Home Repair Grants in Mississippi

Who This Is For & Quick Eligibility Check

Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, call 211 Mississippi and ask for a housing or weatherization referral. Interpreters can be requested.

Top Programs in Mississippi (Quick Table)

“Example max help ($)” shows typical program caps or ranges found on official sites. Most awards are lower and depend on inspection, eligibility, and available funds.

Short Federal Snapshot (with Links Out)

USDA Section 504 in Mississippi

For rural Mississippi homeowners, USDA’s repair program offers 1% loans (up to 20 years) and, for age 62+, small grants to remove health and safety hazards. The official terms and current caps are on USDA’s Section 504 page; Mississippi contact offices are listed on the state RD contacts page. For a plain‑English overview, see this background USDA 504 guide (supporting article).

Weatherization (WAP) in Mississippi

WAP is run statewide through MDHS Community Services and local Community Action Agencies. It funds energy‑saving work like insulation and air sealing in homes at or below 200% of poverty. Start at MDHS’s Weatherization page or use the CAA lookup on the Community Services Division.

FEMA / Disaster help in Mississippi

After major storms, register quickly on FEMA’s Mississippi page or follow MEMA’s individual assistance instructions. You cannot be paid twice for the same damage (called “duplication of benefits”). If you received FEMA money for your roof, another program usually can only help with remaining unmet needs.

Mississippi Programs (Core Section)

Mississippi Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP pays for energy‑saving work at no cost to you—things like insulation, air sealing, duct fixes, and HVAC safety checks. MDHS explains services, priorities, and timeframes on the official Weatherization program page. You’ll apply through the Access MS portal and then complete your file with your local Community Action Agency listed on the MDHS Community Services page.

Money type: Free in‑home measures (not cash to you). No lien. Work is based on an energy audit and health/safety rules.

LIHEAP & Energy Crisis Intervention (ECIP)

LIHEAP helps with utility bills and emergency energy needs. ECIP may also address urgent heating or cooling hazards where allowed. Eligibility and the application flow are shown on MDHS’s LIHEAP page. MDHS also notes coordination with utility aid on its LIHEAP + Entergy update here.

Money type: Grant paid to the utility. If the assistance includes a repair, ask if documentation or inspection is required and whether it’s covered under ECIP.

State Disaster Repairs: HRRP (CDBG‑DR)

If your home was damaged in the 2023–2024 tornado events and you live in a designated HUD‑MID area, Mississippi’s HRRP provides state‑managed repair or reconstruction. The official program FAQs and contact details are on the state’s Housing Recovery resources page. Awards are based on verified disaster damage and program rules.

Money type: Construction services paid by the program to contractors (not cash to you). You must cooperate with inspections and documents, and you cannot be reimbursed for the same work already covered by FEMA or insurance.

Utility rebates that can lower repair costs

Rebates can make repair work cheaper, especially for HVAC and insulation. Mississippi Power lists current residential rebates on its Rebates & Incentives page. Entergy Mississippi offers incentives for equipment and home efficiency upgrades; start with Entergy’s heating & cooling incentives and see the appliance rebates on Entergy’s appliances page.

Money type: Rebates or instant discounts. You buy and install, then the utility issues a rebate (or instant point‑of‑sale discount) if you use approved contractors and forms.

Mississippi Office of Energy – IRA Home Energy Rebates

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is standing up Home Energy Rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act. Watch the MDA Office of Energy’s Home Energy Rebates info for launch timing, eligible upgrades, and how to apply once live.

Money type: Rebates or point‑of‑sale discounts expected. Amounts and timelines can change—verify the current status on the MDA energy page before you start work.

City & County Programs

Many Mississippi cities use HUD’s CDBG/HOME funds for owner‑occupied rehab. Programs open and close as funds allow. Check the official city/community development page and annual action plans.

Smaller towns often use state‑managed CDBG/HOME funds. Call City Hall or the county’s Community Development office and ask about “owner‑occupied housing rehabilitation.”

