Home Repair Grants in Washington

This plain‑language guide is for low‑income homeowners in Washington: seniors, disabled people, single parents, veterans, rural residents, and families with limited English. It explains who may qualify, which programs to try first, how the money works, and the steps to apply.

Last updated: December 2025
Checked against official sources as of December 2025. This is general information, not legal or financial advice, and we are not a government agency.

Who This Is For & Quick Eligibility Check

Top Programs in Washington (Quick Table)

Start with the programs where you live. City and county repair help is often fastest, then state weatherization, then rural USDA repair loans/grants. For energy and heat issues, also check the state’s LIHEAP energy assistance and SHEAP heat & electrification.

Short Federal Snapshot (with Washington links)

• USDA Section 504 (rural repair): In Washington, apply through USDA’s state 504 page or contact the Washington RD office. Very‑low income rural owners can get 1% loans (20 years) and, if 62+, small grants for health/safety repairs. A helpful plain‑English explainer is this USDA 504 guide (background).
• Weatherization Assistance (WAP): Washington’s Department of Commerce runs WAP through local agencies; start at the state Weatherization page or Seattle’s HomeWise weatherization if you live in the Seattle/City Light area.
• FEMA / disasters: After a Presidentially declared disaster, homeowners can apply for help to make homes safe and livable. Learn the basics on FEMA’s Individual Assistance page and how to apply for disaster assistance. For state updates and county contacts, check Washington EMD’s disaster assistance page.

Washington Programs (Core Section)

1) State Weatherization, LIHEAP, and SHEAP (energy and health/safety)

For heat failures, unsafe furnaces, leaky homes, or high bills, start with the Department of Commerce’s LIHEAP program and Weatherization program. LIHEAP provides bill grants and may repair or replace unsafe heat; Weatherization installs insulation, air sealing, ventilation, and health/safety fixes through local agencies after an energy audit.

Washington also added the state SHEAP program (up to 80% AMI) to help pay bills and swap old heaters for efficient heat pumps. If you’re in Seattle or City Light territory, the City’s Oil‑to‑Electric program converts oil furnaces to heat pumps at no cost for eligible households.

2) USDA Section 504 Home Repair (rural owners)

In rural parts of Washington, USDA’s 504 program offers 1% repair loans and, for seniors 62+, small hazard‑removal grants. See the state’s 504 page for Washington and the state RD contacts. For a plain‑English overview of eligibility and examples, read this background USDA 504 guide (secondary).

3) City and County Repair Programs (local help)

Many Washington jurisdictions use HUD funds to repair owner‑occupied homes. In King County, the county runs major repairs while cities fund smaller jobs. Find King County’s options on the Housing Repair page and Seattle’s programs on the Office of Housing’s Home Repair page. In Spokane, the CHHS team partners with SNAP for loans and minor repair grants; see the programs overview.

In Southwest Washington, the City of Vancouver offers low‑interest, deferred repayment loans for critical repairs through its Housing Rehabilitation Program, while Clark County operates Weatherization assistance and a housing preservation program for areas outside city limits, described on the county’s housing preservation page.

City & County Programs (Where to Start)

Here are common options in the largest metros. If your town isn’t listed, call City Hall/Community Development and ask about “owner‑occupied rehab” or CDBG/HOME repair. Washington’s CDBG program page also shows how the state funds local housing rehabilitation.

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Many programs use HUD income limits tied to Area Median Income (AMI). Some use 80% AMI, others 50% AMI, and energy programs may use federal poverty levels or state median income. Always confirm current numbers in HUD’s income limits tool.

• King County (example only): Renton lists 80% AMI as about $121,150 for a 4‑person household; see the city’s HRAP income chart for a full table.
• Everett (Snohomish) (example only): Everett’s CHIP shows 80% AMI at $121,150 for a 4‑person household; see the CHIP income list.
• Clark County (example only): The state energy page notes 80% AMI examples by county; see SHEAP’s eligibility details and confirm with HUD’s tool.

These examples can change each year and are not promises of eligibility. Use the HUD link above or the city/county program page to check current limits for your household size.

Special Groups & Short Examples

Seniors (62+)

Seniors should first try local repair programs in their city/county, then weatherization/energy aid, and—if rural—the USDA 504 grant. In King County, manufactured home owners can look at the county’s manufactured home grants, and Seattle lists grant options for those who don’t qualify for loans. Background ideas for seniors are explained in this seniors repair grants guide (secondary).

