Home Repair Grants in Idaho

This plain‑language guide is for Idaho homeowners who need help fixing health, safety, or accessibility problems. It highlights who might qualify, the top programs to try first, how the money works, and the exact 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

Read this if you are a homeowner in Idaho who is: a senior, a person with a disability, a veteran, a single parent, or a rural homeowner. If English is hard, you can call Idaho’s 2‑1‑1 CareLine and ask for an interpreter.

• You own and live in the home in Idaho (not a rental or second home).
• Your household has low or very low income for your area (see the HUD income limits tool and local examples below).
• You need essential repairs that affect safety, health, or basic function (roof leaks, failed heat, bad wiring, failed septic/water, accessibility ramps, etc.).
• You are willing to complete an application, share income documents, and wait through inspections.

Top Programs in Idaho (Quick Table)

Amounts are examples only. Actual awards depend on inspection, bids, income, and available funding. Always verify on the official program page before you apply.

Program	Type	Example max help ($)	Main audience	Where to apply
USDA Section 504 Home Repair	Loan + grant	Loan up to $40,000; grant up to $10,000; combo up to $50,000	Very low‑income rural owners; grants age 62+	Contact USDA’s Idaho office via the Idaho 504 page (see “Contact”), and review federal limits on the national 504 page.
Idaho Weatherization Assistance (WAP)	Free energy repairs	Value set by energy audit	Low‑income households statewide	Apply through your local agency from the state’s Apply for Weatherization page; read program basics on About Weatherization.
LIHEAP Heating & Crisis	Utility payment + crisis help	Heating up to about $1,242; Crisis up to about $1,500	Low‑income households; statewide	Start at the state’s Apply for Heating Assistance page; program profile also on the federal LIHEAP Clearinghouse.
Nampa Home Repair Loan Program	Forgivable loan (0%)	Up to $20,000 (forgiven after 5 years)	Low‑income owners within Nampa city limits	See eligibility and contact on Nampa’s Housing Improvement Programs page.
Coeur d’Alene EMRAP	Grants	$5,000 (minor); roof up to $10,000; septic/sewer laterals up to $20,000	Low‑ to moderate‑income Coeur d’Alene homeowners	Program details and application on the city’s Emergency Minor Home Repair page.
Meridian Home Repair (via NeighborWorks Boise)	Forgivable grant with deed restriction	$2,000–$25,000 (1–5 year occupancy rules)	Low‑ to moderate‑income owners inside Meridian	Requirements and deed terms on NW Boise’s Meridian Repair Program page.
NeighborWorks Boise Home Repair	Grants	~$15,000–$22,000 (AHP‑funded)	Low‑ to moderate‑income, Ada & Canyon counties	Scope and eligibility on the NWB Home Repair Program page; recent expansion covered by a state business news article.
Pocatello “Renewal Program”	Grants and loans	Varies by repair and funds	Lower‑income owner‑occupants	Program applications on Pocatello’s Renewal Program page.
State Energy Loan (OEMR)	Low‑interest loan	Varies; credit‑checked	Idaho homeowners doing energy upgrades	Status and details at the state’s Energy Loan Program page (2025 apps paused; resumes Jan 2026).

Short Federal Snapshot (with Links Out)

USDA 504 in Idaho

USDA’s Section 504 offers 1% loans (up to 20 years) and, for seniors 62+, small grants for health/safety hazards in eligible rural areas. In Idaho you apply through the local Rural Development office listed on the Idaho 504 page; national caps and rules are posted on USDA’s program overview. If you’re comparing options, this USDA 504 guide explains how loans and grants can be combined.

Weatherization Assistance (WAP)

Idaho’s WAP is run by the Department of Health & Welfare through local Community Action Agencies. Start at the state’s Apply for Weatherization page and read program basics on About Weatherization.

FEMA and disasters

If your county is in a federal disaster, you can apply for basic repair help through FEMA Disaster Assistance (Individuals & Households Program). Idaho’s coordination page is the state’s Individual Assistance portal. Remember: you cannot be paid twice for the same damage (“duplication of benefits”).

