ten years with no prepayment penalties. (For a representative $10,000 loan with $0 financing charge. Subject to credit approval and restrictions.)

HEELP loans are more affordable than you may think: $44 per month for a $5,000 loan or $88 per month for a $10,000 loan. With such affordable payments, now you can make those much needed energy efficiency repairs. Specific uses are: Air sealing, insulation and ductwork, Energy efficient windows and doors, Energy efficient heating or cooling system repairs or replacements, Roof replacements.

PENNVEST Septic

This state program offers an interest rate of 1.75%, up to 2.8% APR as of 1/1/2019. Terms up to 20 years (up to 15 years for manufactured homes). Maximum loan amount is $25,000. Loan origination charges apply. Loans will be secured by a mortgage on the borrower’s home. Lien Position: the PENNVEST loan must be in first or second lien position unless the loan amount is less than $7,500 OR the existing first and second liens were originated at purchase for the purpose of buying the home. Third lien position is permitted in these circumstances. (*For a representative $25,000 loan and financing charge of $5,727. Subject to credit approval and restrictions.)

See lenders list for all programs above.

Whole-home repair program

This program provides funding to local organizations to address habitability and safety concerns, provide measures to improve energy or water efficiency and make units accessible for individuals with disabilities. A single grant to a homeowner may not exceed $50,000 per home. Since this funding is available at the county level you need to see if your county requested funds and how they let you use this funding.

Find if a local organization near you offer this funding.

Community Organisations

Habitat for Humanity (38 programs)

Thanks to their volunteers, Habitat rehabilitates houses for families and people in need. They may be able to help with home repairs and updates to make your home safer. This organization relies on you, or some neighbors if you’re elderly, to put some of the work into your home repairs. You can apply through Habitat to learn about help available in your area.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores (18 resources)

ReStores provide discounted used, surplus building materials, appliances and furniture.

Community Action Agencies (42 programs)

Those agencies are non-profit organizations found throughout the state and their goal is to help local resident with many free programs. Most offer homeowners in need weatherization services, home modifications for seniors and disabled, home renovations and emergency home repairs.

Find your local Agency

PA’s Disaster & Emergency Management

If you have been in a natural disaster, you may qualify for Pennsylvania’s Disaster Recovery Funding if you were not eligible to FEMA’s funding. These free grants for homeowners for repairs are available after a natural disaster to help, among other things, repair damaged homes during a disaster.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

You can find FEMA’s PA’s site and available programs after a disaster. These programs are available long after a disaster and you may claim housing, financial, food, medical, etc.

Pennsylvania Rural Residents (1 program)

The USDA provide home improvement loans and government grants to low-income homeowners in Pennsylvania rural areas

PA homeowner amounts:

Grant (average): $8,420

Loan (average): $8,550

Who may apply for this program?

To qualify, you must:

• – Be the homeowner and occupy the house
• – Be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere
• – Have a family income below 50 percent of the area median income
• – For grants, be age 62 or older and not be able to repay a repair loan

What is an eligible area?

Applicants may check the address of their home to determine eligibility.

How may funds be used?

• Loans may be used to repair, improve or modernize housing or remove health and safety hazards
• Grants must be used to remove health and safety hazards

How much money can I get?

 

• – Maximum loan is $40,000
• – Maximum grant is $10,000
• – Loans and grants can be combined for up to $50,000 in payment assistance

What are the terms of the loan or grant?

• – Loans can be repaid over 20 years
• – Loan interest rate is fixed at 1%
• – Full title service is required for loans of $7,500 or more
• – Grants have a lifetime limit of $7,500
• – Grants must be repaid if the property is sold in less than 3 years
• – If applicants can repay part, but not all of the costs, applicants may be offered a loan and grant combination

Is there a deadline to apply?

Applications for this program are accepted through your local USDA’s RD office all year round

How long does an application take?

Approval times depend on funds availability in your area.

Programs by County & City (35 programs)

Most PA counties have approved home repair and government grant programs and most major cities also have similar help for homeowners. Cities and counties received over $249M ($186M CDGB + $63M HOME) last fiscal year to help residents with various programs.

If you don’t see your county or city below you should contact it directly and ask them if the city have a home repair program.

Philadelphia County (7 programs)

City of Philadelphia

Emergency home repairs: provides free repairs to eligible owner-occupied homes in Philadelphia.

They work on: Electrical systems, Plumbing, Heating, Structural issues, Roofing.

Adaptive Modifications Program: help low-income individuals with permanent physical disabilities live more independently in their homes. It provides free adaptations to a house or an apartment, allowing easier access to and mobility within the home.

 

One or more of the following improvements: Accessible kitchens and bathrooms (such as lowered sinks, cabinets and countertops), Stairway elevators, Exterior wheelchair lifts and ramps, Railings, Barrier-free showers, First-floor full and half-baths, Widened doorways. Note: Home repairs are not included.

