Home Repair Grants in New York

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

This guide is for New York homeowners who are:

• Seniors or people with disabilities needing safe, accessible housing.
• Very low to moderate income and living in older homes that need critical repairs.
• Rural homeowners (upstate, small towns) or city homeowners (NYC and other metros).
• Veterans and surviving spouses with service‑connected needs.
• Families recovering from storms or flooding.

Quick check before you spend time on applications:

• You own and live in the home as your primary residence (most programs require this).
• Your home is in New York (and often in a specific city/county).
• Your income is within a limit tied to the HUD “Area Median Income (AMI).” You can check your area using HUD’s income limits tool during the year.
• You need health, safety, weatherization, accessibility, or code‑related repairs (these get priority).

Top Programs in New York (Quick Table)

Amounts are examples only—each program sets its own caps, rules, and budget. Always confirm details on the official program page before you apply.

Short Federal Snapshot (with New York links)

• USDA Section 504 (rural): In New York, the program is run by the USDA Rural Development New York office. Very‑low‑income rural owners can apply year‑round for a 1% loan (up to $40,000) or, for age 62+, a grant (up to $10,000) to remove health/safety hazards; see USDA’s official program page. A $20,000 loan at 1% for 20 years is about $92/month (principal and interest).
• Weatherization (WAP): New York’s WAP is administered by HCR and delivered by local providers; start on HCR’s weatherization applicants page. For a plain‑English overview of what WAP covers and how it works, see this concise WAP guide.
• FEMA disaster help: After a Presidential disaster declaration, apply for Individual Assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov and check state updates on DHSES’s Individual Assistance page. You cannot be paid twice for the same damage (“duplication of benefits”), so keep all insurance and FEMA decision letters.

New York State Programs (Core Section)

1) Weatherization Assistance Program (energy & health/safety)

WAP provides free home energy upgrades (insulation, air sealing, heating/cooling safety) to income‑eligible households. New Yorkers can confirm eligibility and contact local providers on HCR’s WAP applicants page. WAP is administered by HCR’s Office of Housing Preservation and funded by U.S. DOE and LIHEAP; see the program overview on HCR’s weatherization page.

Money style: WAP is a grant in the form of installed work—no repayment. Expect an energy audit, a scope focused on cost‑effective measures, and potential wait‑lists in high‑demand counties.

2) HEAP Heating Equipment Repair & Replacement (HERR)

If your furnace/boiler or direct heating equipment fails, HEAP HERR can pay an approved contractor to repair or replace it. OTDA lists the benefit caps (for example, up to $4,000 for a repair or up to $8,000 for a replacement) and how to apply on the HEAP program page and the State’s HERR service page.

Money style: Grant paid to the vendor or reimbursement; do not start work before the district authorizes it. Emergency HEAP also exists for shutoff/out‑of‑fuel situations; watch opening dates on OTDA’s HEAP page.

3) RESTORE (seniors, urgent hazards)

RESTORE assists seniors age 60+ with urgent health/safety repairs (e.g., unsafe roofs, broken steps, hazardous wiring). HCR’s page explains eligibility and recent policy updates (e.g., the individual project cap increased to $20,000) on the official RESTORE program page. You apply through a local grantee selected by the State.

Money style: Grant. Grants are administered locally; expect income review (generally up to 100% AMI), a quick health/safety scope, and proof you live in and own the home.

4) Access to Home (accessibility modifications)

Access to Home funds ramps, lifts, wider doorways, roll‑in showers, and other accessibility changes so people with disabilities can remain safely at home. Rules and local administrators are on HCR’s Access to Home page. Some variants support veterans or Medicaid recipients through designated grantees.

Money style: Grant to a local not‑for‑profit/government that manages the work. Owner‑occupied or rental units are eligible when the resident meets disability and income criteria.

5) Resilient Retrofits (flood resilience, statewide)

Resilient Retrofits offers a 50/50 mix of grant and low‑interest loan (up to $50,000 total) for flood vents, sump pumps, backwater valves, relocating utilities above flood lines, and related improvements. See HCR’s program page and a recent announcement summarizing amounts and administrators on HCR’s news release.

