Home Repair Grants in Indiana

This guide is for Indiana homeowners who need help fixing unsafe conditions, especially seniors, people with disabilities, rural homeowners, veterans, and families with tight budgets. You’ll see the programs that usually help first, how the money works, and simple 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

• Homeowners living in Indiana who have low or fixed income, including seniors and disabled adults.
• Families with urgent health or safety issues (roof leaks, no heat, electrical hazards, accessibility barriers).
• Rural homeowners and small-town residents who may qualify for USDA 504 repair help through local Rural Development offices.
• People affected by storms or floods who may qualify under the Indiana disaster assistance page after a declared event.

Quick check before you spend time:

• You own and live in the home (name on the deed or a clear path to prove ownership).
• Your home is in Indiana (city or rural), and repairs are health/safety or needed to keep the home livable.
• Your income is within program limits (see HUD’s income limits tool and local program pages linked below).

Top Programs in Indiana (Quick Table)

This table lists programs many Hoosier homeowners use first. Amounts and rules change; always confirm on the official page.

“Example max help” gives scale. Most awards are lower and depend on inspection, need, and funding. Always check the current rules on the linked program page.

Short Federal Snapshot (with links out)

• USDA Section 504 in Indiana: Rural Development offers 1% repair loans and small grants for seniors (62+). Indiana homeowners connect through the state’s USDA office directory and the Indiana 504 program page. For a plain-English overview, see this USDA 504 guide.
• Weatherization Assistance (WAP): IHCDA runs WAP statewide; work is free after an energy audit and focuses on health, safety, and energy use. Start at IHCDA’s WAP information page to find your local provider.
• Disaster repair (FEMA/SBA/State): After a declared disaster, apply through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program and check Indiana’s Individual Assistance page. If referred, SBA’s home disaster loans may cover gaps. You cannot be paid twice for the same damage; agencies must avoid “duplication of benefits.”

Indiana Programs (Core Section)

IHCDA Weatherization Assistance (WAP)

WAP installs measures that cut energy costs and fix basic safety issues. Typical items come from the audit (air sealing, insulation, heating system safety). It is not a general rehab program. Start on IHCDA’s Weatherization page, then use the drop-down to find your county provider. Wait-lists are common, so apply early.

Money type: Grant (no repayment). Scope: Based on energy audit. Apply: Local provider via the IHCDA program page.

Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/EAP)

This gives a one‑time benefit on your utility account and can help during winter shut‑off protections. Read dates and income rules on IHCDA’s Energy Assistance page, or if you live in Marion County, the local portal at IndyEAP explains timing and documentation.

Money type: Utility credit (not a repair). Timing: Seasonal windows; keep paying your bill while pending. Apply: IHCDA’s EAP page.

OCRA Owner‑Occupied Rehabilitation (OOR)

Indiana’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs funds local governments to run owner‑occupied repair programs. Communities target core health and safety repairs, like roofs, HVAC, water heaters, and accessibility. The state outlines eligible activities on OCRA’s OOR program page, while your town or county posts its own application when funded.

Money type: Local programs often use grants or forgivable/deferred loans with a recorded lien. What to expect: Income checks and an inspection; funds are limited and run in rounds. Apply: Watch your city/county community development site and review OCRA’s program details.

State Disaster Relief (when FEMA isn’t available)

When there’s damage but no (or limited) federal aid, Indiana’s State Disaster Relief Fund can help with essential repairs if you are uninsured or underinsured. Start at the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s Individual Assistance page and review SDRF policy notes on the SDRF program page.

Money type: State grant assistance with caps and documentation. Warning: No duplication of benefits. Apply: Use the state’s disaster assistance page or call 211 for help applying.

Utility Rebates (lowering repair costs)

Rebates can reduce HVAC, water heater, or insulation project costs. For example, NIPSCO lists current home rebates on its residential rebates page, while AES Indiana posts appliance and DIY offers on its appliance rebates page and larger upgrades on the home improvement rebates page. Rebates are reimbursements or instant discounts, not grants.

