Home Repair Grants in North Dakota

This plain‑language guide is for North Dakota homeowners who need help fixing health, safety, or energy problems at home. It covers who might qualify, the top programs to try first, and step‑by‑step actions 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

• Seniors, disabled homeowners, single parents, rural households, veterans, and families with limited income living in North Dakota.
• Owners of the home (including manufactured homes on a permanent foundation) where the repairs are needed.

Quick check:

• You own and live in the home in North Dakota (primary residence).
• Your income is low to very low for your county or you receive benefits like SSI, SNAP, or LIHEAP.
• Repairs are about health, safety, accessibility, or weather/energy issues (roof leaks, furnace, wiring, plumbing, ramps, insulation).
• You can show recent bills, proof of ownership, and ID when asked.

Top Programs in North Dakota (Quick Table)

Amounts and eligibility change. Always check the program page for current rules and whether applications are open.

Short Federal Snapshot (North Dakota specifics)

• USDA Section 504 Home Repair is the main federal repair program in rural ND. Loans are 1% for up to 20 years; grants are for age 62+ to fix health/safety hazards. Review the USDA program overview and contact the USDA North Dakota office to apply. For background in plain language, see this Section 504 guide (supporting explainer).
• Weatherization Assistance (WAP) is administered by ND Commerce and delivered by Community Action agencies. Apply on the state’s Weatherization Assistance page; LIHEAP approval makes you categorically eligible.
• FEMA repair grants may be available after severe storms or floods, but only if a presidential disaster is declared. Start with the state’s Individual Assistance info and, when applicable, apply through FEMA’s assistance portal. You can’t be paid twice for the same damage.

North Dakota Programs (How they work)

1) LIHEAP heating, furnace, and cooling help

North Dakota’s LIHEAP helps with winter heating bills, cooling devices, chimney cleaning, and furnace cleaning/repair. It now accepts applications year‑round. Start at the state’s LIHEAP program page and call the Customer Support Center if you have a shutoff notice.

• Type of help: Utility benefit; emergency repair; cooling device; no cash to the homeowner.
• Income: The HHS page lists current income limits for the season; see the posted LIHEAP income table.
• Next steps: After approval, bring your LIHEAP notice to Community Action for furnace issues or weatherization. The HHS page explains referrals to Community Action (CAP) services.

2) Weatherization Assistance (WAP)

WAP installs energy upgrades like insulation and air sealing and addresses health/safety items related to energy use. Apply through ND Commerce’s Weatherization Assistance portal; your application routes to your local Community Action agency.

• Type of help: Free in‑home work; not a cash grant; not a remodel program.
• Eligibility: Income at or below 200% of poverty (as shown on the state WAP page); LIHEAP households are automatically eligible.
• Local delivery: Find your Community Action provider on the CAPND state association site.

3) USDA Section 504 Home Repair (rural)

For rural owner‑occupants who are very low income, USDA Section 504 can finance critical health, safety, and accessibility work. Review the federal program page and call the North Dakota RD office.

• Type of help: 1% loan up to 20 years; grants for age 62+ to fix hazards. Grants must be repaid if you sell within 3 years.
• Amounts: USDA currently lists a $40,000 loan cap and a $10,000 grant cap; in declared disasters the grant cap can be higher, as shown on USDA’s disaster repair page.
• Rural check: Use USDA’s eligibility links to confirm your address is in an eligible area.

4) ND Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) – rehab funding that flows through local groups

NDHFA’s “Helping HAND” provides grant dollars to Community Action Agencies and a few nonprofits for critical repairs statewide. See the 2025 distribution on ND Housing’s Helping HAND press release, then ask your local Community Action office about current rehab slots.

• Type of help: Grant funding routed to local rehab programs; you will work with the local agency, not NDHFA directly.
• Who qualifies: Households at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) served by participating agencies; projects often focus on roofs and similar hazards, as NDHFA notes in its program summary.
• How to start: Call your Community Action office listed on CAPND’s state association site and ask about “Helping HAND rehab openings.”

5) Regional and local repair programs

• Grand Forks region: The Red River Regional Council operates a Housing Rehab program for owner‑occupied homes (health/safety scope; mobile homes generally excluded unless on a permanent foundation).
• Devils Lake region: Dakota Prairie Community Action’s Home Rehabilitation Program serves households at ≤80% of county median; they also run furnace/water‑heater help tied to LIHEAP.
• Minot and surrounding counties: Community Action Partnership Minot lists weatherization and related services on its agency page; call to ask about current rehab funding.
• Dickinson/Williston area: Community Action Partnership provides WAP and HOME rehab; see their weatherization and HOME rehab page and contact offices listed on the contact page.
• Bismarck region: Region VII’s Community Action lists weatherization, emergency furnace repair, and limited rehab on its programs page; phone and address are on the contact page.

