Home Repair Grants in Connecticut

Who this guide helps and what you’ll get

This guide is for Connecticut homeowners who need help fixing their homes in 2025. It also helps caregivers applying for a senior, a veteran, or a person with a disability. If you live in a small town or a bigger city, you will find options here.

What you’ll get:

• Plain‑English steps to apply for home repair grants for low‑income homeowners in Connecticut
• 2025 rules and caps for federal programs that serve Connecticut
• State, city, and county contacts with working links placed where you need them
• A quick eligibility check using HUD and USDA tools
• A step‑by‑step action plan and a printable checklist
• Word‑for‑word phone scripts so you can call with confidence
• Naturally placed long‑tail keywords so neighbors can find this help online

We link only to official government sources: HUD, USDA, VA, the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) for Weatherization, the Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) for state and CDBG/HOME programs, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) for state‑backed loans, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) for lead hazard control, and city or town government pages. No lead generators. No third‑party forms. Just real programs that can pay for real repairs.

Eligibility quick check

You are likely eligible this year if most of these are true:

• You own and live in the home you want to repair.
• Your household income fits the 2025 income limit for your county or metro.
• Your home needs health or safety work: roof leaks, failed heat, unsafe wiring, broken plumbing, or accessibility
• You are 62+ (for certain grants), a veteran with a qualifying disability, disabled, or you live in a rural
• Your property taxes are paid or on a plan.
• You are current on the mortgage (or you own the home free and clear).

To see your exact 2025 income limit, use the HUD Income Limits tool at huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html. Choose Connecticut, then your county or metro (for example: Hartford‑East Hartford‑Middletown, Bridgeport‑Stamford‑Norwalk, New Haven‑Milford, Norwich‑New London‑Westerly (CT‑RI), Waterbury, Danbury, or a smaller county). If you like a file you can save, pull the statewide FY 2025 HOME/Income Limits PDF using HUD’s hub at HOME Income Limits – 2025 and pick State = Connecticut.

If you live outside a major metro or on the edge of a town, check if your address is rural‑eligible for USDA repair help using the USDA Income & Property Eligibility site. That site lets you confirm rural status and look up USDA income limits for your county.

Long‑tail keywords you might search for: “Connecticut home repair grants for seniors 2025,” “USDA 504 home repair grants Connecticut rural homeowners,” “Connecticut disability home modification grants,” “free home repair programs for low‑income families in Connecticut,” “emergency home repair assistance Hartford CT,” “oil‑to‑heat‑pump rebates and weatherization Connecticut.”

Top programs quick reference

Program	Max $$ (2025)	Who qualifies	Typical repairs	Usual wait	How to apply
USDA Section 504 Home Repair (loans & grants)	Loans up to $40,000 at 1% (up to 20 yrs); Grants up to $10,000 for 62+ (lifetime grant cap $10k)	Very‑low income rural owner‑occupants	Roof, heating system, plumbing, wiring, accessibility, health/safety	Varies by area office	Connecticut program page: Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Connecticut
USDA Rural Disaster Home Repair Grants	Grant up to $44,000 (when a Presidential disaster applies)	Very‑low and low‑income rural homeowners with eligible disaster damage	Repairs that restore safe, sanitary housing	Depends on declaration & funding	Program info: Rural Disaster Home Repair Grants
Weatherization Assistance (Connecticut)	No cost to you	Low‑income homeowners and renters (with landlord permission)	Insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, minor HVAC & safety	Lists open by region	Start here: Connecticut Weatherization Assistance Program (DEEP)
VA Adapted Housing Grants (SAH/SHA/TRA)	SAH up to $121,812; SHA up to $24,405; TRA up to $49,062 (SAH) / $8,760 (SHA) for FY 2025	Veterans with service‑connected disabilities	Ramps, roll‑in showers, wider doors, no‑step entries	Varies by VA	Apply at VA: VA disability housing grants
City/Town Owner‑Occupied Rehab (CDBG/HOME)	Local caps vary by year	Low‑ to moderate‑income owner‑occupants inside that city/town	Emergency repairs, code items, accessibility	Windows open seasonally	Examples: Hartford Owner‑Occupied Rehab • New Haven Housing Programs • Bridgeport Neighborhood Revitalization • Stamford Housing Rehabilitation • Waterbury Community Development grants • Norwalk Housing & Community Development • New Britain Consolidated Plan/Housing • Danbury Housing & Neighborhood Services • New London Office of Community Development