Money type: Rebate/discount (you pay first, then get money back). Tip: Read utility pages carefully for dates, paperwork, and participating contractor rules.

City & County Programs

Here are examples from larger Indiana cities. Programs open and close during the year; always check the city page for current status.

If your town isn’t listed, ask City Hall for “owner‑occupied rehabilitation” or “homeowner repair” and check the state’s OOR program page to see how communities get funded.

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Programs use income limits so help goes to households with the greatest need. Many use Area Median Income (AMI). Some use 80% AMI, some 50%, and others set different cutoffs. Always check the program’s actual rules.

• To look up your area, use HUD’s Income Limits tool and select your county/metro.
• As a local example, the Indianapolis Housing Agency posts current limits on its eligibility page for the Indianapolis‑Carmel metro.
• For South Bend, the city lists 80% AMI figures on the Lead Safe program page as an example for that metro.

Examples are for orientation only. Limits change every year and by location. Always confirm on the program’s official page.

Special Groups & Short Examples

Seniors (62+)

If you are 62 or older, consider two first steps: USDA 504 grants for health/safety hazards and local city grants. Start with the USDA 504 program page, and also check your city’s rehab listings, such as Bloomington’s Emergency Home Repair or South Bend’s senior roof repair page. For background on what seniors can expect, this seniors repair guide explains typical rules and liens.

Example: A 70‑year‑old homeowner in Evansville could apply to the city’s Affordable Housing Fund for a roof and then contact IHCDA’s Weatherization program for energy fixes. Actual amounts depend on inspection and funding.

Veterans

Veterans with service‑connected disabilities should review VA housing grants like SAH/SHA and HISA on VA’s official pages, and combine that assistance with local options like OCRA‑funded rehab. Contact your county Veterans Service Office and check Indiana DVA’s resources page for state‑level contacts and referrals.

Example: A veteran in rural Knox County could pair a VA accessibility grant with a USDA 504 repair loan if income qualifies and the home is in an eligible area.

Disabled Homeowners

Look for accessibility‑focused programs first. Fort Wayne’s Accessibility Modifications program and Bloomington’s Home Modifications for Accessible Living are examples. Weatherization also addresses health/safety issues tied to energy systems through IHCDA’s WAP page.

Example: A homeowner in Fort Wayne who uses a wheelchair might receive an entry ramp and bathroom changes through the city’s program and then seek WAP for duct sealing and furnace safety.

Rural Residents

Start with USDA. Use the Indiana USDA contacts page to reach your area office and ask about Section 504 repair assistance. Then ask your county about OCRA‑funded owner‑occupied rehab rounds using the state’s OOR program page as a reference.

Example: A homeowner outside Columbia City may qualify for a 1% USDA 504 loan to replace unsafe wiring and then apply for WAP via IHCDA’s provider finder.

Families with Children

If your home was built before 1978, check for lead programs. South Bend’s Lead Safe South Bend is a model; other cities and counties often have similar lead hazard grants under HUD rules. Pair that with WAP and, if needed, with a local rehab program through the state’s OOR framework.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

1. Write your top problems in plain words: “roof leak in bedroom,” “furnace out,” “breaker trips.”
2. Gather documents: ID, deed or property tax bill, homeowner’s insurance, utility bill, income proof (SSA/SSDI letter or pay stubs), and photos of damage.
3. Call 211 and ask for home repair and weatherization referrals in your county; 211 is listed on the state’s disaster assistance page and can connect you to local intake agencies.

This week

1. Apply for WAP through IHCDA’s WAP page and apply for Energy Assistance at IHCDA’s EAP portal if bills are high.
2. If rural and very low income, call USDA using the Indiana contacts page and ask about Section 504 repairs.
3. Check your city/county site for rehab postings (see the examples above) and the state’s OOR page to know what to ask staff.

