Home Repair Grants in Louisiana

Who This Is For & Quick Eligibility Check

Read this if you:

• Own and live in a home in Louisiana (house, condo, or certain manufactured homes).
• Have low or fixed income; or are 60+, disabled, a veteran, or raising children.
• Need health and safety repairs (roof leaks, unsafe wiring, plumbing, heat/AC, accessibility ramps).
• Were hit by hurricanes or floods and still have unmet repair needs.

Top Programs in Louisiana (Quick Table)

Amounts below are examples only. Actual awards depend on inspection, income, location, and funding. Always verify on the official program page.

Short Federal Snapshot (with links out)

USDA 504 Home Repair in Louisiana

Rural homeowners can get a 1% repair loan (up to 20 years) and, for ages 62+, a small grant for health/safety hazards. Start at USDA’s Louisiana Rural Development page, then call the state office on the Louisiana contacts list. For an easy overview of how 504 works, see this plain guide to USDA Section 504 repairs (background reading).

Weatherization (WAP) in Louisiana

Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) runs WAP through local agencies. It can add insulation, seal air leaks, and fix unsafe ducts to lower bills. Apply through LHC’s Weatherization page and ask about current wait‑lists.

FEMA and state disaster help

After a declared disaster, apply at FEMA first; grants can cover basic home repairs, but you cannot be paid twice for the same damage. Learn how IA works from GOHSEP’s Individual Assistance page and use the state’s disaster assistance hub to find local offices. For long‑term rebuilding funded by HUD, watch the state’s Restore Louisiana program for deadlines and action plans.

Louisiana Programs (Core Section)

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) — free energy‑saving repairs

WAP improves comfort and safety, not cosmetics. Work can include insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, and minor health and safety fixes. LHC explains the process and posts the current “priority groups” on its Weatherization page.

• Type: Free installed measures (no money to you).
• Income: LHC posts WAP income levels (e.g., as of 2025) on the program page.
• Apply: Use LHC’s page to find your local agency, or dial 211 statewide for a referral.

LIHEAP Energy Assistance (plus crisis and equipment repair)

LIHEAP can help pay electric bills and, when funds allow, repair/replace unsafe HVAC during a crisis. LHC posts seasons, rules, and contacts on its Energy Assistance page. In many parishes, you apply at the local community action agency listed there.

• Type: Bill help; crisis equipment repair when available; not a full rehab.
• Tip: If your A/C or heat is out and you have a disconnection or medical risk, say “energy crisis” when you contact the LIHEAP office.

Restore Louisiana (CDBG‑DR)

Restore is the state’s long‑term disaster rebuilding program. It pays approved contractors for repairs or reimburses some completed work based on the action plan. Deadlines vary by disaster, so always check the Restore Louisiana site for your event.

• Type: Grant/reimbursement for disaster damage; no duplication of benefits if FEMA/SBA already paid for the same item.
• Apply: Follow the Restore survey/application steps on the program portal and keep FEMA letters handy.

Utility efficiency programs (can free up cash for repairs)

Entergy Louisiana offers the Entergy Solutions programs, including income‑qualified weatherization and rebates for HVAC and smart thermostats. Entergy New Orleans customers use the city program called Energy Smart. Cleco customers can check the Power Wise offerings and marketplace discounts. SWEPCO customers in northwest Louisiana can use the SWEPCO weatherization program and HVAC incentives.

City & Parish Programs

Many parishes run owner‑occupied rehab with federal CDBG/HOME funds and have short application windows. If your city is not listed, call City Hall and ask for “Community Development” or dial 211.

Smaller cities often run “owner‑occupied rehab” with HUD funds. Call your City/Parish Community Development office, or ask 211 to search CDBG/HOME rehab in your parish.

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Most repair programs use income limits tied to HUD’s Area Median Income (AMI), but the cutoff varies. Some use 80% AMI, some 50%, and a few use other levels. Always check each program’s rules.

• Use HUD’s Income Limits tool to see the current numbers for your metro or parish.
• Programs like WAP/LIHEAP use their own income charts posted by LHC on the Weatherization and Energy Assistance pages.

Examples (Lafayette area, posted by LCG): As of 2025, Lafayette lists sample HUD limits on its Housing Income Limits page. For a 4‑person household, 80% AMI is shown as $67,750; 50% AMI is $42,350. For a 1‑person household, 80% AMI is $47,450. These are examples only; your metro may be higher or lower. Confirm in HUD’s tool or on your city’s program page.

Special Groups & Short Examples

Seniors (60+)

Start with WAP via LHC’s weatherization page, then USDA 504 grants (62+) through USDA Rural Development Louisiana contacts. Some parishes also prioritize seniors, like Jefferson’s homeowner rehab. For broader ideas, see this background guide on seniors’ repair grants.

