Home Repair Grants in Minnesota

This guide is for Minnesota homeowners who need help fixing unsafe homes. It is written for seniors, people with disabilities, single parents, rural homeowners, veterans, and anyone on a tight budget. You will see who might qualify, which programs to try first, 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 live in a home in Minnesota (house, condo, or manufactured home on a lot or in a park).
• Your home needs health or safety work (roof leak, failing furnace, bad wiring, accessibility, or similar hazards).
• Your income is low for your county. Use HUD’s income limits tool to check your area.
• You are willing to use licensed contractors and follow program rules from Minnesota Labor & Industry.

Top Programs in Minnesota (Quick Table)

Example amounts are for orientation only. Always check the official page for current caps and rules.

Short Federal Snapshot (with Minnesota links)

• USDA 504 In Minnesota, Rural Development offers 1% repair loans and grants for very low‑income rural owners; grants are for age 62+. See the federal 504 program page and contact USDA RD Minnesota to get started. For background, this USDA 504 guide explains how packaging and grants typically work.
• WAP Minnesota runs Weatherization through the Department of Commerce and local providers, with a joint application used for both Energy Assistance and Weatherization. Start at Commerce’s WAP page and find your provider from the same site.
• FEMA After floods or storms, you can request repair help through FEMA’s Individuals & Households Program. Begin on FEMA’s Individual Assistance page and use Minnesota HSEM’s disaster recovery homeowners and renters section to track local steps.

Minnesota Programs (Core Section)

Minnesota Housing: Rehabilitation Loan Program (RLP) & Emergency & Accessibility (ELP)

Minnesota Housing funds critical repairs statewide through RLP/ELP. These are forgivable or deferred loans recorded as a lien. If you stay in the home the full term, the debt is forgiven; if you sell or move earlier, you may owe part back. Program features and eligibility are listed on the Improve Your Home page and in the agency’s RLP/ELP guide.

• What it covers: basic health/safety, energy work (like insulation), roofs, electrical, plumbing, well/septic, and accessibility. See “Eligible improvements” on the program page.
• Type of help: deferred or forgivable loan with a lien; no monthly payment while you qualify.
• Example cap: around $37,500 depending on the situation; check the current cap on Minnesota Housing’s program page.
• Who qualifies: very low-income owners statewide. Income limits for RLP/ELP are posted on Minnesota Housing’s Home Improvement Income Limits page.
• Manufactured homes: both real property and homes taxed as personal property may be eligible as shown in the program guide.
• How to apply: Contact a participating Rehab Loan lender listed through the Improve Your Home portal or email rlp.elp@state.mn.us shown on the participating lenders page.

State Disaster Recovery (when active)

When severe storms or flooding hit, Minnesota Housing may open a Disaster Recovery Loan Program (DRLP) as a last resort after insurance and federal aid. Status changes year to year, so check Minnesota Housing’s DRLP page and the public notice at Improve Your Home for whether it is open.

Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) and Weatherization

The Energy Assistance Program helps with heat, electric, and emergency furnace repairs and pairs with Weatherization for long‑term fixes. Apply on the Commerce EAP portal and provider list at the Energy Assistance page, then request Weatherization through the state’s WAP information.

Program timelines shift with federal funding. The Commerce Energy Information Center (1‑800‑657‑3710) listed on the WAP page can help you find the right local office.

New Federal- and State-Funded Rebates (Save Energy Minnesota)

Minnesota is preparing IRA rebates under “Save Energy Minnesota.” As of December 2025, the state reports that HEAR/HOMES are not yet launched; watch the Department of Commerce’s Save Energy Minnesota page and the detailed HEAR and HOMES pages for start dates and rebate rules.

City & County Programs

These local programs change with budgets. Always check the city or county page for current status, income limits, and waitlists. If your town is not listed here, ask City Hall about “owner‑occupied rehab” funded with CDBG/HOME, or call United Way 211 and request housing repair referrals.

Smaller cities often participate in CDBG/HOME “owner‑occupied rehab.” Call City Hall (Community Development) or dial 211 and ask for local home repair programs.

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Programs use income limits tied to “Area Median Income” (AMI). Some use 80% AMI, some 50%, and some have their own cutoffs. Check each program’s rules and confirm your county’s limits with HUD’s Income Limits tool.

• Example (Minneapolis–St. Paul area): A 4‑person household at 80% AMI is shown as about $104,200 on City income tables that follow HUD. See the Minneapolis limits & uses page for the current grid.
• Example (Rochester/Olmsted County): A 4‑person household at 80% AMI is listed around $100,500 in 2025 program guidance. See the county’s posted figures on the housing rehab page.

These are examples only to show the scale; always confirm your exact county and household size in HUD’s Income Limits tool.

Special Groups & Short Examples

Seniors

Start with Minnesota Housing’s RLP/ELP for health, safety, and accessibility listed on the Improve Your Home page. If you are rural and 62+, ask USDA about a grant through the Section 504 program. As background, this short seniors repair guide explains common options and pitfalls.

