How to Get a Grant If You’re a Homeowner in the U.S.
In the United States, there are government and government-backed programs that may help homeowners—from lowering heating and cooling costs to improving insulation, upgrading equipment (like heat pumps), fixing health-and-safety issues, or helping communities prepare homes for flood and storm risks. What makes these programs especially interesting is that many are accessed through your state, city, or county, and checking what’s available can take just a few minutes if you know what to look for.
Homeownership comes with ongoing expenses, but various government grant programs exist to help American homeowners manage costs and improve their properties. These grants don’t require repayment and can cover everything from monthly utility bills to major home renovations and safety improvements.
LIHEAP: Help Paying Heating and Cooling Bills
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides crucial support for homeowners struggling with energy costs. This federally funded program helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills, especially during extreme weather periods. LIHEAP operates through state and local agencies, with each state setting its own income eligibility guidelines, typically serving households earning up to 150% of the federal poverty level. Beyond bill payment assistance, LIHEAP can also help with energy crisis situations, weatherization services, and minor energy-related home repairs. Applications are usually accepted seasonally, with priority given to households containing elderly members, young children, or individuals with disabilities.
Home Energy Rebates: State-Run Programs for Home Upgrades
The Home Energy Rebates programs, including HEAR (Home Efficiency Rebates) and HOMES (Home Owner Managing Energy Savings), offer state-administered rebates for energy-efficient home improvements. These programs focus on reducing energy consumption through upgrades like heat pump installations, improved insulation, efficient water heaters, and electrical panel upgrades. Each participating state designs its own rebate structure, with some offering point-of-sale discounts and others providing rebates after installation completion. Eligible improvements must meet specific energy efficiency standards, and many programs require work to be performed by certified contractors. Income-qualified households often receive higher rebate amounts, making these programs particularly valuable for moderate-income homeowners.
USDA Section 504: Rural Home Repair Assistance
The USDA Section 504 Very Low-Income Housing Repair program specifically serves homeowners in eligible rural areas. This program provides grants up to $10,000 for homeowners aged 62 and older to remove health and safety hazards from their homes. Qualifying repairs include fixing heating systems, installing accessible bathrooms, addressing structural issues, and improving electrical systems. The program also offers loans up to $40,000 for broader home improvements. Properties must be located in eligible rural areas as defined by USDA, and applicants must meet very low-income requirements, typically 50% or less of the area median income. Homeowners must occupy the property as their primary residence and demonstrate inability to secure affordable credit elsewhere.
FEMA Hazard Mitigation: Reducing Future Disaster Risks
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs help homeowners implement measures that reduce future disaster damage. These grants fund projects like elevating homes in flood-prone areas, installing storm shutters, reinforcing roofs against high winds, and creating defensible space around properties in wildfire areas. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) becomes available after presidential disaster declarations, while the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program provides ongoing funding opportunities. Local and state governments typically administer these programs, requiring homeowners to apply through their local emergency management agencies. Projects must demonstrate cost-effectiveness, with benefits exceeding costs over the project’s useful life.
VA Disability Housing Grants: Home Modifications for Veterans
Eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities can access several VA grant programs for home modifications. The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant provides up to $109,986 for veterans with specific severe disabilities to build, buy, or modify homes for wheelchair accessibility. The Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant offers up to $21,999 for veterans with certain service-connected disabilities to modify existing homes. The Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant helps veterans modify family members’ homes where they temporarily reside. These grants can fund wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, widened doorways, roll-in showers, and other modifications that improve independence and quality of life.
| Grant Program | Provider | Typical Grant Amount | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIHEAP | State/Local Agencies | $200-$1,500 annually | Energy bill assistance, crisis intervention |
| HEAR/HOMES | State Energy Offices | $2,000-$14,000 per upgrade | Energy efficiency rebates, income-based tiers |
| USDA Section 504 | USDA Rural Development | Up to $10,000 | Rural areas only, age 62+ requirement |
| FEMA Hazard Mitigation | Local Emergency Management | $5,000-$75,000 | Disaster risk reduction, cost-benefit analysis |
| VA SAH Grant | Department of Veterans Affairs | Up to $109,986 | Severe disability requirements, new construction |
| VA SHA Grant | Department of Veterans Affairs | Up to $21,999 | Moderate disability modifications |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
Successfully obtaining housing grants requires understanding eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and documentation needs for each program. Many grants have limited funding and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, making early application crucial. Homeowners should contact their local agencies, state energy offices, or veteran service organizations for specific guidance and application assistance. Combining multiple grant programs can maximize benefits, though some programs may have restrictions on concurrent participation.
