Home Repair Grants in Massachusetts (2026 Guide)

Last updated: July 27, 2026

Bottom line: Massachusetts has real home repair help, but no single statewide grant pays for every repair. Heating and insulation usually start with HEAP, HEARTWAP, weatherization, or Mass Save. Accessibility work has a statewide route through the Home Modification Loan Program. Lead, septic, rural, and general repairs use other state or local programs.

Start with the repair need, not the word “grant.” A deferred loan may have no monthly payment but can become due after a sale, move, refinance, or title transfer. A forgivable loan becomes a grant only after its occupancy rules are met. Funding and waitlists change, so call before paying a contractor or starting work.

Where to start in Massachusetts

Use this order. It prevents wasted calls and helps you find the office that actually serves your address.

If you do not know which agency serves your town, call Mass 211 housing help by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-877-211-6277. Mass 211 is a referral service, not the source of repair money, but it can help locate local programs and community agencies.

Heating, weatherization, and energy repairs

HEAP, HEARTWAP, and weatherization

Massachusetts uses one local energy-assistance network for three connected programs. The Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly called HEAP, is a heating-bill benefit. It is not a general home repair grant. The HEARTWAP program provides direct heating-system repair or replacement service for eligible households, mainly homeowners with no heat or an unsafe system. The Weatherization Assistance Program provides direct energy-saving work, such as insulation, air sealing, testing, and approved energy-related measures.

One HEAP application can screen a household for all three programs. HEARTWAP uses licensed and insured contractors, but spending limits and a household contribution may apply. Weatherization work is chosen after an energy audit; it does not fund a general remodel. Our weatherization guide explains the basic process.

For fiscal year 2027, Massachusetts lists these maximum gross annual incomes at 60% of estimated State Median Income. Income is not the only rule, and the agency counts household members and income under program rules.

Call the Cold Relief Heatline at 1-800-632-8175 to find the correct local agency. First-time applicants usually complete an intake and provide income, household, address, fuel, and ownership information. Households must apply again each year. A denied applicant may appeal through the local agency.

Mass Save and municipal utility programs

If the home needs insulation, air sealing, efficient heating or cooling, or related electrical work, check Mass Save income help. Eligible people in one- to four-unit homes may receive a no-cost assessment and approved improvements. Call 1-866-537-7267. Moderate-income households may qualify for enhanced incentives; income verification help is available at 1-888-714-3990.

The Mass Save HEAT Loan is a 0% loan, not a grant. It can finance up to $25,000 of eligible work, subject to lender approval. Municipal-light customers should ask their town utility about rebates and the state’s municipal light loan, also up to $25,000 at 0% for qualifying work. Credit review and funding limits apply.

Accessibility changes for older or disabled residents

The Home Modification Loan Program is one of the strongest statewide options in Massachusetts. It is a 0% deferred-payment loan for changes needed because a household member has a documented disability or limitation, or is an older adult who needs the change to function safely at home.

Property owners may borrow up to $50,000. Owners of manufactured or mobile homes may borrow up to $30,000. There are no monthly payments and no interest, but the loan is secured and must be repaid when the property is sold or transferred. A small landlord with fewer than 10 units may qualify for a 3% loan for a tenant’s modification.

Eligible work may include ramps, lifts, accessible bathrooms, widened doors, alarms, fencing, safer flooring, and some accessory dwelling units. It does not cover an ordinary roof, boiler, septic system, or general remodel. Use the current HMLP screening tool for 2026 income limits.

Call 1-866-500-5599 for the regional provider. The applicant normally hires the contractor, a construction monitor inspects the plan, a mortgage is recorded, and funds are released in draws. It is not emergency money.

Older adults, disabled residents, caregivers, and family members can also call MassOptions counseling at 1-800-243-4636. Options Counseling is a free referral and planning service. It does not itself pay the contractor, but it can connect the household to aging and disability supports.

Lead paint, septic systems, and health hazards

Lead paint help

Massachusetts law requires lead hazards to be removed or controlled in a home built before 1978 when a child under age 6 lives there. Review the official Massachusetts Lead Law before hiring anyone. Lead work often requires a licensed inspector, licensed deleading professionals, occupant protection, clearance testing, and sometimes temporary relocation.

Get the Lead Out provides low- or no-interest financing for eligible one- to four-family homes, including condos. Maximum financing is $30,000 for a one-family home, $35,000 for two families, $40,000 for three families, and $45,000 for four families. Owner-occupant loans are deferred with no monthly payment. Income limits vary by county, and the work must generally be completed within six months after closing. Apply through a participating local rehabilitation agency listed on the program page.

Massachusetts also offers a residential lead paint tax credit: up to $3,000 per unit for full compliance or $1,000 for interim control, subject to tax rules and required lead documents. See property tax credits. It does not pay the contractor upfront.

Septic repair help

The Septic Repair Loan Program offers low- or no-interest loans up to $25,000 to repair or replace a failing system and bring it into Title 5 compliance. It is for eligible owner-occupants of one- to four-family homes, including condos. The current statewide maximum income is $69,500 for a deferred loan and $139,000 for an amortized loan. No appraisal is required, closing costs may be added to the loan, and the project must be completed within six months of closing.