Idaho Programs (Core Section)

1) USDA Section 504 Home Repair (rural Idaho)

• What it covers: essential repairs like failed roofs, unsafe wiring, heating, plumbing, or accessibility work. Loans can also modernize basic systems.
• Money type: 1% loan (up to 20 years); small grant for age 62+ if you can’t repay a loan. USDA records a lien on loans; grants must be repaid if you sell within 3 years.
• Typical amounts: USDA lists loans up to $40,000 and grants up to $10,000, which can be combined up to $50,000. Most awards are lower and depend on your needs and budget.
• How to apply: Call the Idaho Single‑Family team listed on USDA’s Idaho 504 page. Read the federal rules and limits on USDA’s program overview.
• Payment example: A $20,000 loan at 1% for 20 years is about $92 per month (principal + interest), not counting taxes/insurance.

2) Weatherization Assistance Program (statewide)

• What it covers: free energy‑saving repairs like insulation, air sealing, minor health/safety fixes tied to energy use, and sometimes appliance replacements after an energy audit.
• Money type: no‑cost services; not cash. Work is done by local crews or contractors coordinated by community action agencies.
• Eligibility: Idaho posts current WAP rules—including required documents and monthly income limits—on the state’s Apply for Weatherization page (effective Apr 1, 2025–Mar 31, 2026).
• How to apply: Contact your local Community Action Agency using the state’s About Weatherization page, or dial 2‑1‑1 for a referral.

3) LIHEAP Heating & Crisis (statewide)

• What it covers: a one‑time seasonal heating payment, plus crisis help if you’re at shut‑off or out of fuel (goal is to resolve within 48 hours when eligible).
• Money type: payment to utility/fuel vendor; not a repair grant. Can pair with weatherization referrals.
• Eligibility and amounts: Idaho explains seasonal and crisis rules on the state’s About Heating Assistance page; the federal LIHEAP profile shows current benefit ranges (subject to change).
• How to apply: Contact your local agency from the state’s Apply for Heating Assistance page.

4) City and nonprofit repair help in the Treasure Valley and beyond

• Nampa: A 0% forgivable loan (up to $20,000) for emergency and accessibility repairs for owner‑occupants inside city limits. Forgiven after 5 years if terms are met. See the city’s Housing Improvement Programs page for eligible projects (roof, plumbing, electrical, ADA). Homes in mobile home parks are not eligible because you must own the land.
• Meridian: Forgivable grant assistance ($2,000–$25,000) with 1–5 year resale/recapture restrictions through NW Boise’s Meridian Repair Program (funded by the city’s CDBG). Deed restriction recorded at completion.
• NeighborWorks Boise (Ada & Canyon): AHP‑funded repair grants (~$15,000–$22,000) for critical safety and emergency fixes; see NWB Home Repair Program. Recent AHP award expanded the program, covered by this Idaho Business Review piece.

5) North Idaho and Eastern Idaho examples

• Coeur d’Alene (EMRAP): Grants up to $5,000 for emergency/accessibility and sidewalk work; roofs up to $10,000; septic‑to‑sewer and failing laterals up to $20,000. Details and forms on the city’s EMRAP page.
• Pocatello: “Renewal Program” offers sidewalk grants and home emergency repairs through grants or sliding‑scale loans depending on income; see applications on the city’s Renewal Program page.
• Lewiston: City’s Home Repair Program posts current income limits and contact for owner‑occupied repairs.

6) Energy rebates that can fund part of a repair

• Idaho Power: Incentives for qualifying heat pumps and HVAC upgrades; start with the utility’s ductless heat pump incentive page to see steps and contractor rules.
• Intermountain Gas: Appliance and new‑construction rebates with deadlines and documentation rules; see the utility’s Residential Energy Efficiency page and rebate terms.
• Rocky Mountain Power: Wattsmart incentives and HERS‑rated new homes for customers in RMP territory; see the Idaho Wattsmart page.

City & County Programs (at a glance)

These are examples. Many smaller cities use federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for “owner‑occupied rehab.” If your town isn’t listed, call City Hall (Community Development) or dial 2‑1‑1 CareLine and ask for “owner‑occupied housing rehab.”

City/County	Program	Example help	Who qualifies	How to apply
Boise area (Ada/Canyon)	NeighborWorks Boise Home Repair	Grants for critical safety, plumbing, HVAC, roof; typical $15k–$22k	≤80% AMI; owner‑occupied in Ada/Canyon	See program details on NWB Home Repair.
Meridian	Meridian Home Repair (CDBG)	$2k–$25k forgivable grant; deed restriction	≤80% AMI; inside city limits	Read requirements on Meridian Repair Program.
Nampa	Home Repair Loan Program	0% loan up to $20k; forgiven after 5 years if terms met	HUD income limits; owner‑occupied; taxes/insurance current	See the city’s housing programs page.
Coeur d’Alene	EMRAP grants	$5k emergency/access; roof up to $10k; laterals up to $20k	Low/mod income, owner‑occupied	Download forms on EMRAP.
Pocatello	Renewal Program	Emergency repairs; sidewalk grants; rehab loans	Low income; owner‑occupied	See applications on Renewal Program.
Lewiston	Home Repair Program	Owner‑occupied rehab assistance	Income limits posted by city	Contact on program page.

