Home Repair Grants in Montana

Who This Is For & Quick Eligibility Check

Top Programs in Montana (Quick Table)

“Example max help” amounts are examples only; always confirm current caps and rules on the official program page.

Money clarity example: On USDA 504, a $20,000 loan at 1% for 20 years is about $92/month (principal and interest). Grants don’t require monthly payments but may create a short‑term lien if you sell within three years—see the RD Montana 504 page for exact rules.

Short Federal Snapshot (with Montana links)

USDA 504 Home Repair in Montana

For rural homeowners, the USDA 504 program can provide a 1% loan for necessary repairs and, for age 62+ owners with very low income, a repair grant. Montana’s page lists today’s caps and forms on the USDA RD Montana 504 site. For a plain‑English overview of uses and steps, see this background guide on USDA Section 504 basics (secondary source).

Weatherization (WAP) + Energy Bill Help (LIHEAP)

Montana bundles applications for heat assistance and weatherization through DPHHS. Apply via the combined form on the LIHEAP page; if eligible, you’re also placed on the Weatherization Assistance Program list for energy‑saving and safety measures.

Disaster Repairs (FEMA + State DES)

If your home was damaged in a presidentially declared disaster, register on the FEMA Montana portal and review state coordination details on the MT DES Individual Assistance page. Grants aim to make homes safe and livable—not fully restored—and cannot duplicate insurance or other program benefits.

Montana Programs (Core Details)

1) Weatherization & LIHEAP (DPHHS)

One application covers both heat assistance and energy‑saving home work. Start at the DPHHS LIHEAP page (print/apply through your local eligibility office) and confirm WAP placement at the state’s weatherization portal. Seniors, households with disabilities, and homes with high energy burden are prioritized.

Money details: This is not a cash grant to you. Contractors paid by the local agency complete cost‑effective work like insulation, air sealing, and furnace safety checks. If your furnace has failed and you qualify for LIHEAP, DPHHS may help with emergency heat; see the LIHEAP program page for the current policy.

2) USDA Section 504 (rural repairs and senior hazard grants)

USDA 504 is often the best first step for rural owners with low income. Montana’s official page lists current caps (loan up to $40,000; grant up to $10,000, or $15,000 for disaster‑damaged homes), 20‑year terms, and the fixed 1% interest rate on the RD 504 program page. It also explains that grants must target health or safety hazards.

Money details: Loans record a lien; missing payments risks foreclosure. Grants are recaptured if you sell within three years. You cannot be paid twice for the same work—if FEMA funded your roof, 504 can only cover unmet needs. For declared disaster repairs, USDA notes higher grant caps on its disaster 504 page.

3) City and County Rehab Options (CDBG/HOME)

Montana’s Department of Commerce channels federal repair funds through local governments and nonprofits. Background is on the state’s CDBG Housing page and the HOME program site. Cities and counties run small rehab programs when funded—see the city/county table below.

• Helena: The city offers zero‑interest loans, often forgivable after 10 years, for health/safety and accessibility via the Helena Housing page. Helena also has a 0% Service Line Replacement Loan (up to $15,000) for failed water/sewer lines.
• Missoula: Human Resource Council (HRC) provides rehab loans (city and county CDBG) for owner‑occupants; see HRC’s program page. The City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund invests in repair/preservation through nonprofits and partners.
• Great Falls: The City maintains a CDBG‑funded Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program for low‑income owners.
• Billings: The City’s rehab loan program is currently discontinued, but the Community Development Division refers residents to energy and repair resources and to Montana 211.
• Kalispell/Flathead: The City participates in state CDBG/HOME cycles; watch the Kalispell CDBG page for hearings and application windows.

4) Nonprofits that repair homes

Energy emergencies: Energy Share of Montana helps with urgent energy needs and sometimes safety‑related appliance replacements. Habitat for Humanity: Several Montana affiliates run repair programs (for example, Helena Area Habitat repairs and Missoula’s Habitat programs). Great Falls Habitat’s Aging in Place supports older homeowners with safety modifications.

5) Utilities, rebates and local tax relief

NorthWestern Energy offers residential rebates and assessments through its E+ offerings on the Montana rebates page. Montana‑Dakota Utilities lists furnace, thermostat and LED incentives on its Savings for Your Home page. For separate property tax relief, check the Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Rebate page for current status and deadlines.