6) City rehab/low‑interest loan options

Several metro cities run “Neighborhood Revitalization” (NRI) loans in partnership with local lenders for code, energy, and major systems work.

• Fargo: The city posts deadlines and contacts on the NRI program page; its rehab grant program is currently closed, but the page links to other resources.
• West Fargo: Low‑interest loans are outlined on the Neighborhood Revitalization page (past year: up to $100,000, owner‑occupied, target neighborhoods).
• Bismarck: City details are posted in the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative; check annually for application windows.
• Mandan: NRI criteria and lender options are shown on the city’s NRI page (min/max loan amounts and eligible projects listed).

These NRI programs are loans, not grants. Read terms, rates, and fees carefully with the city and lender before you apply.

City & County Programs (at a glance)

Smaller towns may also use CDBG/HOME funds for owner‑occupied rehab. Call City Hall or the county’s community development office and ask about “owner‑occupied rehabilitation with CDBG/HOME.” The ND Commerce CDBG page includes a Housing & CDBG overview.

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Programs use different income rules. Some use 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), some use 50%, and some use other cutoffs. Always check the program rules and confirm with the official HUD income limits tool.

• HUD examples (FY 2025, examples only): In the Fargo metro, HUD’s low‑income (80% AMI) for a 4‑person household is in the low $90,000s; in the Bismarck metro, a 4‑person 80% AMI is in the mid $90,000s. Use HUD’s income limits tool and select your county or metro for exact current numbers.
• LIHEAP limits: ND HHS posts current LIHEAP income limits on the state’s LIHEAP page (60% of state median income; table on that page).
• Local rehab (Helping HAND/CAA) and city programs: Many use HUD‑based AMI thresholds. For local reference, ND Commerce provides a CDBG housing page with a link to community LMI data.

Special Groups & Short Examples

Seniors (62+)

• Try first: USDA Section 504 grant for hazard removal (age 62+), the state’s LIHEAP furnace/cooling benefits, and WAP via ND Commerce’s weatherization page.
• Example: A 70‑year‑old in Jamestown with a failing furnace can apply for LIHEAP, then ask Community Action Region VI about emergency furnace replacement and weatherization; if the roof is also failing, ask the agency about NDHFA’s Helping HAND funds listed on ND Housing’s grant announcement.
• Background tips for seniors appear in this short seniors repair guide (supporting explainer).

Veterans

• Try first: If you have a service‑connected disability, the VA’s adapted housing grants (SAH/SHA) can fund ramps, bathrooms, and other accessibility modifications. VA lists current maximums on the disability housing grants page.
• FY 2026 amounts (effective Oct. 1, 2025): SAH up to $126,526 and SHA up to $25,350, per VA’s program page.
• Also apply: LIHEAP/WAP via the state and, if rural, USDA Section 504 via the USDA ND office.

Disabled homeowners

• Try first: WAP for energy and health/safety items, LIHEAP for furnace and cooling device help, and city/CAA rehab for accessibility. Ask about any accessibility set‑asides referenced by ND Housing in its project financing documents.
• Example: A homeowner in Bismarck who needs a roll‑in shower can apply for city NRI loans (see Bismarck NRI) and ask Region VII CAP about rehab assistance listed on their programs page.

Rural residents

• Try first: USDA Section 504 plus WAP; confirm rural eligibility through USDA’s links on the federal 504 page.
• Example: A homeowner outside Minot with very low income can combine a small 1% loan and a modest grant to repair a leaking roof and unsafe wiring; loan/grant mixes are decided by the USDA office on a case‑by‑case basis as shown on the ND RD page.

Tribal members (home on reservation)

• Try first: Ask your tribal housing office about the BIA Housing Improvement Program (HIP). The federal HIP overview and eligibility are on Indian Affairs’ housing program page.
• Example: A Standing Rock homeowner with substandard housing can ask the Tribe about HIP application windows like the notice posted on the Standing Rock site and also check LIHEAP through the tribe or the state’s LIHEAP portal.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

• If denied: Ask for the reason in writing. Ask whether there is an appeal or a quick re‑review. For LIHEAP, the appeal form and instructions are on the HHS LIHEAP page.
• If funds are exhausted: Ask when the next funding round opens and to be placed on the wait‑list. Check other options like city NRI loans or USDA 504 loans via the USDA ND office.
• Nonprofits: Some Habitat affiliates offer limited repairs; check program pages like Red River Valley Habitat’s Habitat Helpers Repairs and call to discuss eligibility.

Common mistakes (and quick fixes):

• Starting work before written approval → Wait for the award/loan closing first.
• Missing documents → Use the program’s checklist and submit complete copies.
• Unlicensed contractors → Use licensed/insured contractors when required; cities often list tips on their program pages.
• Title/heirs’ property issues → Ask Legal Services of ND via HUD’s North Dakota resource page for legal aid referrals.
• Duplication of benefits after a disaster → If FEMA paid for your roof, another program usually can only help with remaining unmet needs.

