Home Repair Grants in Michigan

This plain‑language guide is for Michigan homeowners with low or fixed incomes, including seniors, people with disabilities, single parents, rural residents, and veterans. It shows the fastest 2–3 programs to try first, what the money looks like (grant vs. loan), 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

• You own and occupy a home anywhere in Michigan (house, condo, or a manufactured home on a permanent site).
• Your income is limited, or you receive benefits (SSI/SSDI, SNAP, SER, etc.).
• The work is for basic health, safety, or keeping utilities working (roof leaks, furnace, electrical hazards, ramps).
• You can provide simple documents: ID, proof you own the home, income proof, utility bills, and photos.

Start by checking programs that fit your situation (age, disability, rural location). Most use federal or state rules—see HUD’s income limits tool and Michigan’s MIReady emergency page if damage relates to storms or floods.

Top Programs in Michigan (Quick Table)

Program	Type	Example max help ($)	Mainly helps	Where to apply
USDA Section 504 Home Repair	1% loan + grant	Loan up to 40,000; grant up to 10,000 (combined up to 50,000). Example only.	Rural, very low income; grants for 62+	USDA’s 504 program page + Michigan RD contacts
MDHHS State Emergency Relief (SER) Home Repairs	Grant	Furnace repairs lifetime max 4,000; other essential repairs lifetime max 1,500. Example only.	Owner-occupants with unsafe conditions	MDHHS Home Repairs page and MI Bridges portal
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)	Free weatherization	No direct cash; energy upgrades at no cost	Low-income homeowners and some renters	MDHHS WAP program page + CAA locator on that page
Michigan Home Energy Rebates (MiHER)	Rebate	Up to 34,000 across HER + HEAR. Example only.	Households upgrading efficiency/equipment	EGLE’s Home Energy Rebates and program launch
Lead Safe Home/Lead Services	Grant	Work scope varies; free abatement if eligible	Homes with kids under 6 or pregnant resident	MDHHS Lead Services + Detroit’s LeadSafe Housing
GLWA WRAP (water assistance)	Bill help + minor repairs	Bill credits and small plumbing fixes	GLWA member communities (SE Michigan)	GLWA WRAP assistance and DWSD Lifeline info
Oakland County Home Improvement Program	0% deferred loan	Up to 23,000. Example only.	Low/mod homeowners in participating areas	County’s home improvement page
Macomb County Housing Rehabilitation	0% deferred loan	Up to 48,000. Example only.	Low/mod homeowners (outside certain cities)	Macomb rehab program
Grand Rapids Housing Rehabilitation	Affordable loan	Varies by scope and budget	City owner-occupants	City’s rehab assistance page
Detroit Critical Home Repair	Grant (limited rounds)	Health/safety repairs prioritized	Detroit low-income households	Detroit’s program page
Flint Roof/Lead Programs	Grant (limited)	Roof or lead hazard work	City owner-occupants	Flint’s roof assistance and lead control

“Example max help” amounts come from official pages and may change. Always confirm on the program’s page listed above.

Short Federal Snapshot (with Links Out)

• USDA 504 (rural repairs): In Michigan, very‑low‑income rural homeowners can get a 1% loan, and seniors 62+ may get a small grant to remove safety hazards. See the national USDA 504 page and contact the Michigan RD office for your county. For a plain‑English explainer, this USDA 504 guide can help.
• Weatherization (WAP): Michigan’s program is run by MDHHS through local Community Action Agencies. It installs measures like insulation and furnace tune‑ups at no cost; start on MDHHS’s weatherization page.
• FEMA disasters: If your county is designated after storms or flooding, apply on FEMA’s Michigan page and the FEMA assistance guide. You can’t be paid twice for the same damage (called “duplication of benefits”).

Michigan Programs (Core Section)

1) State Emergency Relief (SER) – Home Repairs

Michigan’s SER can pay for essential repairs when there’s a health or safety threat (for example a dead furnace, failed water heater, or septic failure). The official Home Repairs page shows lifetime limits—furnace repair/replacement up to 4,000, and other essential repairs up to 1,500. Apply online through MI Bridges.

To qualify, MDHHS lists several conditions like owning and occupying the home, having affordable ongoing housing costs, and not having the home for sale. If you’re behind on taxes or mortgage, they may require a payment plan—see SER eligibility details.

Money type: Grant (paid to the contractor). Warnings: SER pays only for essential work and won’t fund upgrades. Do not start work before approval.

2) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP is statewide and free. A local Community Action Agency schedules an energy audit and installs cost‑effective measures: insulation, air sealing, and sometimes heating system work. Start at MDHHS’s Weatherization page, then contact the local provider listed there. Macomb’s page shows typical services like attic/wall insulation and furnace work, which is similar around the state—see Macomb’s WAP page for an example.