Example: A 70‑year‑old owner in Lafayette Parish with unsafe wiring might get a WAP audit first and, if still unsafe, apply for LCG’s Housing Rehabilitation for electrical repairs. Actual work depends on inspection, income, and budget.

Veterans

Along with WAP and local rehab, disabled veterans can apply for VA’s SAH/SHA adapted housing grants and follow VA’s “how to apply” steps. You can also ask USDA about 504 loans/grants if rural. If your home was damaged by a declared disaster, also file with FEMA via GOHSEP’s disaster page.

Disabled homeowners

Ask about accessibility fixes (ramps, grab bars, wider doors) in city rehab programs like Baton Rouge’s Homeowner Repair, and use WAP for energy and health/safety issues through LHC. VA SAH/SHA grants can also fund accessibility work for eligible service‑connected disabilities on the VA site.

Rural residents

Start with USDA 504 through the state’s Rural Development page (1% repair loan, grants for 62+). If storm‑damaged, ask about the USDA rural disaster repair grants in eligible parishes. You can also stack WAP from LHC’s weatherization program.

Single parents / families with kids

Many programs prioritize households with children. Try WAP via LHC and your city’s rehab program (e.g., Jefferson Parish rehab). For historic homes in New Orleans, PRC’s Historic Home Repair can cover critical exterior issues.

Native American homeowners

If you are a member of a federally recognized tribe and live in a tribal service area, ask about the BIA’s Housing Improvement Program (repairs, replacement housing, or down‑payment options). Your tribal housing office or the BIA program page lists application steps.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

• List your problems (roof leaks, soft floors, bad wiring, no A/C, wheelchair access).
• Gather proofs: photo ID, deed/title or succession papers, home insurance letter, last tax return or award letters, and a recent light/gas bill. If you had storm damage, keep FEMA letters.
• Call 211 and ask for your local weatherization, LIHEAP, and city rehab contacts. Ask about interpreter services if needed.

This week

• If you’re rural and very low income, contact USDA through the Louisiana RD contacts (Section 504) and ask what forms to prepare.
• Apply for WAP on LHC’s weatherization page (get on the wait‑list early).
• In New Orleans or Baton Rouge, apply to the city program first (e.g., PRC Historic Home Repair or BROCD Homeowner Repair), then add WAP and LIHEAP.

This month

• If the damage is from a declared disaster, register and check status using GOHSEP’s disaster assistance links and Restore’s program portal.
• Compare utility rebates that can lower bills and free cash (see Entergy Solutions and SWEPCO weatherization).
• Keep a folder: applications, case numbers, dates, and names of people you spoke with.

Realistic waits: WAP and city rehab can take months (even a year). LIHEAP crisis help is faster. USDA timing depends on funding and paperwork. Apply to multiple programs so one can move while another waits.

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

If denied or funds are out

• Ask for the reason in writing and whether you can appeal or reapply next round.
• Ask if they can refer you to a partner (Habitat, Rebuilding Together, or another parish program).
• If disaster‑related, ask a case manager through GOHSEP’s assistance hub about other options and how “duplication of benefits” affects you.

Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

• Starting work before written approval — wait for a written notice to proceed.
• Missing documents — use a checklist and upload exactly what the program asks.
• Unclear title/heirs’ property — contact legal aid (e.g., Southeast Louisiana Legal Services or Legal Services of North Louisiana) to fix succession or add missing heirs.
• Using unlicensed contractors — most programs require licensed, insured firms; ask the program to assign or approve the contractor.
• Not answering calls/emails — call back within 48 hours and keep your voicemail box clear.

Phone Scripts

Calling LHC for Weatherization/LIHEAP

“Hi, my name is [Name]. I live in [Parish] and own my home. My income is about [amount] for [#] people. I need help with [unsafe heat/roof/energy bills]. Can you tell me how to apply for weatherization or LIHEAP and what documents you need?” (LHC pages: WAP and LIHEAP.)

Calling City/Parish Rehab

“Hello, I’m calling about owner‑occupied home repair. I live at [address] and have [urgent issue]. Do you have a current application window? Is it a grant or a forgivable loan, and what is the lien period?” (Examples: Baton Rouge, Jefferson Parish.)

Calling USDA Rural Development (504)

“Hi, I’m in [Parish/town] and own a home that needs health and safety repairs. My income is [approximate]. Can you check if my address is eligible and send me the Section 504 application?” (See USDA RD Louisiana contacts.)