This month

• If you are in Fort Wayne or Bloomington, submit for the accessibility or emergency repair programs through the Fort Wayne portal or HAND’s EHR page.
• If you are in Evansville, ask about current AHFAC repair rounds on the city’s AHFAC page.
• For roof/HVAC work, scan rebates to reduce costs on NIPSCO’s rebates page or AES Indiana’s home improvements page.

Weatherization wait‑lists can be several months. City rehab rounds may close fast. Apply early and keep copies of everything.

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

If you’re denied or funds are gone, ask for the reason in writing and the next application window. Ask whether there is an appeal or informal review.

• Try nonprofits: In Marion County, Home Repairs for Good serves low‑income seniors and disabled owners. In St. Joseph County, Rebuilding Together runs volunteer‑based repair events. Your Area Agency on Aging can be found through IHCDA’s programming for seniors page.
• Safe loans only: If you consider debt, USDA’s 1% 504 loans may be safer than high‑interest financing; the USDA page shows terms and contacts.
• FHLBank “Revive” grants: Some banks offer repair grants via FHLBank’s Revive program for owners ≤80% AMI.

Common mistakes with quick fixes:

• Starting work before approval → Wait for a written approval or risk losing eligibility.
• Missing documents → Use the checklist below; upload legible PDFs.
• Unlicensed contractor → Ask the city or program for the approved list.
• Unclear title/heirs’ property → Call Indiana Legal Services or try the court‑supported Indiana Legal Help site for help clearing title.
• Not returning calls → Save voicemails and call back within 48 hours.

Money Details You Should Know

• Grants don’t require monthly payments, but many are recorded as liens for 5–10 years. If you sell or move before the period ends, part may need to be repaid. Local pages, like Bloomington’s EHR program, explain terms.
• Forgivable/deferred loans are debt tied to your home. Read the lien and affordability period carefully on your city’s page, such as Evansville’s AHFAC info.
• USDA 504 loans run up to 20 years at 1%. A $20,000 504 loan at 1% for 20 years is about $92/month for principal and interest (taxes/insurance extra) per the USDA page.
• Rebates cut costs but require you to pay first; see utility pages like NIPSCO’s rebates page for precise steps.
• Taxes/benefits can be complicated; ask the agency or a tax pro whether funds could affect SSI, SSDI, SNAP, or state benefits.

Phone Scripts

Use these short scripts when calling. Be ready with your address, income source, and top two repair needs.

Calling WAP/EAP (IHCDA local provider)

“Hi, my name is [Name]. I live at [address] in [county]. I’d like to apply for Weatherization and Energy Assistance. My main issues are [no heat/unsafe wiring/high bills]. Can you tell me how to start and what documents you need?” (Find providers from IHCDA’s WAP page and EAP page.)

Calling a city/county rehab program

“Hello, I’m a homeowner in [city/county]. I’m calling about owner‑occupied repairs. My top needs are [roof leak/furnace]. When is the next application window, and can I get on an interest list? Where can I find the forms on your website?” (Use the OOR info on OCRA’s page to guide your questions.)

Calling USDA Rural Development (504)

“Hi, I own and live in a home in [rural town/county]. I’d like to ask about the Section 504 repair program. My household income is about [$], and I need [electrical/roof/ADA repairs]. Could I pre‑screen over the phone and get the intake forms?” (Find the office from the USDA Indiana contacts page.)

Calling a nonprofit (Habitat/Rebuilding Together)

“Hello, I’m a low‑income homeowner at [address]. I’m looking for help with [ramp/roof leak/safety repairs]. Do you have a repair program or referral list? What income proof and photos do you need?” (For Marion County, try Home Repairs for Good; for St. Joseph County, see Rebuilding Together.)

FAQs (Indiana‑Specific)

Do Indiana programs help with manufactured homes?
Many city rehab programs require the home to be real property with the ability to record a lien; some limit assistance for manufactured homes on leased land. Confirm the rule on your city’s page and ask WAP via IHCDA’s Weatherization page about eligibility by home type.