Phone Scripts (short and simple)

• State WAP/LIHEAP: “Hello, I live in [city/county]. I’m a homeowner with [brief problem, e.g., no heat/leaking roof]. I applied for LIHEAP and want to ask about furnace help and weatherization. What documents do you need from me today?” (LIHEAP info is on the HHS LIHEAP page.)
• City rehab/NRI: “Hi, I’m an owner‑occupant in [neighborhood]. I’m interested in your Neighborhood Revitalization loan for [roof/electrical/accessibility]. When is the next application window and what are the basic requirements?” (See city pages such as West Fargo NRP.)
• USDA Section 504: “Hello, I’m in a rural area near [town]. I’m very low income and need to fix [hazard]. Could I qualify for a Section 504 repair loan or grant? What should I submit first?” (Contacts on USDA ND office page.)
• Community Action (rehab/Helping HAND): “Hi, I live in [county]. I’m calling about any owner‑occupied rehab or Helping HAND funds for critical repairs. How do I get on the list, and what paperwork should I bring?” (Find agencies via CAPND.)

FAQs (North Dakota‑specific)

Do programs help mobile/manufactured homes?
Many do, especially WAP and LIHEAP furnace help, but some rehab programs require a permanent foundation and owner‑occupied status. WAP eligibility is explained on the ND Commerce Weatherization page.

What if I’m a little over the income limit?
Ask the agency to check your 80% AMI for your exact household size on HUD’s income limits tool. If you’re over for grants, look at city NRI low‑interest loans (see Fargo NRI or Mandan NRI) or a USDA 1% loan through the USDA ND office.

Will I have a lien on my home?
Yes, many city rehab loans and some forgivable loans are recorded as liens. Even some “grants” carry a period where you must stay in the home. Read the loan or grant agreement and ask the city or agency to explain any lien or recapture terms before signing. City programs post details on pages like West Fargo’s program.

How long do these take?
Weatherization and rehab often have wait‑lists (months). LIHEAP emergencies can move faster. City loan programs open for limited windows posted on pages like Bismarck’s NRI page and Fargo NRI.

I had storm damage. What first?
Document everything and file insurance claims. If a federal disaster is declared for your county, review state guidance on the Individual Assistance page and apply with FEMA. Do not accept duplicative benefits; programs coordinate to avoid paying for the same item twice.

Are there utility rebates to help with equipment?
Some utilities offer limited programs. Otter Tail lists off‑peak thermal storage rebates on its program page; Montana‑Dakota Utilities currently lists no ND residential incentives on its savings page. Always confirm with your provider.

What about property tax relief?
Tax help is not a repair grant but can lower costs. The State Tax Commissioner explains credits like the Primary Residence Credit, and cities may offer Renaissance Zone incentives in designated areas (see Bismarck Renaissance Zone or West Fargo’s program).

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Resumen en español (breve)

Este guía es para propietarios de vivienda en Dakota del Norte con ingresos bajos o fijos. Enfóquese primero en ayuda para seguridad y energía.

• LIHEAP (calefacción/enfriamiento): Solicite en la página de LIHEAP de HHS. Si le aprueban, puede recibir reparación o reemplazo de horno y ayuda para aire acondicionado a través de su agencia local de Community Action.
• Climatización (WAP): Mejora de aislamiento, sellado y seguridad. Inicie la solicitud en la página de Weatherization del estado. Es gratis para hogares elegibles.
• USDA Sección 504 (zonas rurales): Préstamo al 1% y, para mayores de 62 años, subsidio para eliminar peligros. Llame a la oficina estatal en la página de USDA Rural Development ND.
• Reparaciones locales: Pregunte en su agencia de Community Action por fondos de “Helping HAND” (ND Housing). Vea el directorio en CAPND.
• Ciudades grandes: Fargo, West Fargo, Bismarck y Mandan tienen préstamos de rehabilitación (NRI). Busque los detalles en las páginas de Fargo NRI o Bismarck NRI.

Si necesita intérprete, llame al 211 o a su oficina local y pida servicios de idioma. Tenga a mano comprobantes de ingresos, identificación y una lista de reparaciones de seguridad.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Confirm income eligibility with HUD’s income limits tool for your county/metro and household size.
• For USDA 504 loans/grants, use the federal program page and contact the USDA ND office.
• Apply for weatherization on ND Commerce’s WAP page and energy help via the LIHEAP portal.
• Disaster updates and registration are posted on the state’s Individual Assistance page and FEMA’s assistance site.
• For local rehab funding flows (Helping HAND), watch ND Housing’s program updates and call your Community Action office via CAPND.

Rules, amounts, and income limits change. Always confirm details with the agency or a trusted housing counselor before you start. Ask whether funds are grants, forgivable loans with liens, or standard loans, and how taxes or benefits could be affected.