These links go straight to USDA, DEEP, VA, and city/town pages. For smaller towns, many repair projects are funded by the Small Cities CDBG program through the Connecticut Department of Housing. Learn how CDBG funds flow at CT DOH Small Cities CDBG. The state also coordinates HOME funds with towns and non‑profits; see CT DOH Programs for current offerings.

Federal programs that help Connecticut homeowners

USDA Section 504 Home Repair (rural only)

What it pays
– Loans: Up to $40,000 at a fixed 1% interest rate for up to 20 years.
– Grants: Up to $10,000 for homeowners age 62+ who cannot repay a loan. There is a lifetime grant cap of $10,000 per homeowner.
– You can combine a grant with a loan if your project needs both.

Who qualifies
– Very‑low income (USDA county income limits).
– You own and live in the home.
– Your address is in a USDA‑eligible rural area (confirm on the USDA site). Much of Litchfield County, Windham County, parts of New London County, and small towns across the state may qualify as rural.

What it fixes
– Repairs that remove health or safety hazards: roof leaks or damage, failed heating system (boiler, furnace), unsafe wiring, broken plumbing, and accessibility work like ramps or bathroom changes.

How to apply in Connecticut
– Open the Connecticut 504 page: Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Connecticut. That page lists State and Area Office contacts and outlines the steps.
– Before you call, check address eligibility and income limits on the USDA eligibility site.
– Gather your deed, photo ID, proof of income for everyone in the home (last 2 months), your latest property tax bill, home insurance page (if you have one), and photos of the repair need.
– Ask the USDA office about current funding and processing time for your county.
– Do not start work until you have written approval. Starting early can make a project ineligible.

If your home has disaster damage
– Read the USDA Rural Disaster Home Repair Grants page. This program is for specific Presidential disaster declarations and has its own rules and dates. It can fund up to $44,000 in grant repairs for eligible rural homeowners in covered areas.

Long‑tail keywords: “USDA 504 home repair grants Connecticut small towns,” “1% home repair loans for very low income Connecticut,” “Connecticut senior home repair grant $10,000 USDA.”

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in Connecticut

What it pays
– No‑cost energy upgrades for eligible homes. Work can include insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, ventilation, small HVAC efficiency fixes, and health and safety measures allowed by WAP. Renters can qualify with landlord permission.

Who qualifies
– Low‑income households based on federal and state rules. Priority goes to seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children.

How to apply
– Start at the DEEP Weatherization page: Connecticut Weatherization Assistance Program.
– Use the contact information on that page to reach your local Community Action Agency or the statewide intake number, depending on the instructions shown. When you call, ask:
– “Are you accepting new weatherization applications right now?”
– “What documents do you need?”
– “About how long is the wait list?”

Why weatherization matters in Connecticut
– Connecticut winters are cold, and many homes are older with oil or gas heat. Weatherization lowers heating bills, reduces drafts, replaces unsafe venting, and can flag carbon monoxide risks. If crews find a serious hazard, they can guide you to the right repair program.

Helpful context
– For a national overview of how WAP works, review DOE’s How to apply for weatherization. It explains the standard steps and documents you will likely need.

VA home adaptation grants (SAH, SHA, TRA)

Who qualifies
– Veterans with service‑connected disabilities on VA’s list (for example, loss of use of limbs, serious burns, certain breathing injuries). For SAH/SHA you must own or will own the home you adapt. TRA helps with temporary changes in a family member’s home.