Example: A 70‑year‑old owner in Rochester with very low income could use the city’s rehab loan from the rehab program page for roof repairs and then ask Weatherization through the state WAP portal to seal and insulate the attic.

Veterans

Veterans with service‑connected disabilities should look at VA’s adapted housing grants. Learn how to apply for SAH/SHA on VA’s application page and see program details on the disability housing grants page. Minnesota veterans can also contact the state VA via MDVA’s assistance line for help connecting to benefits.

Example: A veteran homeowner in rural Itasca County needing a ramp and bathroom changes could combine a VA SAH/SHA grant from the VA site with RLP accessibility help listed on Minnesota Housing’s Improve page. Actual amounts depend on medical eligibility and inspection.

Disabled homeowners

Use RLP/ELP accessibility items through Minnesota Housing’s program guide and ask your county about lead and healthy homes grants, for example Hennepin’s lead program. For veterans in VA care, ask a clinician about HISA benefits on VA’s HISA page for medically‑necessary home alterations.

Rural residents

Check your address on USDA’s 504 page and call the Minnesota office shown on USDA RD Minnesota. Many rural households also qualify for Weatherization via Commerce’s WAP page. If your township has no program, ask your county HRA about CDBG rehab and use 211 to locate nonprofits like Rebuilding Together Minnesota listed at their homeowner page.

Families with children

If your home was built before 1978, test for lead and ask about grants. In Hennepin County, start with the county’s lead hazard page; in Ramsey County, see the county’s Lead at Home program for window replacement and hazard cleanup.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

1. Write your repair list. Put health and safety first (roof leaks, furnace, electrical). If you can, add photos.
2. Check your household size and income in HUD’s Income Limits tool. Save a screenshot for your file.
3. If heat or utilities are at risk, apply to the Commerce Energy Assistance Program and ask about emergency furnace repair.

This week

1. If you are rural and very low income, call USDA RD Minnesota using the contact info on the state RD page and ask about 504 loans/grants.
2. If you are in Minneapolis or Saint Paul, complete the Minneapolis interest form on the home improvement page or watch for Saint Paul rehab reopening dates on PED’s homeowner rehab.
3. If you are in Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, or Moorhead, open the city rehab page and follow the pre‑application linked above for Rochester’s rehab loan or Duluth HRA’s program page.
4. Start a folder with ID, deed/tax bill, mortgage statement, insurance, income docs, and your repair photos. Many programs list documents on the Minnesota Housing RLP/ELP page.

This month

1. Get on Weatherization’s list (joint application) using the state WAP Apply section.
2. Talk with a rehab lender for RLP/ELP via the Improve Your Home portal, and ask how liens and forgiveness work.
3. If you had storm damage, file insurance first, then apply at DisasterAssistance.gov and watch Minnesota HSEM’s disaster pages for local updates.

Expect waits. Weatherization wait‑lists can be months. City rehab may have waiting lists too. Keep your documents handy, answer calls, and confirm your place in line every few months.

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

• If denied, ask for the reason in writing and whether there is an appeal or “reconsideration.” USDA and cities provide contacts on the USDA RD Minnesota page or each city’s program page.
• Apply to multiple options: Minnesota Housing’s RLP/ELP, your city rehab page, and Weatherization’s WAP program.
• Nonprofits can fill gaps. Rebuilding Together Minnesota shows current service areas on its homeowner page, and affiliates are listed at the national find‑an‑affiliate map.

Common mistakes and quick fixes

• Starting work before approval → Wait for written approval and a signed agreement from the program page you applied through.
• Using unlicensed contractors → Verify licenses on the state’s license lookup and see “Hire Licensed” tips at Labor & Industry.
• Wrong program for your income/address → Recheck AMI with HUD’s tool and USDA rural eligibility via the 504 program site.
• Title issues or heirs’ property → Ask legal aid; start with SMRLS or statewide resources at LawHelpMN.

Money Basics: What to Expect

• Grants: You don’t pay back, but there may be conditions. Example: USDA 504 grants are for age 62+ and must be repaid if you sell within 3 years. See the federal 504 page.
• Forgivable or deferred loans: A lien is recorded; forgiveness happens over time. Minnesota Housing explains terms on the program page.
• Regular loans: Monthly payments and a lien. Compare options and consider income stability before borrowing.
• Reimbursement or rebate: You may have to pay first and later get money back. The state’s upcoming HEAR/HOMES rebates will follow rules posted on the Save Energy Minnesota page.

USDA 504 example payment: A $20,000 loan at 1% for 20 years is about $92/month for principal and interest. Actual eligibility and payments are set by USDA; see “terms” on the program page.

Ask the agency or a tax professional if funds could affect taxes or benefits like SSI/SSDI/SNAP. If unclear, request written guidance.

Phone Scripts

Calling Minnesota Housing (RLP/ELP)
“Hi, I own and live in my home in [city]. My income is about [$X] for [Y] people. I have health/safety repairs: [roof/furnace/etc.]. I’d like to ask about the Rehab or Emergency & Accessibility programs listed on your Improve Your Home page. Can you tell me the steps and the closest participating lender?” (Reference the contact info and links on the program page.)