Example: A 70‑year‑old homeowner in Spokane with failing heat might combine the city’s Minor Home Repair for furnace issues with state Weatherization for insulation and ventilation. Actual awards depend on inspection, safety, and funding.

Veterans

Veterans can apply to the same local programs and may also qualify for VA accessibility grants. Pair county repair help (like Pierce County’s Home Repairs program) with LIHEAP through the state’s energy assistance page. For broader repairs, rural veterans can also consider USDA 504 via the Washington 504 page.

Disabled Homeowners

Accessibility modifications (ramps, grab bars, roll‑in showers) are common in city/county programs. King County lists home access modification options, and Renton’s HRAP can add grab bars and ADA adjustments tied to health and safety.

Rural Residents

Outside metro areas, combine the state Weatherization program with USDA 504. Contact your local USDA office via the Washington contacts page for the nearest field office (Wenatchee, Yakima, Spokane, Mount Vernon, or Olympia).

Families with Children

If heating is unsafe or you’re facing shutoff, call your county LIHEAP provider using the state LIHEAP page and ask about crisis help. Then add weatherization through your local agency by county to lower bills long‑term.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

1. Write a short list of repair issues (e.g., “roof leak in kitchen,” “furnace not working,” “side sewer collapsed”). Take a few photos.
2. Check your location’s options:
   • Seattle/King County: City’s Home Repair or County’s Housing Repair.
   • Spokane: CHHS home repair programs.
   • Vancouver/Clark: City’s rehab program and County’s weatherization assistance.
3. For heat and energy emergencies, schedule LIHEAP through the state’s LIHEAP page and ask about SHEAP and Weatherization.

This week

1. Gather documents: photo ID, proof of ownership, mortgage statement, last year’s tax return, last 1–3 months of income, most recent utility bills, and any repair estimates you already have. If you need help, call Washington 211 and ask for a housing counselor.
2. Submit applications to your city/county repair program and to Weatherization. If rural, also contact USDA via the Washington RD contacts.
3. If a disaster damaged your home, register with FEMA per the apply for assistance instructions and report damages to county emergency management through Washington EMD’s disaster assistance page.

This month

1. Track case numbers and return calls quickly. Most programs won’t reimburse work started before approval.
2. If you’re in Seattle and have an oil furnace, consider the Oil‑to‑Electric (Clean Heat) program for a heat pump conversion.
3. If a side sewer failed in Seattle, apply for the city’s Side Sewer Assistance, and review broader sewer funding ideas in this sewer repair grants explainer (secondary background).

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

If you’re denied or funds are gone

• Ask for denial reasons in writing and whether there is an appeal or waitlist; mark a date to reapply.
• Ask if another local program (CDBG/HOME) covers your address; check county and nearby city pages such as Bellevue’s Home Repair Assistance.
• For disasters, you can appeal FEMA decisions; see FEMA’s appeal guidance. Remember the “no duplication of benefits” rule—no program can pay for the exact same damage twice.
• Consider safe loans only if manageable. In rural areas, the 1% USDA 504 loan on the state 504 page can be far cheaper than credit cards. For disasters, the SBA’s home disaster loans may help.

Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

• Starting work before approval: Wait for the written “Notice to Proceed” (Seattle explains this in its Home Repair process).
• Missing documents: Use HUD’s income tool to confirm limits and keep pay stubs, SSI/SSDI, and tax returns ready.
• Wrong program: If you live in unincorporated areas, call the county (e.g., Pierce County’s Home Repairs page) instead of a city page.
• Unlicensed contractors: Local programs hire or pre‑approve contractors. If you hire outside, you may lose eligibility.
• Title/heirs’ property issues: If your name isn’t on the deed, talk to legal aid. See Washington LawHelp for free guidance.

Phone Scripts (short and practical)

Calling a state energy program (LIHEAP/Weatherization)

You: “Hi, I live in [city] and our [furnace/heat] is not working. My income is around [amount] for [household size]. I’m calling to schedule LIHEAP and Weatherization. What documents do you need, and how soon can I get an appointment?” (Use Commerce’s LIHEAP page to find your local provider.)

Calling city/county rehab

You: “Hello, I’m a homeowner in [address]. I need repairs to fix [roof leak/unsafe wiring/side sewer]. My income is about [amount] with [household size]. Could you tell me about your repair program, eligibility, and current wait times?” (For King County, start at the Housing Repair page.)

