Home Repair Grants in Delaware

Who this guide helps and what you’ll get

This guide is for Delaware 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 Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, Milford, Seaford, Georgetown, or a small town in between, you’ll find options here.

What you’ll get:

• Plain‑English steps to apply for home repair grants for low‑income homeowners in Delaware
• 2025 rules and caps for federal programs that serve Delaware
• State, county, and city 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
• Naturally placed long‑tail keywords so more neighbors find this help online

We link only to official government sources where possible: HUD, USDA, VA, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) for Weatherization, the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) for state programs such as the Statewide Emergency Repair Program (SERP), and county or city government pages. No lead generators or “apply here” traps—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: a leaking roof, 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, open the HUD Income Limits tool at huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html. Pick Delaware, then your county or metro (for example: Wilmington–Newark, Dover, Salisbury MD–DE for Sussex County communities). You can save the HOME income limits for the state from the HUD hub at HOME Income Limits – 2025 (choose State = Delaware).

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

Long‑tail keywords your neighbors search for: “Delaware home repair grants for seniors 2025,” “USDA 504 home repair grants Delaware rural homeowners,” “Delaware disability home modification grants,” “free home repair programs for low‑income families in Delaware,” “emergency home repair assistance Wilmington DE,” “Delaware furnace replacement grants low-income.”

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, heat/boiler, plumbing, wiring, accessibility, health/safety	Varies by area office	Delaware/Maryland page: Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Delaware, Maryland • State Office: USDA RD Delaware & Maryland contacts
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 to restore safe, sanitary housing	Depends on declaration & funding	Program info: Rural Disaster Home Repair Grants
Weatherization Assistance Program (DNREC)	No cost to you	Low‑income homeowners and renters (with landlord permission)	Insulation, air sealing, duct work, ventilation, minor HVAC & safety	Lists open by region	Start here: Delaware Weatherization Assistance Program (DNREC)
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
Statewide Emergency Repair Program (SERP) — DSHA	Emergency repairs; caps vary by project	Low‑ to moderate‑income owner‑occupants statewide	Heat, electric, plumbing, roofing, bars/ramps for safety	Rolling intake when funds available	Details: DSHA news on SERP • Administrator: Milford Housing Development Corporation
County/City Owner‑Occupied Rehab (CDBG/HOME)	Local caps vary by year	Low‑ to moderate‑income owner‑occupants in that city/county	Emergency repairs, code items, accessibility	Windows open seasonally	Examples: New Castle County Home Repair Programs • Wilmington homeowner resources • Sussex County CDBG • City of Dover programs (via MHDC)

These links go straight to USDA, DNREC, VA, DSHA, and county/city pages. For small towns that don’t run their own programs, many repairs are funded by Small Cities CDBG through DSHA. See how the CDBG pipeline works at DSHA FY2025 CDBG Program Guidelines (PDF).

Federal programs that help Delaware 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). Many areas in Kent and Sussex counties are rural‑eligible; some edges of New Castle County may qualify too.

What it fixes
– Repairs that remove health or safety hazards: roofing, failed heat/boiler, unsafe wiring, broken plumbing, and accessibility work like ramps or bathroom changes.

How to apply in Delaware
– Open the Delaware/Maryland 504 page: Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Delaware, Maryland. That page provides a state overview, application steps, and a Contact section.
– Save the State Office contact for questions: USDA Rural Development Delaware & Maryland (Dover office with phone).
– 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
– Review USDA Rural Disaster Home Repair Grants. This grant 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 Delaware small towns,” “1% home repair loans very low income Delaware,” “Delaware senior home repair grant $10,000 USDA.”

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in Delaware

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 runs it in Delaware
– The program is overseen by DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy and delivered by contracted local agencies. Start at Delaware Weatherization Assistance Program (DNREC) to learn how to apply and find the current intake. DNREC also has a plain‑language story about how the program works and who delivers it at Our Weatherization Assistance Program – Helping Families Reduce Energy Costs.

Why weatherization matters in Delaware
– Winters can be cold and damp, and many homes are older with oil, propane, or electric resistance heat. Weatherization cuts heating bills, reduces drafts, and can fix unsafe venting or electrical issues. If crews find a serious hazard, they can guide you to the right repair program.

How to apply
– Use the DNREC page above to reach the current provider covering your county. When you call, ask:
– “Are you accepting new weatherization applications right now?”
– “What documents do you need?”
– “About how long is the wait list?”