Money style: Half grant + half 3% loan. Income is generally up to 120% AMI. The loan creates monthly payments; ask for the amortization schedule before you sign.

6) AHC & home improvement via local partners

New York’s Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC) provides grants to local governments and nonprofits for repairs and rehabilitation of 1–4 family, owner‑occupied homes. Homeowners do not apply to AHC; you apply to a local grantee listed on HCR’s AHC page or in HCR’s Grants Available Through Local Partners. Some projects also use HUD HOME or CDBG funds administered by HCR’s Office of Community Renewal on the OCR page.

Money style: Often a grant with a affordability period or a forgivable/deferred loan secured by a lien. Ask how long the lien lasts and what happens if you sell or transfer.

7) Water & septic help

Homeowners in designated priority areas can get help to replace failing septic systems under the State’s Septic System Replacement Fund (run by participating counties). In the NYC West‑of‑Hudson Watershed, the Catskill Watershed Corporation funds septic repairs and replacements via its septic repair and replacement programs, and offers stormwater reimbursements described on the stormwater management page.

City & County Programs (Selected)

Tip: If your town isn’t listed, call City Hall or your County Community Development office and ask about “owner‑occupied rehabilitation” funded by CDBG or HOME. You can also search HCR’s Grants Available Through Local Partners to find active grantees by county.

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Programs use income limits based on the HUD “Area Median Income (AMI)” for your metro/county. Some use 80% of AMI, others 50% or 60%, and some use different cutoffs. Always confirm with the program and, when in doubt, check HUD’s income limits tool.

• Example: In the Buffalo‑Cheektowaga MSA, the local housing authority lists an 80% AMI limit for a 4‑person household at $80,800; see the BMHA income table on the Public Housing Program page.
• Example: Onondaga County’s SHAPE‑UP shows a 4‑person income limit of $82,800 (effective April 1, 2025) on the County’s program page. Programs using HUD funds typically follow these tables.
• NYC programs often use HPD AMI bands; for instance, HomeFix is open up to 165% AMI and posts sample dollar amounts (e.g., 4‑person household at $267,300) on HPD’s HomeFix page.

These are examples only. HUD updates AMI each year. Use the HUD income limits tool and the program’s official page to confirm current limits for your household size.

Special Groups & Where to Start

Seniors (age 60+)

Start with HCR’s RESTORE for emergency hazards. In NYC, check HPD’s SCHAP for low/no‑interest and potentially forgivable loans. Seniors needing weatherization or safer heating should apply to WAP on HCR’s WAP applicants page and consider HEAP HERR on OTDA’s HEAP page. For a simple overview of senior‑focused options, see this plain‑English seniors repair guide.

Example: A 70‑year‑old homeowner in Albany with a failing furnace could use HEAP HERR for a replacement (vendor paid) and WAP for insulation and air sealing. If a leak caused mold, RESTORE may help address the hazard.

Veterans

Veterans with service‑connected disabilities can apply to VA’s SAH/SHA accessibility grants (find details on VA.gov) and also use New York’s Access to Home (some administrators prioritize vets). In NYC, HPD’s HomeFix offers favorable terms for low‑income owners, and veteran households can also apply for WAP and HEAP where eligible.

Example: A veteran homeowner in Suffolk County who needs a ramp and bathroom modifications could combine a VA grant with Access to Home administered locally by CDCLI, as listed on their Access to Home page.

Disabled homeowners

For accessibility changes (ramps, lifts, door widening, roll‑in showers), check HCR’s Access to Home and county programs like Onondaga’s RAMP. Weatherization can also install health/safety items (like CO/smoke detectors) per HCR’s WAP page.

Rural residents

Start with USDA Section 504 and WAP. USDA New York lists area offices and contacts on the State page at RD New York. For well/septic issues, confirm eligibility under EFC’s septic replacement fund.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

1. List your repair problems by urgency (safety, heat, roof leaks, accessibility).
2. Gather documents: ID, deed, property tax bill, homeowners insurance, utility bills, income proof (pay stubs, Social Security, award letters), mortgage statement.
3. Check your likely eligibility with HUD’s income limits tool.