My income is slightly over the limit. Any options?
Try partial‑cost options like utility rebates (see NIPSCO’s rebates page or AES Indiana’s appliance rebates page) and ask your city whether moderate‑income homeowners can use limited exterior or accessibility programs. If rural, still ask USDA via the Indiana contacts page about 504 loans.

How long is the wait?
Weatherization wait‑lists can take months. City OOR or rehab rounds often fill quickly after opening and may hold a queue. Check IHCDA’s Energy Assistance page for season dates, and monitor your city’s rehab page weekly during open windows.

What about liens and payback?
Many “grants” are secured with a lien and forgiven over time. If you sell, move, or transfer the home early, the unforgiven portion may be due. Evansville explains terms on its AHFAC page, and Bloomington lists rules on its EHR page. Always read your agreement.

Storm damage: FEMA, state, or both?
If there’s a declared disaster, apply to FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. If FEMA isn’t available, you may qualify for Indiana’s SDRF on the Individual Assistance page. You cannot receive duplicate payments for the same damage.

I live in a small town. Who do I call first?
Call your town hall or county community development office and ask about owner‑occupied rehab. Then check OCRA’s OOR program page to understand how local rounds work, and apply for WAP through IHCDA’s Weatherization page.

Can I combine programs?
Often yes. For example, a USDA 504 loan can fund structural repairs, while WAP handles energy/safety measures, and a utility rebate helps with a high‑efficiency water heater. Just keep receipts and avoid duplication of benefits.

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Quick Checklist

• List urgent problems (2–3 items) with photos.
• Check income limits via HUD’s Income Limits tool.
• Gather documents: ID, deed or tax bill, income proof, utility bill, insurance.
• Apply: WAP (IHCDA) + EAP, your city/county rehab, and USDA 504 if rural.
• Track: Save case numbers, dates, and contacts in a simple notebook.

Contacts (save these)

Resumen en español (Short Spanish Summary)

Este guía es para dueños de vivienda en Indiana con ingresos bajos o fijos, especialmente adultos mayores, personas con discapacidades, familias con niños y residentes rurales. Para empezar, solicite el programa de Climatización (WAP) y la Asistencia de Energía (LIHEAP/EAP). En la página de IHCDA, use la sección de Climatización para encontrar la agencia local, y presente su solicitud de energía en la página de Asistencia de Energía.

Si vive en un área rural y su ingreso es muy bajo, llame a USDA sobre el programa de reparaciones Sección 504 usando el directorio de oficinas en Indiana. En ciudades y condados, busque programas de “rehabilitación ocupada por el dueño” (OOR) en el sitio del estado de OCRA y en la página de su ciudad. Para daños por desastres, revise la ayuda de FEMA en la página de Asistencia Individual y la asistencia estatal en la página de Manejo de Emergencias de Indiana.

Si necesita ayuda con el idioma, llame al 211 y pida un intérprete. Explique sus dos problemas principales (por ejemplo, “goteo de techo” o “calefacción no funciona”) y tenga listos sus documentos: identificación, prueba de ingresos, factura de servicios, y prueba de propiedad. Si una solicitud es negada, pida la razón por escrito, pregunte por la apelación y cuándo reabrirá el programa.

Advertencia: algunos “subsidios” se registran como un gravamen por 5–10 años. Si vende antes de ese período, podría tener que devolver parte del dinero. Si no está seguro, pregunte a la agencia antes de firmar.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Look up your local limits with HUD’s income limits tool.
• For rural repairs, use USDA’s Indiana contacts page and the state’s 504 program page.
• For energy/safety upgrades, start at IHCDA’s Weatherization page and the Energy Assistance page.
• For disaster repair, use Indiana’s Individual Assistance page and FEMA’s IHP program page.
• Need a referral? Dial 211 for local intake help and program listings in your county.

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

Background reading (optional): For an overview of federal repair options, see the USDA 504 guide, a seniors repair explainer, and a quick look at roof repair grants. Always prioritize the official links above for current Indiana rules.