Helpful context
– For national steps and forms, review DOE’s How to apply for weatherization.

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 Delaware for guidance.

Delaware state programs and how to use them

Statewide Emergency Repair Program (SERP) — Delaware State Housing Authority

• SERP focuses on urgent repairs that affect health and safety. Typical jobs include plumbing, electric, heating system repairs or replacement, roofing, and installing grab bars or ramps for safety. See the state description at DSHA’s SERP news post.
• Milford Housing Development Corporation (MHDC) is the administrator for many SERP and local CDBG repair projects. Learn how they intake and manage repairs at MHDC Home Repair. If your city contracts with MHDC, they will guide you through the application and scope-of-work

State CDBG and HOME pathways through DSHA

• HUD’s CDBG and HOME funds flow to Delaware’s counties and cities to support owner‑occupied housing rehabilitation and emergency repairs.
• The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) administers the Small Cities CDBG for communities that are not direct HUD “entitlement” jurisdictions. Towns and counties apply for funds each year and then run homeowner repair projects. You can see how the pipeline works and who is eligible at DSHA FY2025 CDBG Program Guidelines (PDF).
• To find an active program near you, check your county or city page below, or call DSHA and ask which CDBG‑funded repair programs are open in 2025.

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

County and city programs (who to call and why)

New Castle County
– The County’s Home Repair Programs help low‑ and moderate‑income owner‑occupants fix health and safety hazards. Programs are federally funded and run by the Community Development & Housing division. See current options and contact info at New Castle County Home Repair Programs. If intake is closed, call and ask when the next window opens or whether a wait list is available.

Wilmington
– The City’s Department of Real Estate & Housing lists homeowner resources, including the Statewide Emergency Repair Program (SERP) connection and other city‑linked offerings. Visit Wilmington resources for homeowners. The City sometimes runs special efforts for seniors or specific neighborhoods; for example, past press noted a senior repair lottery. Always check the current year program page for active details and contacts.

Dover
– The City of Dover partners with MHDC for CDBG‑funded Emergency Home Repair and Housing Rehabilitation grants. Get intake and contact details through MHDC Home Repair and ask for Dover application steps and current caps.

Sussex County
– The County’s Community Development & Housing office applies for CDBG and runs owner‑occupied rehab that serves low‑ and moderate‑income households. See program scope and contacts at Sussex County CDBG. Some towns in Sussex also partner directly with MHDC or Habitat; ask the County office which track fits your home and address.

Kent County and small towns
– Kent County works with towns and non‑profits to run CDBG‑funded repairs. If your town website does not show a current homeowner repair page, call Town Hall and ask for Community Development or Planning. Then ask whether they use DSHA Small Cities CDBG this year and who handles applications. You can also call MHDC and ask which Kent County towns they serve in 2025.

Community nonprofits that pair with public funds
– Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Delaware may offer critical home repair or Healthy Homes services that can pair with public funding. For example, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity posts a Healthy Homes repair model at Sussex County Habitat Home Repair. Check your local Habitat affiliate for current intake and income limits.

Long‑tail keywords: “Wilmington emergency home repair grants for seniors,” “Dover emergency home repair assistance,” “New Castle County home rehabilitation program application,” “Sussex County critical home repair grants,” “Kent County Delaware CDBG housing rehabilitation.”

How to pull 2025 income limits fast

Most county and city 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 Delaware, then your metro (for example: Wilmington–Newark, Dover, Salisbury MD–DE) or your county if you are outside these metros.
– Choose your household size (1–8). Write down Very Low (50%) and Low (80%) limits. If your city uses HOME limits, grab the state set from 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 Delaware by county,” “USDA very low income limits Delaware 2025,” “Delaware 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 DNREC. If your repair is urgent (heat out, electrical hazard, roof leak), contact SERP via MHDC Home Repair right away.

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. Some county programs can also fund accessibility items when tied to health/safety.

Disabled (non‑veteran)
– Ask your county or city 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 DNREC for energy and safety. If an emergency hazard exists, reach out to SERP through MHDC.

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

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), County/City rehab, Weatherization, SERP, or VA (if eligible).

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 Delaware/Maryland 504 page or the state office and request the application checklist.
– Weatherization: Use the DNREC WAP page to find the current provider and get on the list.
– County/City rehab: Check your county/city page above and ask when applications open next.
– SERP (emergencies): Contact MHDC via MHDC Home Repair to screen for emergency repairs.
– 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 county will help secure bids; for USDA and VA, staff will review the scope and the bids before you start.