This week

1. If heat/hot water failed, call your county’s HEAP office via OTDA’s HEAP page about HERR (don’t start work before approval).
2. Apply to WAP through an HCR‑listed local provider; ask about wait‑lists.
3. If you’re rural and very low income, call USDA’s NY office listed at USDA RD New York and ask about Section 504.
4. If you’re in NYC, start with HPD’s HomeFix to cover major systems and roofs; seniors can also look at SCHAP.

This month

1. Check state/local programs: RESTORE (HCR program page), Access to Home (HCR page), Albany/Onondaga/Rochester county/city pages above.
2. If you’ve had flood or sewer backup risk, consider HCR’s Resilient Retrofits; in Albany, see the backwater valve reimbursement.
3. Call 211 to ask about local nonprofits (Habitat, Rebuilding Together). For NYC, dial 311 for city services or use United Way’s 211 directory.

Expectations: Weatherization wait‑lists can be several months. Loan closings (USDA, HPD) can take time. Keep your phone on, voicemail clear, and documents ready.

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

• If denied: Ask for the denial in writing, the reason, and whether there is an appeal or re‑review. Ask when you can reapply.
• If funds are out: Ask about wait‑lists and the next funding round on the HCR local partners list, or check USDA’s 504 page—504 is open year‑round.
• Duplication of benefits: Disaster grants (FEMA, state programs) cannot pay for the same item twice. Keep your FEMA and insurance letters; see DisasterAssistance.gov’s steps.
• Title issues (heirs’ property): Programs usually need proof of ownership. If you inherited the home without a clear deed, contact Legal Aid or your county bar association for help clearing title.

Common mistakes and quick fixes:

• Starting work before approval → Wait for written authorization (HEAP HERR, city rehab, FEMA).
• Missing documents → Use a simple folder; ask the program for its checklist.
• Unlicensed contractor → Use lists provided by programs or check licensing with your city/county.
• Not answering calls → Programs often call from blocked/unknown numbers. Pick up or call back quickly.
• Not understanding liens → Many “grants” are forgivable loans with a lien for 3–10 years. Ask the term, recapture rules, and what happens if you sell or refinance.

Phone Scripts (keep it short and specific)

Calling a Weatherization provider

“Hi, my name is [Name]. I own and live at [address] in [County]. My household of [#] is roughly [X]% of AMI. I’d like to apply for Weatherization for insulation and heating safety. Could you tell me your intake steps and current wait‑time?” (Find your provider on HCR’s WAP applicants page.)

Calling a city/county rehab program

“Hi, I’m calling about your owner‑occupied rehabilitation program. I have [urgent issue]. I’m an owner‑occupant at [address] with household income around [amount]. What documents do you need and is there a wait‑list?” (Examples: Albany ACDA’s programs, Rochester’s EAP/Rehab.)

Calling USDA Rural Development (Section 504)

“Hello, I’m a rural homeowner in [Town/County]. I’m interested in Section 504 home repair. My income is about [amount] for [#] people. Could you confirm if I’m eligible for the 1% loan or, if I’m 62+, the grant? What’s the current timeline and documents needed?” (Use contacts on USDA RD New York.)

Calling a nonprofit (Habitat / Rebuilding Together)

“Hi, I’m an owner‑occupant in [City/County]. I need [critical repair/accessibility]. My income is about [amount] for [#] people. Do you have a critical home repair program open now, and can you help with scopes and contractors?” (Examples: Rebuilding Together NYC Housing Preservation; Rebuilding Together Saratoga Apply for Services.)

FAQs (New York‑specific)

Q1. Can mobile/manufactured homes get help?
Yes. WAP covers manufactured homes per HCR’s WAP applicants page, and HCR’s Mobile & Manufactured Home Replacement program funds local grantees to replace unsafe units sited on owner‑owned land.