Calling USDA Rural Development (Section 504)

You: “Hi, I’m in [county/town], own and live in a rural home, and my income is [amount]. I’d like to apply for the Section 504 Home Repair loan/grant for [specific hazard]. What forms do you need, and can I get pre‑screened?” (Find the right office on USDA’s Washington contacts page.)

Calling a nonprofit repair group

You: “Hi, my home needs [grab bars/ramp/minor repairs]. I’m low‑income and live in [city]. Do you accept applications now, and can you help me apply?” (In King County, try Rebuilding Together Seattle or Habitat home repairs.)

FAQs (Washington‑Specific)

These are short answers; program rules change. Verify on each official page.

• Do local programs reimburse work I already paid for? Usually no. Seattle warns not to sign contracts before approval in its Home Repair process. Always wait for written approval.
• What about manufactured homes? Many programs help. King County lists manufactured home grants; check your city/county page.
• How long are waitlists? It depends. Vancouver notes wait times “12 months or more” on its rehab program page. Weatherization can also take months; apply early.
• If my income is a little over the limit? Ask about exceptions or other programs (LIHEAP, Weatherization, or utility rebates). Use HUD’s income limits tool and call Washington 211 for alternatives.
• Are these “grants” ever liens? Yes. Some city/county “grants” record a lien for several years. King County explains loan and grant types on its program page. Ask in writing about lien terms and when it’s due.
• Can renters get help? Weatherization serves renters when owners agree (Seattle outlines renter pathways on HomeWise). For repairs, talk to code enforcement and consider legal help via Washington LawHelp.
• Side sewer failures? Seattle runs a dedicated Side Sewer program. Spokane also supports private sewer and water line fixes through its rehab programs on the CHHS page.
• Property tax relief? Seniors and disabled owners can explore exemptions/deferrals through the state Department of Revenue’s property tax relief resources.
• Disasters—can I get both FEMA and local help? Possibly, but not for the same item. FEMA explains that benefits can’t duplicate insurance or other aid on its IA page. Local repair programs may cover unmet needs after FEMA.

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Quick Checklist

• List urgent problems with photos (date them).
• Check income limits via HUD’s Income Limits tool.
• Gather: ID, deed, mortgage/tax status, insurance, 1–3 months of income, last tax return, utility bills.
• Apply to your city/county repair program, then Weatherization/LIHEAP/SHEAP, and USDA 504 if rural.
• Track: program name, application date, case number, contact person, and next steps.

Contacts (save these)

Resumen en español (resumen breve)

Esta guía es para propietarios de vivienda con bajos ingresos en Washington (personas mayores, con discapacidades, padres solteros, residentes rurales y veteranos). Para reparaciones esenciales (techo, calefacción, electricidad, accesibilidad, alcantarillado), empiece con los programas locales de su ciudad/condado y los de energía del estado.

• Reparaciones locales: En el Condado de King, vea el Programa de Reparaciones del condado y, si vive en Seattle, el Programa de Reparaciones de la ciudad (0% préstamos y algunas ayudas). Spokane ofrece reparaciones menores y préstamos de rehabilitación en la página de CHHS. Vancouver tiene préstamos diferidos al 2% en su programa de rehabilitación.
• Energía/Clima: Pida cita con LIHEAP para ayuda en la factura y reparación de calefacción. Solicite Weatherization (aislamiento/ventilación) y, si califica hasta 80% del AMI, pregunte por SHEAP (bombas de calor).
• Zonas rurales: Consulte con USDA 504 (préstamos al 1% y pequeñas subvenciones para 62+) en la página estatal de Reparación 504.
• Desastres: Si hubo una declaración federal, solicite ayuda a FEMA según la guía de Asistencia Individual. No se puede cobrar dos veces por el mismo daño.
• ¿Necesita ayuda para encontrar programas? Llame al 211 de Washington y pida intérprete.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Confirm income eligibility with HUD’s Income Limits tool and your city/county page.
• Rural repairs: see USDA’s Section 504 page for Washington and state contacts.
• Energy/heat: check Commerce for LIHEAP, SHEAP, and Weatherization.
• Disasters: see Washington EMD’s disaster assistance page and FEMA’s Individual Assistance.
• Help finding programs: contact Washington 211.

Rules, amounts, and income limits change. Always confirm with the agency or a trusted housing counselor before you decide. Loans are debt—make sure payments are affordable and terms are in writing.