6) Veterans’ home adaptations

Service‑connected disabled veterans may qualify for the VA’s Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grants to modify or build an accessible home. Current caps and application steps are on VA’s disability housing grants page (updated Nov. 18, 2025). You can use these benefits multiple times up to the total lifetime cap.

7) Tribal housing/health resources

Tribal members should check their housing authority (for example, the Salish & Kootenai Housing Authority’s home improvement and weatherization) and the Indian Health Service’s Sanitation Facilities Construction program for water/sewer solutions. Income rules and availability vary by tribe and year.

City & County Programs (Where to Ask)

Availability changes with annual federal/state allocations. If your town isn’t listed, ask your City/County Community Development office whether an owner‑occupied rehab program is open this year or if a nonprofit partner is administering funds.

Tip: If your town doesn’t offer homeowner rehab, ask the county or a local nonprofit whether they can sponsor a state CDBG Housing Stabilization application on your behalf.

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Programs use income cutoffs tied to Area Median Income (AMI). Some use 80% AMI, others 50%, and some have unique cutoffs. Always check the program’s posted limit. For current numbers, use HUD’s Income Limits tool.

• Billings (HUD Metro FMR Area): As of 2025, HUD lists a 4‑person Low‑Income (80%) limit of $77,700; see “Montana” in HUD’s Income Limits tables.
• Missoula (HMFA): HUD shows a 4‑person 80% limit of $78,800 in 2025—confirm on the official HUD page.
• Great Falls (MSA): HUD lists a 4‑person 80% limit of $72,650 for 2025; verify details using HUD’s documentation system.
• Bozeman (Gallatin MSA): HUD shows a 4‑person 80% limit of $95,200 in 2025—check the current figure in the Income Limits tool.

These examples come from HUD’s FY 2025 Section 8 income limits tables for Montana. Limits change almost every year—always confirm before you apply.

Special Groups & Short Examples

Seniors (62+)

Start with USDA 504 if you’re in an eligible rural area: grants target health/safety hazards for age 62+ owners (see RD 504 Montana). Weatherization also prioritizes older adults—apply via DPHHS’s LIHEAP portal. If you need cash flow help to stay housed, consider the Montana Board of Housing’s Reverse Annuity Mortgage noted in Commerce’s RAM release. For a national overview of senior‑focused repair help, this background explainer on senior home repair grants may help (secondary source).

Example: A 70‑year‑old homeowner near Miles City with low income may qualify for a USDA 504 grant to fix unsafe wiring, plus weatherization for insulation and furnace testing. Actual awards depend on inspection, need, and funding.

Veterans

If you have a service‑connected disability, check VA’s SAH/SHA home adaptation program for ramps, accessible bathrooms, or a modified build; amounts and details are on VA’s disability housing grants page. In Missoula and other areas, local Habitats sometimes offer no‑ or low‑cost repairs for veterans—see Habitat Missoula or your nearest affiliate via Habitat’s affiliate finder.

Example: A veteran in Great Falls who uses a wheelchair might use VA SAH for a roll‑in shower and widened doors, with WAP addressing energy efficiency. Nonprofits can help with smaller safety work while VA processing is underway.

Disabled Homeowners

Weatherization often installs safety devices and can address combustion safety (see WAP details). City rehab programs may fund ramps and bathroom changes through CDBG; for example, Great Falls describes homeowner rehab on its CDBG/HOME page.

Rural Residents

USDA 504 is designed for rural towns and counties. Confirm your address and income on the USDA Montana Rural Development site, then contact the state office or area office listed. If your repairs involve a roof leak or a failing roof, this plain‑English primer on roof repair grants can help you compare options (secondary source) while you pursue 504 or WAP locally.

Families with Children / Single Parents

WAP and LIHEAP prioritize homes with children for health and energy reasons (apply via the DPHHS LIHEAP page). In emergencies (no heat), also call Energy Share. Use Montana 211 to locate local church or nonprofit small‑repair help if public funds are wait‑listed.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

1. Make a short list of the problems (e.g., “roof leak over kitchen,” “no heat,” “soft bathroom floor”). Take clear photos.
2. Gather proof: ID, deed/title or property tax bill, mortgage statement (if any), recent income documents, and at least one utility bill.
3. Call your local 504 contact: use the USDA RD Montana contacts to ask about Section 504 and pre‑screening (they may ask for the 504 intake form).
4. If you need heat or energy help, complete the combined application on DPHHS’s LIHEAP page (this also places you on the Weatherization list).