Money type: In‑kind upgrades (no cash to you). Expectations: There is often a waitlist. It’s not a general repair program; it focuses on saving energy and health/safety.

3) Michigan Home Energy Rebates (MiHER)

State rebates launched statewide in April 2025. EGLE’s official MiHER announcement explains two parts: Home Efficiency Rebates (up to 20,000) and Home Electrification & Appliance Rebates (up to 14,000). Check the current rules and apply through EGLE’s Home Energy Rebates page.

How it pays: This is a rebate—work is done by an approved contractor, and payment typically goes to the contractor after completion. Ask whether you can combine MiHER with utility rebates or weatherization; EGLE’s MiHER FAQ covers stacking and income tiers.

4) Lead Hazard Services (State and Local)

For pre‑1978 homes with a child under 6 or a pregnant resident, MDHHS can fund abatement through the statewide Lead Services portal. Some cities, like Detroit, operate their own lead programs—see Detroit’s LeadSafe Housing page for targeted ZIP codes and eligibility.

Money type: Grant. Tip: If you don’t qualify for the free state program, Michigan Saves offers a 50/50 cost share for lead work via the Lead Prevention Fund.

5) Water Bill Help and Minor Plumbing Repairs

In GLWA communities (most of metro Detroit), the WRAP program can reduce your bill, pay arrears, and fix small leaks. See GLWA’s WRAP assistance. Detroit residents on the DWSD Lifeline plan may also get leak repairs—see DWSD’s Lifeline details.

Statewide, MDHHS also funds water help (including limited plumbing repairs where available) through the Water Assistance Program until at least 2027.

6) Utility Efficiency Programs (can cover repairs tied to energy)

• Consumers Energy: Income‑qualified customers can get in‑home efficiency upgrades and, in some cases, health/safety fixes connected to energy work; see Consumers Energy’s program updates in their EE expansion notice. Eligibility and offerings change—ask about current “income qualified” services.
• DTE Energy: DTE lists assistance and income programs on its low‑income programs page. Pair these with WAP or MiHER to stretch funds.

These are rebates or direct‑install services, not home repair grants. You often pay first (or the utility pays an approved contractor) and receive discounts or credits.

City & County Programs

Many Michigan cities and counties use federal housing funds for owner‑occupied rehab. Programs open and close in cycles. Check your local link below for status and income rules.

City/County	Program	Example help	Who qualifies	How to apply
Detroit	Critical Home Repair	Free critical repairs; limited rounds	Low‑income; priority seniors/disabled/children	HRD program page
Detroit	LeadSafe Housing	Lead hazard removal	Homes with kids under 6 or pregnant	City’s LeadSafe Housing
Grand Rapids	Housing Rehabilitation	Affordable loans, lead hazard work	Low/mod owner‑occupants	City’s rehab page
Oakland County	Home Improvement Program	0% deferred loan up to 23,000	Low/mod; participating communities	County program page
Macomb County	Housing Rehabilitation	0% deferred loan up to 48,000	Low/mod; outside some cities	Macomb apply here
Lansing	Home Repair Program	Critical repairs; funding cycles	Low/mod owner‑occupants	City’s program page
Flint	ARPA Roof Assistance	Roof repair grants (lottery)	Income‑eligible homeowners	Flint roof program
Flint	Lead Hazard Control	Lead removal up to set caps	Low‑income households	City’s lead page
Washtenaw County	Home Rehabilitation	Repairs and modifications	Low/mod owner‑occupants	County rehab program
Kent County	Weatherization (CAA)	No‑cost energy upgrades	Income‑eligible owners/renters	Kent WAP page

If your town isn’t listed, call City Hall or County Community Development and ask about “owner‑occupied rehab using CDBG or HOME.” Grand Rapids’ resource hub also links to local options like Home Repair Services and lead work—see the City’s Housing Resources page.

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Programs check household income against Area Median Income (AMI). Each program sets its own cutoff (some use 80% AMI, others 50% AMI or specific poverty levels). Always confirm using HUD’s income limits tool.

• Detroit metro example: The City of Westland lists 2025 low‑income (80% AMI) for a 4‑person household at $80,800 (example only). See Westland’s income limits page and verify your family size.
• Grand Rapids example: The City shows 2025 80% AMI for a 4‑person household at $85,100 (example only). See Grand Rapids’ income limits table.

Some programs use poverty levels or utility program rules instead. Confirm the cutoff on the agency’s page before applying.

Special Groups & Short Examples

Seniors

Try SER for emergency repairs, WAP for energy upgrades, and USDA 504 (if rural) for low‑cost loans or small grants. Detroit seniors should watch the City’s Critical Home Repair cycles. A state‑level overview for seniors is here: seniors repair grants.