 

Eligibility:

 

• – Have a permanent physical disability
• – Are the owner-occupant or have the owner’s permission to make modifications
• – Live in a property that is structurally sound
• – Are current with property taxes, or whose landlord is current with property taxes
• – Meet income guidelines.

Low-interest home improvement loan: Restore, Repair, Renew, you must meet these income guidelines.

Emergency home heater repairs: makes emergency repairs to heaters.

Senior Housing Assistance Repair Program: provides minor repairs and modifications to make homes safer and more secure for income-eligible Philadelphia homeowners.

Basic Home Repairs: Installing or repairing interior or exterior doors and locks Installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms Repairing or replacing wooden basement steps Repairing leaky faucets and toilets Replacing electrical fixtures

Home Modifications: Installing grab bars, tub benches and hand-held showers Installing railings Installing intercoms

Eligibility Requirements:

Residents must be age 60 or older and own their home The home must be structurally sound with all utilities functioning, including central heating SHARP services are free to those with household income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level SHARP services may be available to those above the income range on a cost-sharing basis

Allegheny County (1 program)

Allegheny Home Improvement Loan Program (AHILP): For the rehabilitation and improvement of single-family residential properties. Borrowers must use a portion of the loan to correct code violations, if any, and to undertake lead-hazard remediation activities, if applicable. (See HUD’s Lead-Safe Housing Rule.) Remaining loan funds may be used for energy-related improvements and general property improvements.

• – Interest rate: 1%
• – Amount: $3,000 to $23,000.
• – Term: from 12 to 240 months.

 

Grants may be 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.

City of Pittsburgh (5 programs)

ACTION-Housing: The Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) and Homeowner Assistance Program PLUS provide up to $30,000 in financial assistance to eligible homeowners for rehabilitating and improving residential owner-occupied properties

Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP): Assist with home repairs and upgrades

Limit: $30,000

Terms: $5,000 as a grant and $25,000 as a 0% Interest 30-year deferred loan.

Home Accessibility Program for Independence (HAPI): Assist with accessibility modifications

Limit:

• – Homeowners: $10,000
• – Landlords: $5,000

Term:

• – Grant Homeowner Assistance Program Plus (HAP+)
• – Assist with home repairs (50%-80% AMI)

Limit: up to $30,000

 

Term:

• – Grant: $5,000
• – 0% interest 30-year deferred loan: Up to $12,500
• – 0% interest 20-year amortizing loan: $12,500

Sustainable Home Improvement Partnership (SHIP): repairs and weatherizes the homes of veterans, seniors, and disabled residents with local nonprofits and citizen volunteers

Keystone Renovation & Repair Program: minimum loan amount is $2,500 and the maximum loan amount is $35,000.

Montgomery County (1 program)

HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM: assist low- and moderate-income households seeking to make home repairs to bring their properties up to code or correct deficiencies. The program is administered on a first come first serve basis.

 

ALLOWABLE REHAB:

Up to $45,000 for (based on need):

• – 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 such as cracked potable water or sanitary lines.
• – Correction of electrical deficiencies that could result in shock or fire.
• – Correction of security deficiencies such as the replacement of exterior doors and windows.
• – Lateral connections to water and sanitary sewer extensions imposed by a local water authority or government.

Bucks County (2 programs)

The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Bucks

Brings homes up to code standards, heater and roof replacements, and in some situations may be used for modifications to make the home accessible for persons with a permanent disability.

Maximum assistance amount is $15,000.

Funding for rehabilitation work is typically provided to qualified homeowners in the form of a zero-interest loan which is not due for repayment until the home is either sold, refinanced or the deed is transferred.

Learn more here.

Habitat of Bucks

How does it work?

Homeowners complete an application Habitat Bucks will assist you to identify and prioritize what your eligible repairs are and estimate your repair costs. Professional construction staff, volunteers, and subcontractors make repairs to your home. Homeowners participate in the project as they are able (may be to provide a lunch).

 

Typical repairs:

Exterior Repair and Modifications:

• – Roofs, windows, doors Porches and railings (fall prevention)
• – Steps, access ramps and walkways (eliminate tripping hazards)

Interior Repairs and Modification:

• – Kitchens and bathrooms
• – HVAC
• – Plumbing and electrical components
• – Floors, ceilings, walls, doors, grab bars, stair lifts and railings

Critical Repairs and Replacement: Roofing, plumbing, electrical and HVAC component and systems.

See Program Details

Delaware County (2 programs)

HOUSING REHABILITATION LOAN PROGRAM: helps qualified homeowners make essential improvements to their homes. Up to $15,000 in the form of a zero percent (0%) interest deferred loan is available per eligible applicant to cover the costs of essential rehabilitation work.

 

ELIGIBLE WORK: Work is limited to emergency repairs such as sewage backups, furnace repairs during winter, months or major roof leaks, and major systems repair, such as heating systems, furnace and hot water heater replacement, plumbing and electrical deficiencies, roof improvements and repair/replacement of unsafe doors and windows.