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Programs use different income tests. Some use “percent of Area Median Income (AMI)” set by HUD. Others use the Federal Poverty Guidelines (for WAP/LIHEAP). Always check the official program page for the number that applies to your county and household size.

• For HUD‑based programs (CDBG/HOME), look up your county limits with HUD’s Income Limits tool. These are the numbers cities like Jackson and Biloxi use for rehab programs.
• For Weatherization, MDHS shows 200% of poverty amounts on its WAP page. For example, MDHS lists 200% poverty at $31,300 for a 1‑person household and $64,300 for a 4‑person household (examples from the MDHS WAP table).
• LIHEAP generally uses 60% of State Median Income and crisis rules. See the MDHS LIHEAP page for current cutoffs and how to apply.

Some programs use 80% of AMI, some 50%, and others use different cutoffs. Always confirm on the agency’s page or through staff before you apply.

Special Groups & Short Examples

Seniors (age 62+)

If you’re 62+ and very‑low‑income in a rural area, you may qualify for a USDA Section 504 grant to remove health/safety hazards. Start with USDA’s 504 page and the Mississippi contacts. For energy‑saving fixes, apply to MDHS Weatherization and ask your Community Action Agency for priority as a senior.

Background article: homerepairgrants.org’s seniors repair grants guide (supporting read).

Example: A 70‑year‑old homeowner near Brookhaven with a leaky roof and unsafe wiring could combine a small USDA 504 grant with WAP air‑sealing. Actual amounts depend on inspection and funding.

Veterans & service members

Disabled veterans can apply for VA’s SAH or SHA to adapt a home (ramps, widened doors, bathrooms). See VA’s disability housing grants and the VA’s application steps. If your VA medical team prescribes changes, HISA can help with medically necessary alterations.

Example: A veteran in Gulfport with mobility limits may use SAH/SHA for a roll‑in shower and ramp, and apply to MDHS WAP for energy measures. You cannot be paid twice for the same repair.

Disabled homeowners

Many city rehab programs set accessibility as a priority—check the City of Jackson’s Housing Rehabilitation Program and Hattiesburg’s owner‑occupied repair. Weatherization also prioritizes households with disabilities on the MDHS WAP page.

Rural residents

USDA 504 is built for rural owner‑occupants who cannot get affordable credit elsewhere. Confirm your address on USDA’s program page and then call the Mississippi RD office that serves your county.

Families with children

Weatherization prioritizes homes with children five and under on the MDHS WAP page. In Jackson, ask about the city’s lead‑hazard repair under the CDBG Limited Repair/Lead Safe initiative described by the city’s CDBG Limited Repair page.

What the Money Really Looks Like

• USDA 504 loan: 1% interest, up to 20 years. Example payment: a $20,000 loan at 1% for 20 years is about $92/month (principal + interest). See USDA’s official terms.
• USDA 504 grant (age 62+): lifetime cap; for health/safety hazards only, per the USDA program page. Grants must be repaid if you sell within 3 years.
• City rehab (CDBG/HOME): often a forgivable or deferred loan recorded as a lien. If you sell or move within the affordability period, some or all may have to be repaid. See Jackson’s rehab details on the city’s program page.
• WAP: no cash to you; it’s direct work on your home via MDHS’ Weatherization program.
• Disaster grants (FEMA/MEMA): assistance depends on verified damage. You cannot get paid twice for the same cost; see FEMA’s Mississippi disaster page.
• Utility rebates: discounts or checks after installing qualifying upgrades. See Mississippi Power’s rebate list and Entergy’s HVAC incentives.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

• Write a short list of urgent issues (roof leak, unsafe wiring, failed HVAC). Photos help.
• Check your income quickly with HUD’s income limits tool and MDHS’s WAP table.
• Call 211 for a referral to your local Community Action Agency using United Way 211.