Real success models and what they show

• New Castle County Home Repair Programs show how a county can run health and safety repairs at scale with federal funds and a clear intake flow. See the current menu and contacts at New Castle County Home Repair Programs.
• Wilmington’s homeowner resources demonstrate how a city connects residents to SERP, CDBG, and allied efforts in one place. Use Wilmington resources for homeowners to track current offerings.
• Sussex County CDBG highlights how a county applies for HUD funds to fix homes in small towns and unincorporated areas. Learn the basics at Sussex County CDBG and call the office for 2025 intake status.
• MHDC Home Repair shows how a statewide non‑profit can administer city and county repair programs and handle SERP projects on DSHA’s behalf. See process details at MHDC Home Repair.

Long‑tail keywords: “Wilmington emergency home repair help for seniors,” “Dover emergency furnace replacement grant,” “New Castle County accessibility home modification grant program,” “Sussex County 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 County/City rehab plus Weatherization or SERP (if urgent).
  • County/City 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 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 county recorder or town clerk.
• 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 Delaware,” “documents needed for Delaware home repair assistance,” “how to qualify for Delaware home repair grants 2025.”

Phone scripts you can read word for word

USDA 504 (Delaware/Maryland)
> “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 (DNREC 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.”

County/City owner‑occupied rehab
> “Hi, I’m a homeowner in [county/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?”

SERP (emergency repairs)
> “Hi, I’m a Delaware homeowner and I have an urgent home repair. I saw the Statewide Emergency Repair Program (SERP) and the MHDC contact. My home needs [heat/electric/roof]. Could you screen me for SERP and tell me what documents you need?”

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?”

Delaware‑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 or your County Community Development office and ask about owner‑occupied rehab. Smaller towns often use DSHA Small Cities CDBG. Also call Weatherization via DNREC’s WAP page and SERP via MHDC Home Repair.

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. Counties and cities set local caps by program year. Always ask for the 2025 cap when you apply. SERP limits depend on the emergency and available funds.

What if my home has disaster damage?
Check USDA Rural Disaster Home Repair Grants. Also watch your county site for CDBG‑DR or state disaster updates posted after big storms.

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 / County‑City rehab / Weatherization / SERP / 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 county/city rehab or SERP.

Contact directory (phones, addresses, and websites)

USDA Rural Development — Delaware/Maryland (Section 504 Home Repair)
– Program overview (DE/MD): Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Delaware, Maryland
– USDA Delaware State Office: USDA RD Delaware & Maryland (Dover address and phone)
– USDA eligibility: USDA Income & Property Eligibility
– General fact sheet: USDA 504 Home Repair Factsheet (PDF)

DNREC — Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
– Program & provider: Delaware Weatherization Assistance Program
– Program background: How Delaware’s WAP works
– DOE national steps: How to apply for weatherization

Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)
– Small Cities CDBG (admin & guidelines): FY2025 Delaware CDBG Guidelines (PDF)
– Emergency repairs (SERP): DSHA news on SERP
– Administrator: MHDC Home Repair

County & City program hubs
– New Castle County: Home Repair Programs
– Wilmington: Resources for homeowners
– Sussex County: CDBG Home Repair
– Dover: Emergency Repair & Rehab (via MHDC)

Spanish summary (resumen en español)

Programas clave en Delaware (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 contratadas por DNREC. Empiece en Programa de Climatización de Delaware.
– Reparaciones de emergencia (SERP – DSHA): reparaciones urgentes de calefacción, electricidad, plomería, techos y mejoras de accesibilidad. Vea SERP en DSHA y comuníquese con MHDC para solicitar.
– Veteranos (VA SAH/SHA/TRA): en 2025, hasta $121,812 (SAH) y $24,405 (SHA). Solicite en Subvenciones de vivienda del VA.
– Condados y ciudades: programas de reparación en New Castle, Wilmington, Sussex, Dover, y más (vea los enlaces en este documento).
Para más información en español, llame a su agencia local o a su oficina del condado/ciudad.

About this guide

Purpose. Help Delaware homeowners find verified home‑repair help in 2025.
Evidence. Links go to official sites: USDA, DOE, DNREC, DSHA, and county/city 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.