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Many Idaho repair programs use HUD’s Area Median Income (AMI). Some use 80% of AMI, some 50%, and some use state median or poverty guidelines (for energy programs). Always check the program’s page for its exact cutoff and the family size used. You can look up your area on HUD’s Income Limits tool.

• Example (Boise metro): The City of Nampa posts HUD‑based limits; for a family of four, 80% AMI shows as $85,600 on the city’s program page (programs update these tables periodically—check the page for current numbers).
• Example (Lewiston): The city’s Home Repair Program lists household income limits and contact details for owner‑occupied rehab.
• Energy programs: WAP and LIHEAP use their own monthly limits. Idaho posts current WAP and heating income tables on the weatherization apply page and the heating assistance page.

Special Groups & Short Examples

Seniors (62+)

Start with USDA 504 (grants possible for 62+) and your city/county program if available. For home energy issues, add WAP and LIHEAP. A broader look at options is summarized in this seniors repair guide (general background). For example, a 70‑year‑old homeowner in Nampa could pair the city’s forgivable loan with a small USDA 504 grant to replace a leaking roof and fix unsafe wiring, if incomes and inspections fit.

Veterans

If you have a service‑connected disability, the VA’s adapted housing programs can fund accessibility changes (ramps, wider doors, roll‑in showers). Review eligibility and current caps on VA’s disability housing grants, and see “how to apply” on the VA’s application page. You can still apply to Idaho WAP and local city rehab for non‑duplicate needs.

Disabled homeowners

Prioritize repairs that remove hazards or improve access. That may include ADA ramps, doorway widening, and bathroom modifications. Check your city program (like the Nampa repair program) and pair with WAP for safety‑related energy measures.

Rural residents

If you live outside the bigger cities, try USDA 504 first and ask about combining a small grant with a small 1% loan. Use the Idaho 504 page’s office contacts to pre‑screen, then layer WAP if high bills or heat loss are part of the problem.

Families with children

Programs may prioritize households with young kids for weatherization or crisis heat. Check the state’s heating assistance page, and ask your city rehab program if health/safety hazards with children at home move you up the list.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

1. List urgent hazards (leaks, no heat, unsafe wiring) and take photos.
2. Gather proof: ID, deed or property tax bill, mortgage statement (if any), homeowner’s insurance, last 2–3 months of income, recent utility bills.
3. Call your local path:
   • Rural and very low income → call USDA via the Idaho 504 page.
   • In Boise/Meridian/Nampa → start with NeighborWorks Boise repair, the Meridian program, or Nampa’s forgivable loan.
   • Elsewhere → search your city’s site for “owner‑occupied rehab” and call 2‑1‑1 (Idaho CareLine) for a referral.

This week

1. Apply for WAP and LIHEAP using the state’s weatherization and heating assistance pages.
2. Get 2–3 written repair bids (programs usually require licensed and insured contractors).
3. If your utility offers rebates (heat pump, water heater, insulation), check Idaho Power incentives or Intermountain Gas rebates so you can stack savings.

This month

1. Watch your mail/voicemail and respond quickly to requests for paperwork, signatures, or inspections.
2. Ask about liens or deed restrictions before you accept money. For example, many “forgivable” city loans are recorded as liens for 1–5 years (selling or moving early can trigger payback).
3. If you’re in a disaster area, apply at FEMA Disaster Assistance and call Idaho’s emergency management office if you need help understanding the process. Keep all receipts, photos, and insurance letters.
4. Expect waiting: Weatherization wait‑lists can be months. Apply early and keep your documents handy.

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

If denied or funds are gone, ask for the decision in writing. Ask about appeal or review steps and when to re‑apply. Meanwhile, look at nonprofit options (Habitat and NeighborWorks) and safe loans (USDA 504) rather than high‑interest credit.