Ask the local Board of Health about a septic betterment, a municipal loan often repaid through the property tax bill. A lien may apply. The state septic tax credit covers 60% of qualified costs, up to $4,000 in one tax year and $18,000 total under current law. It is claimed over time. For a public sewer line, see our sewer repair guide.

State repair loans when a grant does not fit

The Home Improvement Loan Program provides fixed-rate, low-interest loans from $7,500 to $50,000 for non-luxury improvements. It can cover basic living conditions, safety, energy efficiency, code work, accessibility, additions, alterations, and repairs. The current statewide maximum household income is $139,000. The borrower must own and occupy a one- to four-family home or condo, have lived there as the primary residence for at least one year, and have stable income and good credit. You apply through a participating lender and must repay the loan.

The Energy Saver Home Loan is a low-interest second mortgage of $10,000 to $100,000 for eligible owners up to 135% of county area median income. Terms are 20 years at 0.5% or 2%, with an initial 18-month interest-only period.

It may cover insulation, electrical work, heat pumps, solar, batteries, oil-tank removal, and a roof tied to the approved energy plan. The plan must cut energy use at least 20%; no new fossil-fuel equipment is financed. Condos and cooperatives are not eligible. Approved contractors, underwriting, and closing are required.

USDA help for rural Massachusetts homeowners

The federal Section 504 program is one of the few programs that can provide a true repair grant, but only under narrow rules. The property must be in a USDA-eligible rural area. The applicant must own and occupy the home, have very low income under county limits, and be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere.

• Loan: Up to $40,000 at 1% interest for 20 years for repairs, improvements, modernization, or removal of health and safety hazards.
• Grant: Up to $10,000 lifetime for a homeowner age 62 or older who cannot repay a loan. Grant money is limited to removing health and safety hazards.
• Combination: Up to $50,000 when the applicant qualifies for both.
• Not automatic: A rural-looking town, age 62, or low income alone does not guarantee approval. Address eligibility, income, ownership, credit review, repair scope, and available funds all matter.

Applications are accepted year-round, but funding and processing time vary. Use the official Massachusetts USDA contacts. The listed service offices include Amherst at 413-253-4300, Holden at 508-829-4477 extension 4, and Wareham at 508-295-5151 extension 4. Our Section 504 guide gives more background, but USDA makes the final decision.

Local programs in Boston, Worcester, and Springfield

Local money may come from federal block grants, lead funds, senior repair funds, or revolving loans. Programs can close when yearly money is committed, and smaller towns may use a regional provider.

Boston: The HomeWorks program offers 0% deferred loans from $20,000 for a condo to $50,000 for a three- or four-family home. Income is generally capped at 135% AMI; one-third must fund exterior work, and households at 120%–135% AMI must match the loan. The senior program serves eligible owners age 62+ at or below 80% AMI. Call 617-635-4663.

Worcester: The city’s housing grant page says Tier 1 owner-occupied rehab applications are open. Elder Home Repair offers grants up to $25,000 per unit for eligible owners age 62+, with a five-year occupancy restriction. Lead and Healthy Homes help is also listed. The former ARPA owner-occupied rehab round is closed. Call 508-799-1400.

Springfield: The emergency program accepts rolling applications for one urgent repair. Its 0% deferred loan is forgiven one-fifth per year over five years while the owner remains in the home. The current lead program has separate rules. Former ARPA Healthy Homes and Exterior Repair rounds are closed. Call 413-787-6500.

Outside these cities, ask your local housing or planning office: “Do you have an open owner-occupied rehabilitation, senior repair, healthy homes, lead, septic, or emergency repair program?” Also ask whether the town participates in a regional program run by a housing authority, planning commission, or nonprofit.

Documents to gather and what happens after applying

Exact requirements vary, but most programs ask for several of these items:

• Photo identification for adult household members
• Deed, manufactured-home title, mortgage statement, or other proof of ownership
• Proof that the home is your primary residence
• Recent pay stubs, Social Security letters, pension records, benefit statements, or tax returns
• Household member names and dates of birth
• Property tax, water, sewer, insurance, and mortgage status
• Utility bills or fuel records for energy programs
• Repair photos, code notice, failed Title 5 report, lead inspection, or contractor diagnosis
• Disability or functional-need documentation for accessibility work
• Contractor bids using the program’s required form

Expect intake, income and ownership checks, inspection, a repair scope, bids, contractor approval, permits, construction checks, and final payment. Loans and some grants may place a mortgage, lien, or occupancy restriction on the home.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities may also qualify for federal home adaptation help. Ask the local Veterans’ Service Officer to screen the household and help with the application. Massachusetts has a VSO serving every city and town. Our veteran repair guide summarizes other paths, but the VSO or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs must confirm current eligibility.

What to do if help is denied, delayed, or unavailable

1. Ask for the reason in writing. Income, ownership, credit, repair scope, and closed funding require different fixes.
2. Use the appeal route. HEAP has local appeal rights; other programs may allow reconsideration or missing-document correction.
3. Ask about the next round. Join the mailing list and note the office and date.
4. Split the project only with approval. Different programs may cover energy, lead, septic, or accessibility work.
5. Ask for a safe temporary fix. Contact the inspector, Board of Health, utility, insurer, or a licensed contractor.

For broader ideas, review our list of repair assistance programs. Treat it as a starting point. Massachusetts program offices and current official pages control the real rules.

Common questions