Q2. I’m in NYC—what should I try first?
For major systems/roof work, start with HPD’s HomeFix. Seniors should also check SCHAP. For lead hazards, see HPD’s Lead Hazard Reduction. Apply to WAP via HCR’s provider directory.

Q3. My income is a little over the limit—any options?
Some programs allow higher incomes (e.g., NYC HomeFix up to 165% AMI on the program page). Statewide, HCR’s Resilient Retrofits serves up to 120% AMI. Utilities and NYSERDA’s EmPower+ also help moderate‑income households with energy upgrades.

Q4. Will I have to pay anything back?
True grants (WAP, many RESTORE projects) do not require repayment. HEAP HERR pays vendors directly. Many rehab programs use forgivable or deferred loans recorded as a lien—sell or move too soon and you may owe part or all back. HPD’s SCHAP explains loan types on its program page. USDA 504 loans are 1% for up to 20 years.

Q5. How do disaster grants interact with insurance?
FEMA and State recovery funds coordinate with insurance. You cannot be paid twice for the same damage. Keep all documentation and check the FEMA application checklist and DHSES Individual Assistance page.

Q6. I have a sewer backup problem—any help?
Some localities offer help for backflow/backup prevention. Albany runs a Backwater Valve Reimbursement. Check your city/county water or sewer department; septic system grants are listed on the State EFC septic replacement fund page.

Q7. I can’t afford heating fuel or my heat is off.
Apply to HEAP on OTDA’s program page and ask about Emergency HEAP and HERR for heating equipment. Some counties post local HEAP updates (e.g., Onondaga’s HEAP page).

Q8. How long will this take?
It varies. Weatherization often has a waiting list. USDA loan processing depends on funding and file completeness (contacts on RD New York). City rehab programs may batch applications; always ask for the current timeline.

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Checklist

• Write your top 3 urgent repairs.
• Check income eligibility on HUD’s income limits tool.
• Gather documents: ID, deed, tax bill, insurance, income proof, mortgage, utility bills.
• Apply to 2–3 primary programs: WAP, HEAP HERR (if heat), city/county rehab, USDA 504 (rural), and one nonprofit.
• Track: date applied, case number, contact name/phone/email, requested documents, deadlines.

Contacts (quick list)

Resumen en español

Esta guía es para propietarios de vivienda en New York con ingresos bajos o moderados (incluye personas mayores, con discapacidades, padres solteros, dueños en zonas rurales y veteranos). Su meta es mostrar dónde empezar, si podría calificar y los pasos para solicitar ayuda.

• Para eficiencia y seguridad en el hogar: solicite el Programa de Climatización (WAP) en la página de HCR para solicitantes de weatherization.
• Si su caldera/horno falló: pida la reparación o reemplazo por HEAP HERR en la página de OTDA HEAP. No empiece trabajos sin autorización.
• Si vive en zona rural y sus ingresos son muy bajos: llame a USDA Rural Development (Sección 504) en USDA New York (préstamos al 1% y, para mayores de 62 años, pequeñas subvenciones).
• Para dueños en NYC: empiece con HomeFix (préstamos de reparación) y, si es mayor de 60 años, con SCHAP.
• Si sufrió daños por tormentas o inundaciones: revise Resilient Retrofits y, si hay declaración federal, solicite en DisasterAssistance.gov.
• ¿Necesita ayuda para encontrar programas o intérprete? Llame al 211 y pida servicios de idioma.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Confirm income eligibility with HUD’s income limits tool.
• For USDA rural loans/grants, see the New York page at USDA RD New York and the national Section 504 page.
• For weatherization, use HCR’s WAP applicants page.
• For disaster help and declarations, check DisasterAssistance.gov and DHSES’s Individual Assistance page.
• To find local rehab grants administered by nonprofits or municipalities, use HCR’s Grants Available Through Local Partners.

Rules, amounts, and income limits change. Always confirm on the official program page or with a trusted housing counselor. If you’re unsure how a grant/loan affects your taxes or benefits (SSI, SSDI, SNAP), ask the agency or a tax professional.