Home Repair Grants in Ohio
This plain‑language guide is for low‑income Ohio homeowners who need help fixing urgent problems like roofs, heat, plumbing, wiring, or accessibility. It explains who may qualify, which programs to try first, what the money looks like (grants vs. loans), and the exact steps to apply with Ohio agencies and local programs.
Who This Is For & Quick Eligibility Check
- Homeowners living in Ohio (including seniors, people with disabilities, single parents, rural households, and veterans).
- You live in the home as your primary residence and your name is on the deed or title.
- Your household income is low or very low for your county, based on HUD’s limits; you can check your area in HUD’s income limits tool.
- The repair affects health, safety, or habitability (roof leaks, no heat, unsafe wiring, sewer/septic failure, accessibility barriers).
Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, call 2‑1‑1 to reach United Way’s statewide helpline. In many counties, United Way 211 connects you to local city/county repair programs and energy assistance.
Top Programs in Ohio (Quick Table)
| Program | Type | Example max help ($) | Mainly helps | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USDA Section 504 Home Repair (Ohio) | Loan/grant | Loan up to $40,000 at 1%; grant up to $10,000; up to $50,000 combined (more in disaster areas) — examples only | Very‑low‑income rural homeowners; grants for age 62+ | USDA Ohio page under Single‑Family Repair (see state contacts) |
| Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) | Grant (no payback) | Weatherization at no cost after energy audit (insulation, air sealing, furnace repair/replacement) | Households at or below 200% of poverty; seniors/disabled prioritized | Apply via the state HWAP factsheet or the Energy Assistance portal at energyhelp.ohio.gov |
| Community Housing Impact & Preservation (CHIP) | Grant or forgivable loan | Varies by county; often covers major repairs/rehab | Low‑ to moderate‑income owners; run by cities/counties | See your county’s program (for example, Greene County CHIP and the state’s recent CHIP awards notice) |
| Columbus Emergency Repair | Grant | Up to $7,500 for emergencies — example only | City of Columbus homeowners ≤50% AMI | City’s Emergency Repair Program |
| Columbus Chores (minor safety repairs) | Grant | Up to $1,000 per project — example only | Age 60+ or disabled; ≤80% AMI | City’s Chores Program |
| Cleveland Senior Homeowner Assistance (SHAP) | Grant | One critical repair per 10 years (roof, porch, plumbing, electrical, accessibility) | Low‑income seniors/disabled (≤35% AMI) | City’s Home Repair programs (apply through Department of Aging) |
| Cincinnati Housing Repair Services (HRS) | Grant (tiered) | Emergency up to $5k; immediate up to $10k; critical up to $20k — examples only | Low‑income owner‑occupants in city limits | City’s Housing Resources page (administered with People Working Cooperatively) |
| Summit County Housing Rehabilitation | Deferred/forgivable loan | 5‑year forgivable assistance for health/safety and roofs | Low‑ to moderate‑income owners outside Akron/Barberton/Cuyahoga Falls | County’s Housing Rehabilitation Program |
| Septic (HSTS) repair/replacement | Grant (income‑based) | Often covers 50–100% of costs — example only | Low‑ to moderate‑income owners with failing septic | County health districts, e.g., Hamilton County WPCLF or Ashtabula HSTS |
| Lead‑Safe Home (Cleveland) | Grant/loan/incentives | Grants up to $12,000; certification incentives available — examples only | Owner‑occupants and landlords in City of Cleveland | Lead Safe Cleveland’s financial assistance via the Lead Safe Home Fund |
| VA SAH/SHA (adapted housing) | Grant | FY2026 SAH up to $126,526; SHA up to $25,350 — examples only | Veterans with qualifying service‑connected disabilities | VA’s disability housing grants page |
Short Federal Snapshot (Ohio)
- USDA Section 504 (Ohio): For rural homes, USDA offers 1% repair loans (up to 20 years) and small grants for seniors. Start on the USDA Ohio 504 page, then call the listed Ohio contacts. A simple example: a $20,000 loan at 1% for 20 years is about $92 per month. For a plain‑English overview, see this background primer on the USDA 504 program guide.