• Duplication of benefits: You cannot be paid twice for the same damage. If FEMA or insurance paid for your roof, city funds usually can only cover what’s left (the “unmet need”).
• Common mistakes (quick fixes):
  • Starting work before approval → Wait for a written award/notice to proceed.
  • Missing documents → Use a simple folder with ID, deed/tax bill, insurance, income, and recent utility bills.
  • Wrong program → Call 2‑1‑1’s CareLine and ask to be routed to WAP/LIHEAP or your city’s CDBG rehab.
  • Unlicensed contractor → Ask the city/agency for their contractor requirements and lists.
  • Title issues (heirs’ property) → Ask a housing counselor from the Idaho HUD page for a referral, or contact the state bar’s lawyer referral service.

Phone Scripts

Keep it simple. Write down the date, the person’s name, and any case number.

Calling the Weatherization/LIHEAP agency

“Hi, I live in [city], and I’m calling about Idaho’s Weatherization and LIHEAP. My home has [problem], and our monthly income is about [$$$] for [#] people. Can you tell me what documents you need and how long the wait is? I can email or bring copies.”

Calling your city/county rehab office

“Hello, I’m an owner‑occupant at [address] and need help with [roof/electric/ADA]. Could you confirm if your owner‑occupied rehab is open and if I meet the income limits? Where can I find the application on your website?”

Calling USDA Rural Development (Section 504)

“Hi, I’m calling about the Section 504 Home Repair program. I live in [town/county], the home is owner‑occupied, and our income is about [$$$] for [#]. The main issues are [list]. Could you pre‑screen me and send the intake forms?”

Calling a nonprofit (Habitat/NeighborWorks)

“Hello, I saw your home repair program. I’m the homeowner at [address] and need [critical repair/accessibility]. Our income is around [$$$] for [#]. Could you tell me if my city is covered and what the wait time is?”

FAQs (Idaho‑Specific)

Do Idaho programs help with manufactured/mobile homes?

 

What if I’m a little over the income limit?

 

Can I get help if a wildfire or flood damaged my home?

 

Will these benefits affect my taxes or SSI/SSDI/SNAP?

 

How long will I wait?

 

Will there be a lien on my home?

Yes, for many loans and some “forgivable” programs. For example, Meridian repair grants record a deed restriction for 1–5 years (recapture if you sell early), as noted on the program page. Ask your city whether a lien or deed restriction applies to your award.

Can I stack programs?

 

Who can help me find the right program?

 

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Resumen en español (corto)

Este resumen es para propietarios de vivienda en Idaho con ingresos bajos o fijos. Si su casa tiene problemas de seguridad (fugas en el techo, calefacción dañada, cableado peligroso, plomería, accesibilidad), hay ayuda.

• Viva en Idaho y sea dueño ocupante. Guarde identificación, prueba de propiedad, seguro, comprobantes de ingresos y facturas de servicios.
• En áreas rurales, pregunte por el programa de reparaciones de USDA 504 con la página de USDA Idaho (préstamo al 1% y, para mayores de 62 años, posible subvención pequeña).
• Para eficiencia y seguridad de energía, solicite el Programa de Climatización (WAP) en la página de Solicitar Climatización y la ayuda de calefacción (LIHEAP) en Ayuda de Calefacción.
• En ciudades como Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Coeur d’Alene y Pocatello, existen programas locales de reparación para propietarios; busque el enlace de su ciudad o llame al 2‑1‑1 CareLine para recibir referencias.
• Después de un desastre, presente solicitud en Asistencia de FEMA. No se puede pagar dos veces por el mismo daño.
• Si necesita intérprete, diga “Spanish interpreter, por favor” al llamar al 2‑1‑1 o a las oficinas estatales.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Confirm income thresholds in HUD’s Income Limits tool.
• Review Idaho’s WAP and LIHEAP details on the state weatherization page and the heating assistance page.
• Check USDA 504 rules on the national program page and contact the Idaho team from the Idaho 504 page.
• For disasters, start at the state Individual Assistance page and apply through FEMA Disaster Assistance.
• Need help navigating? Call the statewide 2‑1‑1 CareLine for referrals to local programs.

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

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Financial clarity: Loans are debt and are recorded as liens. Some “grants” are forgivable loans with deed restrictions (1–5 years). Ask how long you must stay in the home, whether the award is recaptured if you sell, and whether money is paid to your contractor or reimbursed to you. For disasters, no duplication of benefits—the same repair can’t be paid twice.

Tip: If a contractor pushes you to start before approval, say no. Most programs won’t reimburse work started early.