This week

• If you live outside big cities and your area is rural, call USDA’s Mississippi RD contacts about Section 504.
• Apply for Weatherization via MDHS WAP and for LIHEAP/ECIP on the MDHS LIHEAP page.
• In Jackson, request status updates on the Housing Rehabilitation Program. In Hattiesburg, ask about emergency repairs on the Community Development page.

This month

• Price out safe options using utility rebates (Mississippi Power’s rebates and Entergy’s appliance incentives).
• If storm‑damaged, check FEMA’s Mississippi page and MEMA’s application steps. If in a HUD‑MID area, see the state’s HRRP resources.

Expect waitlists: Weatherization can take months. City rehab cycles open briefly. USDA approvals depend on funding. Keep documents handy and answer calls from unknown numbers during your application period.

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

If you’re denied or funds are out

• Ask for the reason in writing and whether there is an appeal or waiting list date (program pages: Jackson rehab, MDHS WAP).
• Apply to another stream (USDA 504, then Weatherization, then city rehab). Check Mississippi Power rebates to stretch dollars.
• Reach out to nonprofits. Habitat MS Gulf Coast posts repair/weatherization info on its Home Repair page.

Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

• Starting work before approval — wait for written authorization (FEMA and city rehab will not reimburse unapproved work).
• Using unlicensed contractors — verify licensing when required; ask for permits (city development pages like Jackson’s program page emphasize compliance).
• Missing documents — keep ID, deed, tax bill, income proof, and photos together (MDHS lists document needs on the WAP page).
• Heirs’ property title problems — call the Mississippi Center for Justice’s heirs’ property team or apply via application for service.

Tax/benefit caution: Ask the agency or a tax professional if a grant could affect taxes or benefits like SSI, SSDI, or SNAP.

Phone Scripts

Calling MDHS for Weatherization/LIHEAP

“Hello, my name is [Name]. I live in [City, County]. I’m calling about Weatherization and LIHEAP. My home has [brief issue]. Could you tell me how to complete the pre‑application and which Community Action Agency serves my county?” (MDHS WAP: program page)

Calling a City/County Rehab Office

“Hi, I’m a homeowner in [City]. I’m asking about owner‑occupied housing rehab. I meet low‑income guidelines and need [roof/electrical/accessibility] repairs. When is the next application window and what documents should I bring?” (Jackson example: program page)

Calling USDA Rural Development about 504

“Hello, I live in [Town/County] and own my home. I’m interested in the Section 504 Home Repair program. Could you check if my address is eligible and send me the intake forms?” (Use the Mississippi RD contacts)

Calling a Nonprofit (Habitat)

“Hi, I’m a homeowner in [County]. Do you have any current home repair or weatherization programs I can apply for, or can you refer me to one?” (Gulf Coast example: Habitat MS Gulf Coast repair page)

FAQs (Mississippi‑Specific)

Do Mississippi programs help with mobile/manufactured homes?

Often yes, but rules vary. Weatherization considers many manufactured homes if they’re owner‑occupied (see MDHS WAP info). USDA 504 can help rural owner‑occupants; ask the Mississippi RD office about your specific home.

Can I get help if I’m behind on utilities?

Apply for LIHEAP and crisis aid on MDHS’s LIHEAP page. Some utilities also coordinate aid; MDHS highlights Entergy’s efforts in its LIHEAP + Entergy note.

What if my income is slightly over the limit?

Try other paths: utility rebates (Mississippi Power’s rebate page), Weatherization waitlists, and city programs that use different cutoffs. Always verify the exact AMI limits with HUD’s tool.

I’m in Jackson and need roof and wiring help. Where do I start?

Check the city’s Housing Rehabilitation Program for application status. Then apply for WAP on MDHS’s Weatherization page. If rural outskirts, add USDA 504.

How long do these programs take?