- Weatherization (HWAP): Ohio’s weatherization is free if you qualify. Apply through the state’s Energy Assistance portal or follow the steps in the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel HWAP factsheet.
- Disaster repairs (FEMA): If your county is in a federal disaster, register quickly at DisasterAssistance.gov and check the Ohio page at FEMA Ohio. You cannot be paid twice for the same damage (called “duplication of benefits”). Ohio also lists state contacts on FEMA’s state referral page.
Ohio Programs (Core Details)
1) CHIP (city/county home repair & rehab)
Ohio’s local governments use CHIP funds to fix critical problems (roofs, furnaces, electrical, plumbing, accessibility) for low‑income owners. Awards can be grants or forgivable loans, and each city/county sets rules and waitlists. Recent state announcements show CHIP grants going to dozens of communities; see the Development Department’s CHIP awards press release and check your local site (for example, the Greene County CHIP page).
Money truth: Some CHIP “grants” are recorded as a lien for several years. If you sell or move before that period ends, you may have to repay part or all. Ask your local community development office to explain the lien and forgiveness schedule in writing.
2) Weatherization & utility efficiency
Ohio’s HWAP provides free energy fixes after an audit (insulation, air sealing, furnace and water‑heater work). Start through the Energy Assistance portal or, if you prefer a factsheet, see the Consumers’ Counsel HWAP page. In many counties, Community Action Agencies deliver the service; for example, CHN Housing Partners serves Cuyahoga County’s county weatherization program.
You may also qualify for utility‑funded weatherization. For Columbia Gas customers, the WarmChoice program can add insulation, seal air leaks, and repair/replace gas furnaces and water heaters at no cost if income‑eligible.
3) Septic (HSTS) emergency help
If your septic system is failing, many Ohio county health departments offer income‑based help through Ohio EPA’s WPCLF. For example, Hamilton County describes 50–100% coverage tiers on its WPCLF page, and Ashtabula lists 2025 HSTS income limits. For background on options and program types, this sewer‑focused explainer can help: see the sewer repair grants guide.
4) Lead safety (Cleveland and suburbs)
In Cleveland, the Lead Safe Home Fund provides grants, loans, and incentives to control hazards and meet the city’s lead‑safe rules; see the coalition’s page on financial assistance. Outside the city, Cuyahoga County’s Lead Safe program helps eligible suburban households reduce risks for children under six.
5) Save the Dream Ohio & home repair resources
Ohio’s Homeowner Assistance Fund (Save the Dream) continues as funding allows; see OHFA’s current HAF update for what is still covered and deadlines. For a broader toolbox, OHFA’s Power of Home provides a statewide home‑repair resource lookup and access to an affordable improvement loan through a partner bank.
City & County Programs (Examples)
| City/County | Program | What it helps | Who qualifies | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | Emergency Repair; Chores (minor) | Emergencies like no heat, unsafe wiring, burst lines; small safety fixes | Owners in city limits; ≤50% AMI (Emergency); seniors/disabled ≤80% AMI (Chores) | City pages for Emergency Repair and Chores Program |
| Cleveland | SHAP; Repair‑A‑Home (RAH) | SHAP grants for one critical repair; RAH low‑interest/deferred loans | Seniors/disabled (SHAP ≤35% AMI); owner‑occupants for RAH | City’s Home Repair programs and the Department of Aging’s Aging page |
| Cincinnati | Housing Repair Services (HRS); HARBOR referrals | Emergency, immediate, and critical repairs; code‑violation assistance | Low‑income owners in city limits | City’s Housing Resources (repairs delivered with People Working Cooperatively) |
| Summit County | Housing Rehabilitation; Minor Repair; HWAP | Forgivable assistance for roofs/health hazards; separate weatherization | Low‑ to moderate‑income owners outside certain cities | County pages for Housing Rehab and HWAP |
| Cuyahoga County (outside Cleveland) | County HWAP | Insulation, furnace/water‑heater, basic efficiency fixes | Income‑eligible owners and renters | County’s HWAP page (administered by CHN Housing Partners) |
| Toledo | Home Rescue / Rehab; water/sewer help | Owner‑occupied rehab addressing code/lead; lead line replacement | Low‑ to moderate‑income owners | City’s Homeowners’ resources (includes basement flooding rebates) |
| Lucas County | Land Bank Home Preservation | Free home visit + low‑interest loans (e.g., roofs, HVAC, electrical) | Owner‑occupants current on taxes | Land Bank’s Home Preservation Initiative |
| Elyria (Lorain Co.) | CDBG Emergency Home Repair | Health/safety repairs; up to $20,000 grant (example only) | Income‑eligible owner‑occupants | City’s Community Development resources |
Smaller cities often have “owner‑occupied rehab” through CHIP or CDBG/HOME. Call your City Hall’s community development office or dial 2‑1‑1 and ask for “owner‑occupied home repair.”
Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies
Programs use different cutoffs. Some use 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), some 50%, and some even 35% for special senior programs. Always check your local program page and HUD’s income limits tool for your exact county/metro.
- Columbus example (80% AMI): The city’s Chores page lists 80% limits effective June 1, 2025 — for a 4‑person household, $87,200 (example only). See the published table on the Chores Program page.
- Columbus emergency (50% AMI): The Emergency Repair page shows 50% limits (e.g., 4‑person $54,500 at the time listed). See the table on the Emergency Repair page.
- Cleveland SHAP: The senior grant uses 35% AMI and allows one critical repair every 10 years; details appear on the city’s Home Repair page.
These are examples only. Limits change each year. Confirm on your local program page or through HUD’s income limits tool.
Special Groups & Where to Start
Seniors (age 60+)
- Try your city/county senior programs first. In Franklin County, Senior Options covers minor home repairs for residents 60+. Cleveland offers SHAP through its Department of Aging.
- For home safety and small fixes, apply to HWAP and ask about minor modifications. Start at energyhelp.ohio.gov or check the HWAP factsheet.
- If you’re rural and very low income, consider USDA 504 grants for age 62+ on the USDA Ohio 504 page; for background, see this seniors‑focused summary of options: the seniors repair grants guide.
Example: A 70‑year‑old homeowner in Columbus with low income could pair the city’s Emergency Repair for a failed furnace and ask HWAP to assess insulation and air sealing in the same season.
Veterans
- For serious service‑connected disabilities, the VA’s SAH/SHA grants can fund ramps, wider doors, roll‑in showers, and more. Check current caps and how to apply on the VA’s disability housing grants page.
- In Greater Cincinnati/Dayton, People Working Cooperatively provides critical home repairs for qualifying veterans; start with PWC via the city’s Housing Resources page.
Disabled homeowners
- Ask your local program about accessibility modifications (grab bars, ramps, door widening). Columbus’ Critical Home Repair helps with barrier removal and independent‑living improvements.
- For energy and safety, apply to HWAP through energyhelp.ohio.gov and mention disability or medical vulnerability to your provider.
Rural households
- Check USDA 504 loans/grants on the USDA Ohio page and verify your address is rural in Eligibility. Many counties also run CHIP rehab; see your county’s community development page or review the state’s recent CHIP awards.
- If you use a septic system, ask your county health department about WPCLF assistance (e.g., Ashtabula HSTS shows 2025 income tiers).
Step‑by‑Step Action Plan
Today (or as soon as you can)
- List your urgent problems (e.g., roof leak, no heat, sparking outlet, sewer backup).
- Gather basics: photo ID, deed or title, recent utility bills, last 30–60 days income, mortgage statement, and homeowner’s insurance page.
- If heat or power is off, apply at energyhelp.ohio.gov and ask about HWAP and emergency utility aid. If septic is failing, call your county health district (see examples like Hamilton County WPCLF).
This week
- If you’re in Columbus or Cleveland, apply to the city programs first (Emergency Repair or SHAP/RAH). In Cincinnati, call HRS via the city’s Housing Resources page.