FY 2025 amounts
– SAH: up to $121,812
– SHA: up to $24,405
– TRA: up to $49,062 (SAH) or $8,760 (SHA)

What it pays
– Major accessibility work: ramps, roll‑in showers, wider doors, no‑step entries, kitchen and bath changes, and other items needed for daily living.

How to apply
– Start with VA disability housing grants.
– Follow the How to apply steps and submit VA Form 26‑4555 online.
– Ask to connect with an SAH Agent serving Connecticut for guidance.

Connecticut state programs and how to use them

Weatherization through the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP)

• The Connecticut DEEP manages statewide Weatherization Assistance and works with Community Action Agencies that deliver the actual work. The program is free to eligible households and focuses on energy and safety.
• Begin at Connecticut Weatherization Assistance Program. That page explains the program and points you to the correct local intake.

State CDBG and HOME pathways through the Department of Housing (DOH)

• HUD’s CDBG and HOME funds flow to Connecticut’s cities and towns to support owner‑occupied housing rehabilitation and emergency repairs.
• The Small Cities CDBG program is run by the Connecticut Department of Housing and serves towns that are not large HUD “entitlement” cities. See how grants work at CT DOH Small Cities CDBG.
• The state’s Programs hub lists DOH housing programs, including those that fund or support rehab partnerships with towns and non‑profits. Start at CT DOH Programs and look for owner‑occupied rehab, lead hazard control, and accessibility

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) home improvement options

• CHFA is the state’s housing finance authority. It supports home improvement lending programs that pair well with grants, especially when a project needs more funds than a grant can cover. Explore homeowner help at CHFA homeowner programs and look for home improvement or rehabilitation loan info. CHFA partners with banks and local lenders.
• If you are using a city grant that requires a match, a CHFA improvement loan can sometimes close the gap with low‑rate financing.

Lead hazard control and healthy homes

• The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) runs the Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Program and partners with cities on Lead Hazard Control Learn the state rules and local contacts at CT DPH Lead Program.
• Many cities pair lead hazard control with owner‑occupied rehab to address paint, windows, and unsafe dust along with other needed repairs.

Long‑tail keywords: “owner‑occupied housing rehabilitation grants in Connecticut,” “Small Cities CDBG housing rehab Connecticut rural towns,” “HOME program rehabilitation Connecticut 2025,” “Connecticut emergency home repair assistance low‑income homeowners,” “lead hazard control grants Connecticut homeowners.”

Major city and town programs (who to call and why)

Hartford
– The City’s Owner‑Occupied Rehabilitation program helps low‑ and moderate‑income homeowners fix housing code violations, health and safety issues, and accessibility needs. Read current rules and forms at Hartford Owner‑Occupied Rehabilitation. If intake is closed, use the contact on that page to ask when the next window opens.

New Haven
– The Office of Housing and Neighborhood Development lists homeowner programs that may include rehabilitation, emergency repairs, and accessibility items funded by CDBG/HOME. Start at New Haven Housing Programs and follow the homeowner links.

Bridgeport
– The City’s Economic & Community Development pages cover neighborhood revitalization, CDBG, and related housing programs. Look for owner‑occupied rehab and emergency repair openings at Bridgeport Economic & Community Development and use the contact information provided.

Stamford
– Stamford’s Housing and Community Development division supports housing rehabilitation activities funded by CDBG/HOME. Review homeowner resources at Stamford Housing & Community Development, then call or email for current application cycles.

Waterbury
– The Community Development department posts grant opportunities for households and neighborhoods. Homeowners should explore Waterbury Community Development and ask about emergency repair or rehab options for 2025.

Norwalk
– The Housing & Community Development office lists programs and contacts that manage CDBG and local housing resources. Start at Norwalk Housing & Community Development and ask for owner‑occupied rehabilitation intake details.

New Britain
– The Housing and Community Development unit posts information on rehab programs tied to CDBG/HOME. Visit New Britain Housing & Community Development and check for any open homeowner applications.

Danbury
– Danbury’s Housing & Neighborhood Services page lists housing help for residents, including rehab and code items when available. Begin at Danbury Housing & Neighborhood Services and call the posted contact for 2025 program status.