Weatherization can take months. City rehab cycles open briefly and may have a waitlist (see Hattiesburg’s public notice cadence on public notices). USDA 504 timelines depend on funding in your area; ask your RD contact.

Will I have to pay back city rehab money?

Possibly. Many CDBG/HOME repairs are forgivable or deferred loans recorded as liens. If you sell or move before the affordability period ends, some or all may be due. Jackson describes general rules on its program page.

We have heirs’ property and the deed is tangled. What do we do?

Call the Mississippi Center for Justice’s Heirs’ Property program or use their application for service. If you need broader civil legal help, the Mississippi Center for Legal Services lists intake info on its Apply for Help page.

Is there help for Native American homeowners?

Ask your tribal housing office about HUD/tribal programs and the BIA’s Housing Improvement Program. Some assistance is limited to households in approved tribal service areas.

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Resumen en español (corto)

Este resumen es para dueños de casa en Mississippi con ingresos bajos, incluyendo adultos mayores, personas con discapacidades, familias con niños y residentes rurales. La ayuda principal viene de tres lugares: (1) programas federales, (2) programas del estado/ciudades, y (3) utilidades y organizaciones sin fines de lucro.

Para reparaciones en zonas rurales, el programa de USDA (Sección 504) ofrece préstamos al 1% y, para mayores de 62 años, subvenciones pequeñas para peligros de salud/seguridad. Vea la página oficial de USDA y contacte la oficina de Rural Development en Mississippi. Para bajar cuentas de energía y arreglos de eficiencia, solicite la Asistencia de Climatización (WAP) y pida ayuda de emergencia de LIHEAP si hay crisis.

En ciudades, busque programas de rehabilitación para dueños ocupantes. En Jackson, revise la Rehabilitación de Viviendas. En Hattiesburg, vea Desarrollo Comunitario y el programa Clean Start (alcantarillado). Después de desastres, regístrese con FEMA en la página de Mississippi y siga las instrucciones de MEMA.

Para empezar: haga una lista de problemas, junte documentos (ID, escritura, ingresos, facturas), aplique a WAP/LIHEAP, y si vive en zona rural, llame a USDA 504. También llame al 211 para pedir referencias y servicios de intérprete si los necesita.

Repair Type Spotlight: Roofs

Teasing roof leaks can quickly become structural or mold hazards, so prioritize roofs in your scope. USDA 504 grants (age 62+) can remove health/safety hazards; city rehab often allows roof replacement when it protects habitability. For background on common options, see this supportive roof repair guide and then confirm Mississippi‑specific funding on the city/USDA pages above.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Confirm current AMI limits with HUD’s Income Limits tool.
• Verify USDA 504 amounts and forms on USDA’s Section 504 page and contact the Mississippi RD office.
• Check WAP and LIHEAP rules/application steps on MDHS Weatherization and LIHEAP.
• For disasters, use FEMA’s Mississippi page and MEMA’s individual assistance guidance.
• Need a human to guide you? Call 211 Mississippi and ask for local rehab/weatherization referrals.

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

Extras for Specific Situations

Native/Tribal homeowners

If you’re a member of a federally recognized tribe, ask your tribal housing office about programs and look at the BIA’s Housing Improvement Program for repair or replacement options in approved service areas.

Nonprofits in Mississippi (examples)

• Habitat for Humanity MS Gulf Coast lists repairs and weatherization eligibility on its Home Repair page.
• Community Action Agencies coordinate WAP/LIHEAP across counties via MDHS’s Community Services network.

Final Loan & Lien Warnings

• Loans are debt. If income is unstable, a loan—even at 1%—can strain your budget. USDA 504’s loan terms are on the official page.
• City “grants” may be liens that forgive over time. Ask for the affordability period in writing (e.g., 5–10 years) on city pages like Jackson’s program info.
• Disaster programs require you to report FEMA or insurance funds. Keep all letters and receipts to avoid duplication of benefits issues (see FEMA’s state page).