- If you’re rural and very low income, call USDA about 504 on the USDA Ohio page and ask which office handles your county.
- Apply to HWAP for energy‑related repairs through energyhelp.ohio.gov or the HWAP factsheet (providers listed).
This month
- Check your county/city for CHIP; see examples like Greene County or the latest statewide CHIP awards. Get your name on the list even if funding rounds are closed.
- If you had disaster damage, register at DisasterAssistance.gov and check FEMA Ohio for any open Disaster Recovery Centers.
- Track case numbers, contacts, and deadlines. A one‑page tracker is in the checklist below.
Expectation setting: Weatherization and city rehab programs often have waitlists of months. Apply early, answer calls from unknown numbers (they might be inspectors), and keep documents handy for re‑verification.
Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes
- If denied or funds are gone: Ask for the reason in writing, when the next round opens, and whether there’s an appeal or a waitlist. Meanwhile, check nonprofit options like People Working Cooperatively (Cincinnati area) or Rebuilding Together NE Ohio (Summit/Cuyahoga/Portage/Stark).
- Common mistakes (and quick fixes):
- Starting work before approval — wait until you have a written award/notice to proceed.
- Missing documents — use the checklist below; ask staff what exact proof works for them.
- Unlicensed contractor — many programs require licensed/insured firms; ask for the approved list.
- Title issues (heirs’ property) — get free help from legal aid; for example, contact the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland if you’re in NE Ohio.
- Money warnings: Some “grants” are actually deferred/forgivable loans recorded as a lien (for example, Summit County’s 5‑year forgivable loan). Loans are debt; make sure payments fit your budget.
- Taxes/benefits: Ask the agency or a tax professional if an award could affect your taxes or benefits (SSI, SSDI, SNAP). HUD‑funded help usually isn’t taxable income, but confirm.
- Disasters: You can’t receive duplicate benefits. If FEMA paid for a roof, other programs can only help with unmet needs. Keep all FEMA letters and insurance paperwork.
Phone Scripts (short and practical)
Calling a WAP/HWAP provider
“Hi, my name is [Name]. I live at [address] in [County]. We have [no heat/high bills/old furnace]. My income is about [$$$] for [#] people. I want to apply for Home Weatherization Assistance. What documents do you need, and when can we schedule the energy audit?”
Calling a city/county rehab program
“Hello, I’m a homeowner in [city/county]. I have a [leaking roof/unsafe wiring] that affects safety. Could you tell me if your [CHIP/emergency repair] is open, the income limit for my household size, and whether the assistance is a grant or a forgivable loan?”
Calling USDA Rural Development about 504
“Hi, I’m calling about the Section 504 Home Repair program. My home is in [town/county]. I’m [age 62+/under 62] with income of [$$$] and need [roof/furnace/plumbing] repairs. Can we check if my address is rural and start the intake listed on the USDA Ohio 504 page?”
Calling a nonprofit (Habitat/Rebuilding Together/PWC)
“Hi, I’m a low‑income homeowner in [city]. I’m a [senior/veteran/person with disability] and need help with [specific repair]. Do you offer repairs here, and how do I apply or get on the waitlist?”
Ohio‑Specific FAQs
Q1. Does Ohio pay to replace failing septic systems?
Many counties do using Ohio EPA’s WPCLF. Coverage is usually 50–100% based on income. Check your county health district (e.g., Hamilton County WPCLF or Ashtabula HSTS) and ask about current funding.
Q2. Can I get help for a leaking roof in Cleveland?
If you’re a low‑income senior or disabled, Cleveland’s SHAP provides a single critical repair such as a roof replacement; details are on the city’s Home Repair programs. Other owners may qualify for Repair‑A‑Home loans.
Q3. How long is the weatherization waitlist?
It varies by county and season. Some agencies note long waits; for example, HAPCAP explains HWAP has a queue on its weatherization page. Apply now, keep your phone on, and respond quickly to scheduling calls.
Q4. My home was damaged in a tornado. What now?