New London
– The Office of Community Development runs CDBG efforts and posts homeowner information when rehab funds open. See New London Community Development for updates and contacts.

Smaller towns
– If your town is not listed here, ask your Town Hall for Community Development, Planning & Zoning, or Housing and request details on owner‑occupied rehab using Small Cities CDBG. Then confirm with CT DOH that your town is on the current award list at CT DOH Small Cities CDBG.

Long‑tail keywords: “Hartford emergency home repair grants for low‑income seniors,” “New Haven housing rehabilitation program application,” “Bridgeport home repair assistance CDBG,” “Stamford accessibility home modification grants,” “Waterbury emergency roof repair grant program,” “Norwalk home rehabilitation program for seniors,” “New Britain owner‑occupied rehab help,” “Danbury home repair assistance low‑income.”

How to pull 2025 income limits fast

Most city and town programs use HUD 2025 income limits (often 80% of Area Median Income for rehab). USDA 504 uses USDA very‑low limits and requires a rural address.

HUD method
– Open HUD Income Limits – FY 2025.
– Pick Connecticut, then your metro (for example: Hartford‑East Hartford‑Middletown, Bridgeport‑Stamford‑Norwalk, New Haven‑Milford, Norwich‑New London‑Westerly, Waterbury, Danbury) or choose your county if you are outside these metros.
– Choose your household size (1–8). Write down Very Low (50%) and Low (80%) limits. You can also save the HOME income limits using HUD’s hub page at HOME Income Limits – 2025.

USDA method
– Use the USDA eligibility site to check Property Eligibility for your address and view income limits for the Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants program in your county.

Long‑tail keywords: “HUD 2025 income limits Connecticut by county,” “USDA very low income limits Connecticut 2025,” “Connecticut low‑income home repair grant eligibility table.”

Who should start where

Seniors (62+)
– Try USDA 504 Grants first for health/safety fixes (up to $10,000; lifetime cap). If you need more, add the 1% loan. For energy needs, add Weatherization through DEEP.

Veterans (with qualifying disabilities)
– Start with VA SAH/SHA/TRA, since 2025 caps are high. Then layer Weatherization for energy fixes. If you live in a rural area, check USDA 504 for any remaining hazards.

Disabled (non‑veteran)
– Ask your city or town rehab program about accessibility changes. Many CDBG/HOME projects allow ramps, bath changes, and door widening when tied to health/safety. If you are rural, also check USDA 504. Add Weatherization if you have energy or ventilation issues.

Rural homeowners
– Use USDA 504 first because it is designed for rural homes. If your damage came from a Presidential disaster, review USDA Rural Disaster Home Repair Grants. Add Weatherization through DEEP for energy and safety.

Long‑tail keywords: “Connecticut home repair assistance for disabled homeowners,” “senior home repair grants in Connecticut rural areas,” “free boiler replacement program for low‑income seniors Connecticut.”

Step‑by‑step action plan with timelines

Week 1 — Confirm your fit
– Pull your HUD 2025 income numbers for your area using the HUD tool.
– Check USDA rural status for your address on the USDA site.
– Choose one main path: USDA (rural), City/Town rehab, Weatherization, or VA.

Week 2 — Build your paperwork pile
– Gather photo ID, deed, property tax bill, income proof (last 2 months), benefit letters, insurance page, and photos of what needs repair.
– If you can, get one estimate for each major fix (many programs will bid after approval, so one estimate is enough for planning).

Week 3 — Start applications
– USDA 504: Call the number on the Connecticut 504 page and request the application checklist.
– Weatherization: Use the DEEP WAP page to find your local provider and get on the list.
– City/Town rehab: Check your city or town page above and ask when applications open next.
– Veterans: Start at VA disability housing grants or ask for help with VA Form 26‑4555.

Weeks 4–8 — Follow‑through
– Answer calls and emails quickly. Send missing items the same day if possible.
– If a program is closed or out of funds, ask to stay on the wait list and request the next opening date.

