Home Repair Grants in California

Table of Contents

Who this guide helps and what you’ll get

This guide is for California homeowners who need help fixing their homes in 2025. It is also for caregivers helping a senior, a veteran, or a person with a disability. If you live in a rural community, you will find options here too.

What you’ll get:

Plain‑English steps to apply for home repair grants for low‑income homeowners in California
2025 rules and caps for federal programs that serve California
State, city, and county contacts with working links
A quick eligibility check you can do in minutes
A simple action plan and a printable checklist
Ready‑to‑read phone scripts
Long‑tail keywords placed naturally so more neighbors can find this help online

We link only to official government sources: HUD, USDA, VA, the California Department of Community Services & Development (CSD) for Weatherization, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for state CDBG/HOME guidance, and city or county government pages. No third‑party lead forms. No “apply here” traps. Just real help.

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 metro or county.
Your home needs health or safety work: roof, heat or cooling, wiring, 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 California, then your county or metro (for example: Los Angeles‑Long Beach‑Anaheim, San Francisco‑Oakland‑Berkeley, San Diego‑Chula Vista‑Carlsbad, Sacramento‑Roseville‑Folsom, San José‑Sunnyvale‑Santa Clara, or your rural county). You can also download the statewide FY 2025 HOME/Income Limits PDF if you like working from a file: HUD 2025 income limits for California (PDF).

If you live outside a major metro, 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: “California home repair grants for seniors 2025,” “USDA 504 home repair grants California rural homeowners,” “California disability home modification grants,” “free home repair programs for low‑income families in California.”

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, HVAC, plumbing, wiring, accessibility, health/safety	Varies by office	California program page: Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in California
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 (California CSD)	No cost to you	Low‑income homeowners and renters (with landlord permission)	Insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, minor HVAC/health/safety	Lists open by region	Start here: California Weatherization Assistance Program
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/County Owner‑Occupied Rehab (CDBG/HOME)	Local caps vary by year	Low‑ to moderate‑income owner‑occupants inside that city/county	Emergency repairs, code items, accessibility	Windows open seasonally	Examples: Los Angeles Handyworker Program (LAHD) • San Francisco Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program (HRLP) • San Diego Owner‑Occupied Rehabilitation • San José Housing Rehabilitation • Oakland Housing Rehab & Access Improvements • Fresno Owner‑Occupied Housing Rehabilitation • Sacramento SHRA Home Repair

Federal programs that help California 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).

What it fixes
– Repairs that remove health or safety hazards: roofing, electrical issues, failing HVAC, broken plumbing, leaking pipes, and accessibility work like ramps or bathroom changes.

How to apply in California
– Open the California 504 page: Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in California. 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 California USDA office about current funding and processing time.
– 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.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in California

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 California Weatherization Assistance Program page: csd.ca.gov/Pages/Weatherization-Assistance-Program.aspx.
– Use the Find a Local Provider tool on that site or follow links to your Community Action Agency. 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 California
– Many homes are older. Heat waves and wildfire smoke make ventilation and cooling key. Weatherization can lower energy bills and fix basic safety issues. If crews find a serious hazard, they will guide you to the right repair program.

Helpful context
– For a national overview of how WAP works, see 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 California for guidance.

California state programs and how to use them

Weatherization through the California Department of Community Services & Development (CSD)

The Department of Community Services & Development (CSD) runs WAP and other energy programs through local providers.
Find the program page at California Weatherization Assistance Program.
Local providers are often Community Action Agencies or non‑profits that serve specific counties or cities.

State CDBG and HOME pathways

State CDBG for non‑entitlement cities and counties is managed by California HCD. Smaller communities can apply for owner‑occupied housing rehabilitation or health and safety projects that help low‑ and moderate‑income homeowners. See HCD’s Community Development Block Grant for how the funding works and when applications are open for local governments.
HOME funds may support owner‑occupied rehabilitation when a city or county applies and runs a project. Learn more about California HOME funding paths at HCD HOME program, then contact your city or county housing department to ask how they are using HOME in 2025–2026.

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

Los Angeles
– The Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) runs the Handyworker Program and other homeowner repair options for eligible seniors and people with disabilities. See the current offerings on the LAHD home repair page. If the intake is closed, use the contact on that page to ask when the next window opens. Some work is funded by HUD CDBG/HOME.

San Francisco
– The Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) runs the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program (HRLP) and related programs for code, accessibility, and essential system repairs. Review options and eligibility at MOHCD homeowner assistance. Programs have income limits and may use deferred payments at 0% to keep costs low.

San Diego
– The City posts Owner‑Occupied Rehabilitation resources through its Housing Department. See San Diego owner‑occupied rehabilitation for current intake and program details. The County of San Diego also has housing rehab and minor repair options under County Housing and Community Development Services.

San José
– The City’s Department of Housing lists home repair programs for qualified owner‑occupants at San José home repair. Ask about Emergency Repair, Mobilehome Rehab, and Accessibility options funded by CDBG/HOME.