Example: A 72‑year‑old homeowner in Genesee County with a failed furnace could pair MDHHS SER repairs for the furnace and enroll in county WAP for insulation later. Actual help depends on inspection and funding.

Veterans

In addition to local rehab or WAP, many veterans qualify for VA housing adaptations through the VA’s housing grants (SAH/SHA/HISA). If you are rural, add USDA 504’s 1% loan/grant option.

Example: A veteran in Oakland County needing a ramp could use the VA grant for accessibility and the County’s 0% deferred loan for a failing roof.

Disabled Homeowners

Ask about accessibility modifications through county programs (like Oakland’s Home Improvement Program) and WAP‑related safety fixes on MDHHS’s weatherization page. Detroit’s lead and critical repair programs also consider disability status—see HRD’s program page.

Rural Residents

Start with USDA 504. Contact the Michigan USDA office listed on Michigan RD contacts and check if your address is “rural” on USDA’s 504 page. Then add WAP via MDHHS’s weatherization page.

Families with Children

Look at Lead Services for homes built before 1978 on MDHHS’s Lead Services page, pair with SER for emergencies, and enroll in WAP for comfort and bills.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

1. Make a short list of problems (roof leak, broken furnace, unsafe wiring) and take clear photos.
2. Create an account on MI Bridges and apply for SER if you have an emergency repair (furnace/water heater/septic).
3. Call 2‑1‑1 and ask for “home repair and weatherization” plus any local city/county rehab. If in metro Detroit, ask about GLWA’s WRAP program for bills and leak repairs.
4. If you live outside a big city, call USDA at 517‑324‑5210 or use USDA Michigan contacts to ask about 504 repairs.

This week

1. Apply for WAP on MDHHS’s Weatherization page (they will refer you to your local Community Action Agency).
2. Check your city/county program page (e.g., Detroit’s critical repairs or Grand Rapids rehab) and join interest lists if applications aren’t open.
3. For energy upgrades or appliance replacement, review EGLE’s MiHER rebates and your utility’s income programs (DTE assistance page or Consumers’ EE updates here).

This month

1. Keep all approvals, income papers, and contractor quotes in one folder. Save case numbers from SER/WAP/USDA.
2. Schedule inspections quickly. WAP and city rehab can take months; answer phone calls and emails fast.
3. If you had storm damage and your county is designated, file at FEMA’s Michigan page and read the apply guide. Keep insurance and FEMA letters together.

Waiting expectations: Weatherization waitlists can be several months or longer. City/county repair programs often open for short rounds—watch their pages and sign up for alerts.

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

If denied, ask for the reason in writing. Ask if you can appeal or reapply next round. If funds are gone, request to be notified when they reopen. Meanwhile, look at nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity of Michigan’s home repair programs or Rebuilding Together SE Michigan’s repair services.

• Wrong program: If you’re rural, start with USDA 504 and WAP. If you’re in Detroit, start with HRD’s repair program.
• Missing documents: Upload pay stubs/award letters, deed, tax bill, and photos. MI Bridges has an online portal for SER items.
• Starting work early: Don’t start before written approval. Grants often can’t reimburse work already done.
• Unlicensed contractor: Ask your city/county for contractor rules; many programs pay approved contractors only.
• Title issues/heirs’ property: Get free guidance via Michigan Legal Help’s resources (see the statewide HUD page linking to counselors on HUD Michigan and search “legal” at Michigan Legal Help).
• Loans are debt: 0% deferred loans are liens recorded on your home. Repayment can be due when you sell, move, or refinance (examples: Oakland H.I.P. and Macomb rehab).

Tax/benefits caution: Ask the agency or a tax advisor if a grant or rebate could affect your taxes or benefits like SSI/SSDI or SNAP.

Phone Scripts

• Calling WAP/LIHEAP (MDHHS/CAA):
  “Hi, I’m a homeowner in [city/county]. My heating bills are high and my home is drafty. I’d like to apply for Weatherization. Can you tell me the documents you need and how long the waitlist is? Do I need to apply through your office or the state site?” (Reference MDHHS’s WAP page if needed.)
• Calling a city/county rehab program:
  “Hello, I own and live at [address]. I’m looking for owner‑occupied home repair assistance for [roof/furnace/electrical]. Are applications open? If not, can you add me to the notification list and tell me what income documents I should gather now?” (See Detroit’s program page for example language.)
• Calling USDA Rural Development (504):
  “Hi, I live in [township/county]. I’d like to ask about Section 504 home repair assistance. My home needs [describe issue]. Could you confirm if my address is rural, what income level applies, and what documents I should prepare?” (Use Michigan’s RD contacts.)
• Calling a nonprofit (Habitat / Rebuilding Together):
  “Hello, I’m a low‑income homeowner in [city]. I need help with [priority repair]. Do you have a critical repair program or a waitlist? What documents do you need and when will you take applications again?” (See Habitat Michigan’s repair page.)