If there’s a federal declaration, register at DisasterAssistance.gov and check FEMA Ohio for updates and Disaster Recovery Centers. Keep insurance letters; you can’t be paid twice for the same damage.
Q5. Manufactured homes — are they eligible?
Some programs exclude them, but others allow them with conditions. Columbus’ Emergency Repair excludes manufactured/mobile homes (see its guidelines), while county CHIP programs may allow certain units. Ask your program directly.
Q6. Will I have to repay a “grant”?
Some grants are recorded as liens that forgive over time (for example, Summit’s 5‑year forgivable loan). Get the lien terms in writing before work starts.
Q7. I’m slightly over the income limit. Any options?
Ask about different funding sources (some use 80% AMI, others 50%). You can also try utility programs like WarmChoice or OHFA’s Power of Home low‑cost improvement loan.
Q8. Title is in a deceased relative’s name. Can I still apply?
Many programs require clear title. Contact legal aid to resolve heirs’ property or probate issues; in NE Ohio, see the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland for free help if eligible.
One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary
Quick Checklist
- List repairs (rank by health/safety).
- Check income limits in HUD’s income limits tool.
- Gather: ID, deed/title, recent income proofs, insurance page, utility bills, photos of damage.
- Apply to 2–3 programs: city/county rehab, HWAP at energyhelp.ohio.gov, and (if rural) USDA 504.
- If septic is failing, call your county’s HSTS/WPCLF office.
- Track case #, contact name, date sent, and requested follow‑ups.
Key Contacts (bookmark these)
| Agency/Program | What it does | Link |
|---|---|---|
| USDA Rural Development (Ohio) — 504 | Rural repair loans/grants | USDA Ohio 504 page |
| Energy Help (state portal) | Weatherization & energy bill help | energyhelp.ohio.gov |
| FEMA Ohio | Disaster assistance updates | FEMA Ohio page |
| HUD Income Limits | Find your county/metro AMI | HUD income limits tool |
| United Way 2‑1‑1 | Local referrals (24/7) | Ohio 2‑1‑1 |
| Columbus Home Repairs | Emergency/critical/chores | City housing programs |
| Cleveland Home Repairs | SHAP & RAH | City home repair |
| Cincinnati HRS/HARBOR | Emergency & critical repairs | Housing resources |
Resumen en español (corto)
Este resumen es para propietarios de vivienda de bajos ingresos en Ohio (incluye personas mayores, con discapacidades, padres solteros, hogares rurales y veteranos) que necesitan reparaciones urgentes. Empiece por:
- Arreglos de emergencia en su ciudad/condado: En Columbus, la Ayuda de Reparaciones de Emergencia ofrece subvenciones. En Cleveland, el programa SHAP ayuda a adultos mayores con reparaciones críticas. En Cincinnati, el programa HRS cubre reparaciones urgentes.
- Clima/energía (gratis si califica): Aplique al programa estatal de climatización (HWAP) por medio de energyhelp.ohio.gov para aislamiento, sellado de aire y reparación o reemplazo de calefacción.
- Hogares rurales: Revise el programa de reparaciones de USDA (Sección 504) en la página de USDA Ohio (préstamos al 1% y pequeñas subvenciones para mayores de 62 años).
- Daños por desastres: Si hay declaración federal, regístrese en DisasterAssistance.gov y revise la página de FEMA Ohio.
Si necesita ayuda para encontrar programas o intérprete, marque 2‑1‑1 (United Way) y pida recursos locales. Junte documentos básicos (identificación, escrituras, ingresos, facturas) y solicite a varios programas a la vez.
Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information
- Confirm income limits with HUD’s income limits tool.
- Rural repair loans/grants: USDA’s Ohio 504 page (state contacts listed).
- Weatherization & utility help: Ohio’s Energy Assistance portal and the HWAP factsheet.
- Disaster assistance: DisasterAssistance.gov and FEMA Ohio.
- Referrals near you: dial 2‑1‑1 to reach United Way’s Ohio helpline.
Rules, amounts, and income limits change. Always confirm on the official program page or with a trusted housing counselor before you sign anything.