Oakland
– Oakland’s Housing & Community Development Department posts Housing Rehabilitation and Accessibility Improvement programs at Oakland housing rehabilitation programs. Income limits apply and applications may open in cycles.

Fresno
– The City lists Owner‑Occupied Housing Rehabilitation and related programs under Neighborhood Revitalization at Fresno housing programs. Call the contact on that page to confirm current caps and eligibility.

Sacramento
– The Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) runs Home Repair programs for homeowners inside Sacramento City and County. See SHRA home repair program for eligibility, intake, and common repairs.

Other entitlement cities
– Many large cities in California operate owner‑occupied rehab or minor home repair through CDBG/HOME. Search your city name plus “home repair program” or check your city’s Housing/Community Development page. If nothing appears, call City Hall and ask for Housing.

Rural counties and small cities
– If your town is not listed here, ask your County Housing Department, Community Action Agency, or City Clerk about owner‑occupied rehabilitation funded by State CDBG or HOME. You can also search your county name plus “CDBG housing rehabilitation grant.”

How to pull 2025 income limits fast

Most city and county 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 California, then your metro (for example: Los Angeles‑Long Beach‑Anaheim, San Francisco‑Oakland‑Berkeley, San José‑Sunnyvale‑Santa Clara, San Diego‑Chula Vista‑Carlsbad, Sacramento‑Roseville‑Folsom) or select your rural county.
– Choose your household size (1–8). Write down Very Low (50%) and Low (80%) limits. You can also download the statewide PDF here: HUD 2025 California income limits (PDF).
– Some programs use HOME limits. If you need those, HUD keeps a hub page here: 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.

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 California CSD.

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 county 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 CSD for energy and safety.

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/County 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 California 504 page and request the application checklist.
– Weatherization: Use the California WAP page to find your local provider and get on the list.
– City/County rehab: Check your city 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 county will help secure bids.

Real success models and what they show

Los Angeles Handyworker Program shows how a large city can deliver minor home repairs for low‑income seniors and persons with disabilities using CDBG/HOME and general‑fund dollars. See the details and intake on LAHD’s home repair page.
San Francisco’s HRLP shows a 0% deferred rehab loan model that focuses on code, safety, and accessibility for long‑time residents. Get the current rules on MOHCD homeowner assistance.
San Diego & County programs highlight how cities and counties coordinate emergency repair and owner‑occupied rehab. See City of San Diego owner‑occupied rehabilitation and County Home Repair Programs.
San José operates multiple tracks including mobilehome repair to meet local needs. See San José home repair.
Oakland and Fresno show strong accessibility and neighborhood rehab models: Oakland housing rehabilitation programs and Fresno neighborhood revitalization programs.

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/County rehab plus Weatherization.
- City/County 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 county recorder.
Not answering calls. If the office can’t reach you, they may move to the next person.

Phone scripts you can read word for word

USDA 504 (California)
> “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/HVAC/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 (California CSD provider)
> “Hello, I live in [county/city] 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/County owner‑occupied rehab
> “Hi, I’m a homeowner in [city/county]. 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?”

California‑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 city doesn’t show a repair program. What now?
Call your City/County housing or community development office and ask about owner‑occupied rehab. Smaller places may apply through State CDBG with HCD. Also call Weatherization via California CSD.

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 agency first. San José and some counties run mobilehome repair tracks.

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 heat waves. 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 set their local caps by program year. San Francisco’s HRLP is a loan product with limits that depend on the scope and home value; see MOHCD for details.

What if my home has disaster damage?
Check USDA Rural Disaster Home Repair Grants. Also look at your city or county site for CDBG‑DR or state disaster updates posted by Cal OES and HCD.

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‑County 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/county rehab.

Contact directory (phones, addresses, and websites)

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

California Department of Community Services & Development (CSD) — Weatherization
– Program & providers: California Weatherization Assistance Program
– Context (national): DOE — How to apply for weatherization

California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) — State CDBG & HOME
– CDBG for non‑entitlement cities/counties: HCD Community Development Block Grant
– HOME program hub: HCD HOME (state site) • HUD HOME Income Limits 2025

City & County program hubs
– Los Angeles: LAHD home repair & Handyworker
– San Francisco: MOHCD homeowner assistance & HRLP
– San Diego (City): Owner‑Occupied Rehabilitation • San Diego County: Home Repair Programs
– San José: Home repair programs
– Oakland: Housing rehabilitation programs
– Fresno: Neighborhood revitalization / owner‑occupied rehab
– Sacramento: SHRA home repair

Spanish summary (resumen en español)

Programas clave en California (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 California.
– Veteranos (VA SAH/SHA/TRA): en 2025, hasta $121,812 (SAH) y $24,405 (SHA). Solicite en Subvenciones de vivienda del VA.
– Ciudades y condados: programas de reparación para propietarios en Los Ángeles, San Francisco, San Diego, San José, Oakland, Fresno, Sacramento y más (vea los enlaces en este documento).
Para más información en español, llame a su agencia local o a su oficina de ciudad/condado.

About this guide

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