When approved
– Review and sign the scope of work before any work starts.
– Keep receipts, permits, and before/after photos.
– For accessibility or structural work, confirm your contractor is qualified and licensed. In some cases, the city or town will help secure bids.

Real success models and what they show

• Hartford Owner‑Occupied Rehabilitation shows how a city can direct CDBG/HOME dollars to fix code and safety issues in older homes. See rules and forms at Hartford Owner‑Occupied Rehabilitation.
• New Haven’s housing programs demonstrate how a city coordinates rehab, accessibility, and neighborhood investments; start at New Haven Housing Programs.
• Bridgeport, Stamford, and Waterbury highlight how entitlement cities open seasonal intakes for owner‑occupied rehab. Watch the program pages: Bridgeport ECD, Stamford HCD, and Waterbury Community Development.
• Smaller towns rely on the Small Cities CDBG channel through CT DOH. You can check how awards are made and whether your town is active at CT DOH Small Cities CDBG.

Long‑tail keywords: “Hartford emergency home repair help for seniors,” “New Haven emergency boiler replacement grant,” “Bridgeport accessibility home modification grant program,” “Stamford home rehabilitation program 2025,” “Waterbury free home repair program low income.”

Plan B if you are denied

• Appeal in writing. Ask the office why you were denied. If it was missing documents or a small error, fix it and reapply.
• Try another lane.
  • Not rural? Focus on your City/Town rehab plus Weatherization.
  • City/Town closed? Try USDA 504 (if rural) and VA (if eligible).
  • Only need accessibility? Ask if your program has an accessibility track or if Weatherization can add health and safety
• Stay on the list. Ask to remain on the wait list and request the next window

Common mistakes to avoid

• Missing proof of income. Send two months of pay stubs or benefit letters for everyone in the home.
• Unpaid property taxes. Many programs require you to be current or on a payment plan.
• Applying to USDA without rural status. Always check on the USDA eligibility site
• Starting work before approval. This can make your project ineligible.
• No deed copy. If you can’t find it, request a copy from the town clerk or the land records office.
• Not answering calls. If the office can’t reach you, they may move to the next person.

Long‑tail keywords: “why home repair grants get denied Connecticut,” “documents needed for Connecticut home repair assistance,” “how to qualify for Connecticut home repair grants 2025.”

Phone scripts you can read word for word

USDA 504 (Connecticut)
> “Hi, my name is ____. I own and live at [address]. I’m calling about the USDA Section 504 Home Repair program. My home needs [roof/heat/electrical/plumbing]. My household size is , with monthly income about . Can you tell me the current steps, the required documents, and the estimated wait time? Could you email me the application checklist?”

Weatherization (DEEP/Community Action provider)
> “Hello, I live in [county/city/town] and want to apply for Weatherization. We’re a household of __ with monthly income about __. Are you accepting applications right now? If there’s a wait list, please add me and tell me what documents you need from me.”

City/Town owner‑occupied rehab
> “Hi, I’m a homeowner in [city/town]. I’m calling about owner‑occupied home repair using CDBG/HOME funds. When will applications open next? What income limits and repairs do you cover? Could you email me the application and a document checklist?”

VA housing adaptations
> “Hi, I’m a Veteran with a service‑connected disability. I’d like to apply for a [SAH/SHA/TRA] grant to adapt my home. Can you help me start VA Form 26‑4555 and tell me what evidence you need?”

Connecticut‑specific FAQ for 2025

Do I have to live in a rural area for USDA 504?
Yes. Your address must be USDA‑eligible and you must meet income limits. Check both on the USDA eligibility site.

My town doesn’t show a repair program. What now?
Call Town Hall and ask for Community Development or Housing and request owner‑occupied rehab details. Smaller towns often use Small Cities CDBG through CT DOH. Also call Weatherization via DEEP’s WAP page.

Will programs help with a manufactured or mobile home?
Often yes, if it is owner‑occupied, the title is in your name, and (when required) it sits on a permanent foundation. Ask your program first.

Do I have to be behind on bills to qualify?
No. Programs look at income and repair need. For VA grants, the focus is your service‑connected disability.