Home Weatherization Program: Free service for Home Energy Audit, Energy Usage Evaluation, Attic Insulation, Diagnostic Air Flow Testing, Heater Service, Repair/Replacement, Weather Stripping & Caulking, Window & Door Repair/Replacement, Energy Conservation Education.

Lancaster County (2 programs)

Lancaster County Housing & Redevelopment Authorities manage 2 programs. 1 for homeowners and 1 for mobile house.

Home Repair Program: Assist qualified homeowners in making needed safety and security repairs to their home. The homeowner must be income qualified, and have owned their home for a minimum of two (2) years. Loan cost: No Monthly Payments, as you are not required to make any monthly payments while you own and reside in your home. The loan will be repaid when you sell your property or transfer ownership to someone else.

Manufactured Housing Repair Program: Assist qualified mobile homeowners in making needed safety and security repairs to their mobile home. Loan cost: you are not required to make any monthly payments on the loan. The loan balance decreases twenty percent (20%) each year that you stay in your home, and is fully forgiven after a period of five (5) years.

Chester County (3 programs)

Programs are managed by the Housing Partnership of Chester County.

 

Housing Rehabilitation Program: This county wide loan program is to help low to moderate income homeowners correct violations of the local Property Maintenance Code, Local, and State Codes. Violations include, but are not limited to, structural, plumbing, heating, and electrical problems.

Maximum loan amount is $25,000. Interest rate is zero percent (0%). Household income determine monthly payment required, if any.

Home Modification Program: Provide assistance to low-moderate-income residents of Chester County, with permanent disabilities, in making their current residences more accessible.

Senior Citizen Home Maintenance 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 limit on work to be performed for each residence. This cost is considered a one time, full grant. Work includes any type of home maintenance and repairs including, but not limited to, roof repair, heater installation, windows, decks, bathrooms, siding, etc.

York County (3 programs)

The county only have the 2 traditionals LIHEAP and Weatherization programs plus a new Home Improvement Program.

Berks County (1 program)

Berks county have an home improvement program. Unfortunately at the moment of write this guide their site was not working. Here is the link to the program.

Lehigh County (2 programs)

County-wide Housing Rehab Program (CWHR): Provide as much as $20,000 of rehabilitation assistance to income-eligible, owner-occupants of single family homes. The financial assistance is available for the renovation or replacement of substandard heating, electrical and plumbing systems; some structural repairs and modifications; insulation and other improvements designed to reduce operational expenses; alteration to correct code violations and other repair work necessary for upgrading existing homes to standard condition.

Home Improvement and Repair Program: Offered by Accessibility Home Modification, Keystone Renovate & Repair Purchase Improvement Purchase Improvement. Those 3 programs are offered by the PA Finance Housing Agency (1.800.822.1174).

Westmoreland County (1 program)

Housing rehabilitation: Some of the County’s funds can be use for home rehabs.

Luzerne County (1 program)

EMERGENCY HOME REHABILITATION PROGRAM: Provides assistance to eligible homeowners in situations that create unexpected and immediate danger to the health and well being of the occupants of the home. 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.

 

Financing: This is non-interest bearing forgivable loan.

Northampton County (1 program)

Lehigh Valley Community Land Trust: provides contractors to make improvements to the homes of low-income people and educates them on comfort and conservation techniques to enable them to save money on heating costs; it also repairs and even replaces failing heating systems.

Dauphin County (1 program)

Housing Rehab: Program was not accessible the moment of writing this guide.

Erie County (0 program)

No official program.

Cumberland County (1 program)

Home Modification Program: The program goal is make it easier and safer for those over age 60 to manage activities of daily living such as bathing, cooking, ambulating and navigating stairs.7

Possible modifications:

• – Installation of grab bars, transfer benches, hand rails on stairs, minor plumbing repairs such as installing heat tape, and lighting fixtures (no electrical or plumbing work).
• – Installation and removal of window unit air conditioners, storm windows and screens; and cleaning blocked rain gutters.
• – Construction of low rise wheelchair ramps (under three steps high), minor masonry repairs to cracked or damaged steps/sidewalk, repair of step, porch, floorboard and floor support.
• – Windowpane replacement, re-glazing windows, door latch/door knob repair or replacement, window sash cord replacement.
• – Replace or repair small areas of damaged interior plaster or drywall; trim and paint as necessary.

Grant amount: $2,000 may be given to qualified families to modify the home or purchase assistive devices to accommodate the frail relative.

Confused about home improvement programs terms?

It can be confusing to understand the terms. Lots of different organizations have different words for the same type of help programs: home improvement grant, home repair grants, programs, free grants, relief service, repair assistance, etc. They are all synonyms of programs designed to help low and moderate income homeowners repair and fix important element of their house.