This week

1. If you live in Helena, Missoula, Great Falls, Billings, or Kalispell, contact the city program listed above. If not, call City Hall/County Community Development and ask about owner‑occupied rehab; point them to the state’s CDBG Housing page if needed.
2. For emergencies (no heat, unsafe wiring), ask about energy crisis help from Energy Share and let your WAP office know.
3. If you are a veteran with a disability, start the VA SAH/SHA process on VA’s grant page.

This month

1. Obtain 2–3 contractor estimates if your program asks for them (don’t start work before approval). Keep all estimates and invoices.
2. Ask each program how they pay (direct to contractor vs. reimbursement). If it’s reimbursement, be sure the cost is pre‑approved in writing.
3. Expect waitlists: WAP can take months. Keep your contact info up to date, answer calls, and re‑apply annually if required (DPHHS notes annual re‑application on its WAP page).

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

If you’re denied or funds are out

• Ask for the reason in writing and whether there is an appeal or reconsideration.
• Ask when the next funding round opens; monitor the city/county or state page (e.g., HOME program site).
• Check nonprofits and utilities: Energy Share, local Habitat (affiliate finder), and utility rebates.

Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

• Starting work before approval: Wait for a written approval/contract.
• Missing paperwork: Use a checklist; if you’re stuck, call Montana 211 to find a local navigator.
• Unlicensed contractors: Programs often require licensed/insured contractors—ask your agency for contractor requirements.
• Title issues/heirs’ property: If ownership is unclear, contact Montana Legal Services Association or see MontanaLawHelp for guidance.
• Duplication of benefits: If FEMA or insurance already paid for part of a repair, other programs usually can’t pay for the same part twice.

Tax note: Some assistance may affect taxes or benefits. Ask the administering agency or a tax professional whether funds could affect SSI, SSDI, SNAP, or your tax return.

Phone Scripts (Short and Practical)

FAQs (Montana‑Specific)

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Quick Checklist

• List problems and take photos (health/safety first).
• Check income limits using HUD’s Income Limits tool.
• Gather documents: ID, deed/tax bill, income proofs, utility bill(s), contractor estimates (if requested).
• Apply to multiple programs (don’t wait for one answer): DPHHS LIHEAP/WAP, USDA 504, city/county rehab, and relevant nonprofits.
• Track case numbers, contacts, and dates in a simple notebook or notes app.

Key Contacts (save these)

Resumen en español (corto)

Este guía es para dueños de casa en Montana con ingresos bajos que necesitan reparar su vivienda (techo, calefacción, electricidad, accesibilidad, agua/alcantarillado). Tres pasos para empezar:

• Ayuda de energía: Llene la solicitud combinada de calefacción y climatización en la página de DPHHS (LIHEAP/WAP). Si califica, le pondrán en la lista de Weatherization (mejoras de eficiencia y seguridad).
• Reparaciones rurales: Si vive en zona rural y tiene ingresos muy bajos, pida el programa de reparaciones del USDA Sección 504 (préstamo al 1% y, si tiene 62+ años, posible subsidio). Vea la página de USDA Rural Development Montana.
• Ciudad/condado: Llame a su oficina de desarrollo comunitario (por ejemplo, Helena, Missoula, Great Falls) para preguntar por “rehabilitación de vivienda ocupada por el dueño”. Si hay desastre, solicite con FEMA y coordine con Montana DES.

Si necesita ayuda para ubicar programas o intérprete, llame al 211 (línea 24/7). Guarde facturas y fotos. No empiece la obra sin aprobación por escrito. Pregunte si el dinero es subsidio (no se paga), préstamo perdonable (tiene gravamen) o reembolso.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Confirm income cutoffs using HUD’s Income Limits tool.
• Verify USDA 504 caps/terms on the USDA RD Montana 504 page.
• Apply for heat help and weatherization at DPHHS’s LIHEAP page and review the WAP info.
• For disaster repairs, use FEMA’s Montana page and state DES guidance.
• For navigation help anywhere in Montana, contact Montana 211.

Rules, amounts, and income limits can change. Always confirm with the agency or a trusted housing counselor before you decide. This is not legal, tax, or financial advice.