FAQs (Michigan‑Specific)

Will programs help with manufactured homes?
Sometimes. SER can fund essential repairs in client‑owned homes (including mobile homes) when rules are met—see MDHHS’s Home Repairs page. Weatherization also serves some manufactured homes if energy savings pencil out on the WAP page.

Can I get help if I owe back property taxes or my mortgage?
SER rules say repairs can be denied if the home is in jeopardy of loss unless you have a workable plan for the arrears. Read MDHHS repair requirements and ask your worker about a written plan. City/county rehab often requires taxes and insurance to be current.

I’m slightly over the income limit. Any options?
Check EGLE’s MiHER rebates and utility programs (DTE income programs). Some counties offer 0% deferred loans (Oakland H.I.P.; Macomb rehab), which may allow higher incomes.

I’m a renter—do any repair programs help me?
Yes. WAP can weatherize rentals with landlord consent (apply via MDHHS’s WAP page). Lead hazard work may cover rentals if a child under 6 lives or visits (see MDHHS Lead Services). For habitability issues, call code enforcement and, if needed, seek legal guidance via the HUD counselor list on HUD Michigan.

How long will this take?
Weatherization can be several months. City/county rehab is often seasonal or opens in short application windows. Keep documents ready, answer unknown phone numbers, and check pages like Detroit’s repair program weekly during enrollment periods.

Will there be a lien on my home?
Grants (SER, lead, FEMA) usually do not place a lien. City/county rehab often uses deferred loans recorded as a lien for several years or until sale (see Oakland H.I.P. and Macomb rehab). Ask whether your assistance is a grant, forgivable loan, or deferred loan.

We had flooding. What can I apply for?
Document damage, contact insurance, and check FEMA’s Michigan page for active disasters. If FEMA paid for part of the damage, other programs can’t pay for the same item again (duplication of benefits). For general readiness and local contacts, see Michigan’s MIReady page.

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Resumen en español (corto)

Este resumen es para dueños de casa de bajos ingresos en Michigan: personas mayores, con discapacidades, familias con niños y residentes rurales. Si su casa tiene problemas de seguridad (techo con goteras, horno dañado, cableado peligroso), empiece con dos o tres programas clave.

• Arreglos de emergencia (SER): MDHHS puede pagar reparaciones esenciales (por ejemplo, horno o calentador de agua). Solicite en el portal MI Bridges y revise la página de Arreglos del hogar.
• Climatización (WAP): Trabajos gratuitos de eficiencia (aislamiento, sellado, ajustes del horno). Vea la página de Weatherization y contacte a su Agencia de Acción Comunitaria.
• USDA 504 (zonas rurales): Préstamo al 1% y, para personas de 62+, pequeñas subvenciones. Llame a USDA RD (517‑324‑5210) o vea los contactos en USDA Michigan.
• Reembolsos de energía (MiHER): EGLE ofrece reembolsos para eficiencia y equipos (hasta 34.000 combinados). Revise Home Energy Rebates.
• Programas locales: Revise la página de su ciudad/condado (por ejemplo, Detroit Reparaciones críticas, Grand Rapids Rehabilitación).

Si sufrió daños por desastre, revise la página de FEMA en Michigan. Llame al 2‑1‑1 para ayuda y pida servicios de intérprete. Guarde sus documentos, no empiece trabajos sin aprobación escrita y responda a llamadas del programa.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Confirm income levels on HUD’s income limits tool.
• Rural repairs (1% loan/grant): USDA’s Section 504 page and Michigan contacts.
• Weatherization in Michigan: MDHHS’s WAP page.
• Emergency home repairs (SER): MDHHS’s Home Repairs page.
• Energy rebates (MiHER): EGLE’s Home Energy Rebates.
• Disaster repairs: FEMA’s Michigan page.
• Find local help: dial 2‑1‑1 or visit MI 211.

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

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Financial clarity examples:

• USDA 504 loan at 1% for 20 years: a $20,000 loan is about $92/month (principal & interest only). Grants do not require payments but have age and use limits (see the USDA 504 page).
• “Forgivable” or “deferred” loans are usually recorded as liens for several years. Selling or moving early can trigger payback (see Oakland H.I.P. and Macomb rehab).
• FEMA and other disaster aid cannot pay twice for the same damage (see FEMA apply guide).

Roof repair guidance (what’s fundable and where to start) is summarized in this plain‑language roof repair guide.