Calling a Nonprofit (Habitat/Rebuilding Together)

“Hi, I’m an owner in [city]. I need help with [roof/ramp/electrical]. Do you have a repair program, and what are the income and age rules?” (Examples: Habitat New Orleans Home Repair, Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge, Rebuilding Together Acadiana.)

FAQs (Louisiana‑Specific)

Do Louisiana programs help with mobile/manufactured homes?

Some do, some do not. Shreveport’s Emergency Repair excludes mobile homes, as noted on the program page, but WAP through LHC may serve manufactured homes if they are structurally sound. Ask each program about mobile home eligibility.

I owe property taxes or my mortgage is behind. Can I still get help?

Many rehab programs require current taxes or a payment plan, and a mortgage in good standing. Baton Rouge lists basic homeowner checks on its program page. If you are behind, ask the office about acceptable plans or referrals.

What if my income is a little over the limit?

Ask if another program uses a higher cutoff, a “very low income” track, or crisis rules (LIHEAP). Use HUD’s Income Limits tool and check your city’s posted tables (for example, Lafayette’s limits on the LCG page).

How long will this take?

Weatherization and city rehab often have wait‑lists. LHC’s WAP page shows priority groups; seniors, disabled, and families with kids may move faster. LIHEAP crisis and USDA 504 can move quicker if documents are ready.

Will there be a lien on my house?

Yes, many “grants” are recorded as forgivable or deferred loans for 3–10 years. Baton Rouge explains a 5‑year affordability period on its repair page, and Jefferson Parish’s program is a forgivable model on its rehab page. Ask how long the lien lasts and what happens if you sell.

What if I have heirs’ property or unclear title?

Get help from legal aid to fix succession or add heirs. Try Southeast Louisiana Legal Services or Legal Services of North Louisiana. You can also dial 211 and ask for a civil legal referral near you.

I was hit by a hurricane. Who do I call first?

Start with FEMA registration, then check Louisiana’s GOHSEP assistance hub and the state’s Restore Louisiana for rebuilding grants. Remember: you cannot be paid twice for the same damage.

Are there programs for roof repair?

Many city rehab programs cover roofs (e.g., Jefferson Parish rehab and PRC’s Historic Home Repair). As background, see this plain guide to roof repair grants and always confirm local caps and wait‑lists.

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Short Spanish Summary (Resumen en español)

Quién califica: Dueños de casa de bajos ingresos en Luisiana (personas mayores, con discapacidad, padres solteros, residentes rurales y veteranos) con problemas de salud y seguridad en la vivienda (techo con filtraciones, cableado peligroso, plomería, calefacción/aire, rampas).

Programas clave: Para reparaciones de eficiencia y seguridad, pida la Asistencia de Climatización (WAP) en la página de LHC. Para ayuda de luz/aire y emergencias, use LIHEAP. Si vive en zona rural y tiene ingresos muy bajos, pregunte por el programa 504 del USDA (préstamo al 1% y, si tiene 62+, pequeño subsidio) a través de los contactos de USDA en Luisiana. Si su casa sufrió daños por desastre, revise GOHSEP y el programa estatal Restore Louisiana.

Ciudades/parroquias: Vea reparación para dueños ocupantes en Baton Rouge, Jefferson Parish, Lafayette y Shreveport. En Nueva Orleans, hay becas para casas históricas en la página del PRC de reparación del hogar.

Cómo empezar: Llame al 211 y pida referencias y servicios de intérprete. Reúna su identificación, título, comprobantes de ingresos y la carta de FEMA (si aplica). Aplique a 2–3 programas a la vez para no esperar tanto.

Money details: what to expect

• USDA 504 loan: fixed 1% interest, up to 20 years. Example payment: $20,000 at 1% for 20 years is about $92 per month (principal and interest). See USDA via RD Louisiana.
• USDA 504 grant (62+): small grant for hazards; lifetime grant cap applies. Many homes use a mix of loan + grant.
• City rehab: often a forgivable or deferred loan recorded as a lien (3–10 years). If you sell or move too soon, you may owe part back; Jefferson explains forgivable rehab on its program page.
• Disaster funds: FEMA grants are for basic, safe living. Restore Louisiana is longer‑term. No duplication of benefits: if FEMA or insurance paid for a roof, another program can only help with the remaining, unmet need.
• Rebates vs. repairs: Utility rebates (e.g., A/C incentives) are not repairs; they lower the cost of energy upgrades after install.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Check HUD’s Income Limits tool before applying.
• For USDA 504 and rural disaster repair, use USDA Rural Development Louisiana and the state contact list.
• For weatherization and energy help, see LHC’s WAP and LIHEAP pages.
• For declared disasters, use the state’s GOHSEP assistance page and HUD‑funded Restore Louisiana.
• For quick referrals statewide, dial or visit Louisiana 211.

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