Calling your city rehab program
“Hello, I’m a homeowner at [address]. I saw the owner‑occupied rehab program on your website. My repairs include [list]. My income is about [$X]/[Y] people. Can you confirm if your program is open and how to join the waitlist? Also, is this a forgivable or deferred loan?” (Use Minneapolis’ home improvement page or Saint Paul’s rehab page.)

Calling USDA Rural Development (Section 504)
“Hi, I live in [town/county]. My address appears rural on the USDA site. Our income is [$X] for [Y] people, and I’m [age 62+/under 62]. We have health/safety repairs. Could you tell me if I might qualify for a 504 loan or grant and how to submit the application?” (Find contacts on USDA RD Minnesota.)

Calling a nonprofit (Rebuilding Together)
“Hello, I’m a low‑income homeowner in [county]. I saw your program page. We have [critical repair]. Do you have an application open for my area, or a partner I should call?” (Check RTMN’s home repair page.)

FAQs (Minnesota‑Specific)

Do programs help with manufactured homes?
Often, yes. Minnesota Housing’s RLP/ELP includes homes taxed as personal property when rules are met, per the program guide. Rebuilding Together Minnesota has a manufactured homes program in the metro shown on its page.

I’m behind on utilities or heat. Is there emergency help?
Yes. Apply to the state’s Energy Assistance Program and ask about emergency furnace repair using Commerce’s EAP portal. If storm damage caused the outage, also look at FEMA’s Individual Assistance.

How long is the wait?
Weatherization can take months. City rehab programs can take a season or more depending on budgets. Minneapolis posts current info on its home improvement page, and Saint Paul lists status on the rehab page.

Will I have a lien?
For RLP/ELP and most city rehab, yes. It’s recorded and forgiven over time. Minnesota Housing explains the lien on the program page. Ask for the term and repayment triggers in writing.

What if my income is a little over the limit?
Ask the program if any deductions apply. Minnesota Housing lists an adjustment on its income limits page. If still over, look at low‑interest options like Minnesota Housing’s Fix Up loans on the Improve page and check utility rebates posted under Commerce’s Save Energy Minnesota.

I have title issues or heirs’ property.
Programs may require clear ownership. Contact legal aid through SMRLS or statewide LawHelpMN. Courts offer self‑help info at the Minnesota Judicial Branch’s Self‑Help Center.

Roof repairs in winter—what’s realistic?
Some work must wait for weather, but health and safety stabilization can proceed. Ask the city or Minnesota Housing lender about temporary protection and scope sequencing shown in their program guidance. For ideas on funding order, see this plain‑language roof repair overview.

How do I avoid bad contractors?
Verify state licensure on the license lookup and review consumer tips at Labor & Industry’s Hire Licensed page. After storms, see Commerce’s contractor advice in the state Disaster Info center.

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Quick Checklist

• Make a list of home problems (health/safety first). Add photos.
• Check your income in HUD’s Income Limits tool.
• Gather: ID, deed/tax bill, mortgage/insurance, income proof, repair list, estimates if requested.
• Apply to 2–3 programs: Minnesota Housing RLP/ELP, your city/county rehab page, and Commerce’s WAP/EAP joint application.
• Track case numbers, worker names, and deadlines. Call back if you miss a call.

Contact Summary (save this)

Resumen en español (Short Spanish Summary)

Esta guía es para dueños de casa en Minnesota con ingresos bajos. Si su hogar tiene problemas de seguridad o salud (techo con goteras, caldera rota, cableado peligroso, moho, o necesita una rampa), empiece con tres pasos: 1) Solicite Ayuda de Energía (EAP) y pregunte por reparación de calefacción en la página del Departamento de Comercio de Asistencia de Energía; 2) Aplique a reparación gratuita de eficiencia (Weatherization) usando la información de Weatherization; 3) Llame a Minnesota Housing para préstamos diferidos/perdonables de reparación (RLP/ELP) en la página Mejore su Hogar.

Si vive en un área rural y tiene ingresos muy bajos, pregunte a USDA sobre préstamos al 1% y posibles subvenciones del programa 504 (en la página federal de Reparación 504). Si hubo un desastre (inundaciones o tormentas) y su condado está declarado, aplique a FEMA en DisasterAssistance.gov y revise la página estatal de HSEM para Minnesota en Recuperación de Desastres.

En ciudades grandes también hay programas: Minneapolis (préstamos y referencias) en la página de mejoras del hogar, y Saint Paul (préstamos diferidos) en la página de rehabilitación. Para encontrar ayuda local o pedir intérprete, llame al 2‑1‑1 (United Way) o visite la página 211 y pida asistencia en su idioma.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Confirm your income level in HUD’s Income Limits tool.
• Verify USDA 504 loan/grant terms on the federal program page and find Minnesota contacts at USDA RD Minnesota.
• Check Minnesota’s Weatherization/Energy Assistance info at Commerce’s WAP page and the EAP page.
• For disasters, use HSEM’s state disaster info and FEMA’s assistance page.
• For statewide referrals, call 2‑1‑1 or visit United Way 211.

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