What income counts?
HUD and USDA look at gross income for all household members. Bring pay stubs, benefit letters, and tax returns if they ask.

How long does approval take?
It depends on funding and season. Weatherization lists can get longer during winter. Ask for the current estimate when you apply.

Can I choose my contractor?
Rules vary. Many programs use approved lists or bid rules. For VA, the agent will review bids before work starts.

Are there dollar caps on repairs?
Yes. USDA 504 caps are fixed. Cities and towns set local caps by program year. Always ask for the 2025 cap when you apply.

What if my home has disaster damage?
Check USDA Rural Disaster Home Repair Grants. Also watch your city/town site for CDBG‑DR or state disaster updates. Coastal towns can face flood risks; ask your local emergency management office how housing programs are coordinated.

Can these programs lower my power or gas bills?
Yes. Weatherization is built to cut energy use and keep your home safe.

One‑page action checklist (print this)

• Pull HUD 2025 income limits for my county/metro using the HUD tool.
• Check if my address is USDA rural‑eligible using the USDA site.
• Choose my main path: USDA / City‑Town rehab / Weatherization / VA.
• Gather: ID, deed, income proof (2 months), tax bill, insurance, and repair photos.
• Get one contractor estimate (if needed).
• Call and start applications; write down date, person, phone.
• Ask for timeline and missing items.
• Do not start work until approved.
• Keep copies and before/after photos.
• Ask about combining Weatherization with city/town rehab.

Contact directory (phones, addresses, and websites)

USDA Rural Development — Connecticut (Section 504 Home Repair)
– Program page: Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Connecticut
– USDA eligibility: USDA Income & Property Eligibility
– Tip: The Connecticut page lists the State Office and Area Office contacts you’ll call for applications.

Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) — Weatherization
– Program & providers: Connecticut Weatherization Assistance Program
– Context (national): DOE — How to apply for weatherization

Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH)
– Small Cities CDBG: CT DOH Small Cities Program
– Programs hub: CT DOH Programs
– HUD HOME income limits hub: HOME Income Limits 2025

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA)
– Homeowner program hub (includes improvement options): CHFA Homeowners

City & Town program hubs
– Hartford: Owner‑Occupied Rehabilitation
– New Haven: Housing & Neighborhood Development programs
– Bridgeport: Economic & Community Development
– Stamford: Housing & Community Development
– Waterbury: Community Development
– Norwalk: Housing & Community Development
– New Britain: Housing & Community Development
– Danbury: Housing & Neighborhood Services
– New London: Office of Community Development

Spanish summary (resumen en español)

Programas clave en Connecticut (2025):
– USDA Sección 504 (áreas rurales): préstamos al 1% hasta $40,000 y subvenciones hasta $10,000 (62+). Verifique su dirección e ingresos en el sitio de elegibilidad del USDA.
– Climatización/Eficiencia (WAP del Estado): mejoras de energía sin costo a través de agencias locales. Empiece en Programa de Climatización de Connecticut.
– Veteranos (VA SAH/SHA/TRA): en 2025, hasta $121,812 (SAH) y $24,405 (SHA). Solicite en Subvenciones de vivienda del VA.
– Ciudades y pueblos: programas de reparación para propietarios en Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, Waterbury, Norwalk, New Britain, Danbury, New London y más (vea los enlaces en este documento).
Para más información en español, llame a su agencia local o a su oficina de ciudad/pueblo.

About this guide

Purpose. Help Connecticut homeowners find verified home‑repair help in 2025.
Evidence. Links go to official sites: USDA, DOE, Connecticut DEEP, Connecticut DOH, CHFA, and city/town pages.
How to use. Start with Eligibility, pick your program path, follow the Action Plan, and call the contacts listed here.
Accessibility. Ask agencies for large‑print materials. State and federal offices can use TTY/relay upon request.

Disclaimer

Programs change with funding. Income limits and rules are set by each agency. Always confirm current details with the official office before you start work, and do not start work until you have written approval.