Home Repair Grants in Pennsylvania

This guide is for low‑income homeowners in Pennsylvania—seniors, people with disabilities, single parents, veterans, and rural homeowners—who need help fixing serious home problems. It shows who might qualify, which programs to try first, how the money works, 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 the home in Pennsylvania (single‑family, condo, or a manufactured home on a permanent foundation).
• Your household has low or limited income for your area (see the HUD income limits tool).
• Your home has health, safety, or accessibility issues (roof leaks, heat out, unsafe wiring, failing sewer, no ramp, mold/moisture, etc.).
• You can provide basic documents: ID, deed or proof of ownership, income proof, and recent utility/tax statements.

Top Programs in Pennsylvania (Quick Table)

Start with one or two programs that fit your situation. If one is closed, join the waitlist and apply to the next.

Short Federal Snapshot (with Pennsylvania links)

• USDA 504 (rural repairs): In Pennsylvania, the Harrisburg state office coordinates the program; start at the USDA Rural Development Pennsylvania page. Loans are 1% up to 20 years; grants are for very‑low‑income owners age 62+. For a plain‑language explainer, see this background guide on USDA Section 504 home repairs (overview resource).
• Weatherization (WAP): Pennsylvania’s program is run by DCED and delivered by local agencies. Start at DCED’s WAP program page and use the WAP overview to find your county provider.
• Disaster help (FEMA/State): If a Presidentially declared disaster hits your county, apply through DisasterAssistance.gov. Pennsylvania also posts state recovery info at Ready PA’s individual assistance page.

Pennsylvania Programs (Core Section)

1) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) – statewide

WAP makes homes safer and more efficient by adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and fixing unsafe heating systems. It is a free grant for eligible households. You apply through a local agency in your county, found via DCED’s WAP program page. Eligibility is generally at or below 200% of federal poverty; see details on the state’s WAP overview.

2) LIHEAP Crisis Heating Repairs (winter emergencies)

If your heat is out, LIHEAP “Crisis” can sometimes repair or replace a broken furnace. This is a grant during the heating season. Check the Department of Human Services’ LIHEAP page for season dates and how to apply. If the season is closed, ask your county assistance office about off‑season emergency options and utility programs.

3) DCED HOME funds (owner‑occupied rehab via counties/municipalities)

DCED distributes federal HOME dollars to cities and counties that run owner‑occupied rehab. This is often a forgivable or deferred loan recorded as a lien. Amounts and rules vary by locality. To see how HOME works at the state level, review DCED’s HOME program page, then visit your county’s housing/community development website for current openings.

4) Whole‑Home Repairs (county‑run, status varies)

Some counties still administer Whole‑Home Repairs funds for habitability and efficiency. For example, Montgomery County’s page explains the WHRP program, and Chester County posts its WHRP policies. Many counties have waitlists or are closed; always check your county’s housing page for status before applying.

5) PENNVEST Homeowner Sewage Program (septic/laterals)

PENNVEST offers low‑interest loans to repair a failing septic or a broken sewer lateral. Loans are as high as $25,000, with terms up to 20 years. Read the program details at the Homeowner Sewage Program, then contact a participating lender listed through PHFA from that page.

6) Utility energy‑savings repairs (LIURP)

Electric and gas utilities fund weatherization and heating fixes for income‑eligible customers through LIURP. For instance, UGI’s program explains free measures like air sealing and heating system repairs on its LIURP page. Check your utility’s assistance section or ask PA 211 to search LIURP for your account.

7) Assistive and accessibility financing

For ramps, lift systems, bathroom modifications, or smart‑home safety gear, the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation offers 0% mini‑loans up to $2,000 and low‑interest loans for larger projects. See PATF’s financial loans page and information & assistance.

City & County Programs (examples)

Below are programs often used first. If your city/county is not listed, call City Hall or the county housing/community development office and ask for “owner‑occupied housing rehabilitation.”

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Many programs use Area Median Income (AMI). Each county/metro is different. Always check current limits in HUD’s income limits tool or the program’s own page.

• Pittsburgh MSA example (2025): The URA lists 80% AMI for a 4‑person household as $85,850; see the figures on URA’s HAP page.
• Philadelphia example (2025): DHCD posts 80% AMI for a 4‑person household as $95,500, and shows 60% AMI levels used by BSRP/AMP; see the City’s income guidelines table.

Some programs use 50% AMI; others use 60% or 80%. Always read the posted chart for the exact cutoffs on the agency page.

Special Groups & Short Examples

Seniors

Start with WAP for safety and efficiency (state WAP page), then check your county rehab program (see examples above). In Philadelphia, seniors can also seek minor fixes through the City’s senior repairs page. Your local Area Agency on Aging can guide you to programs and help with forms; find it on the state’s AAA directory.

Example: A 74‑year‑old homeowner in Lancaster with a failing furnace and unsafe steps applies to WAP and the city’s Critical Repair Program. WAP addresses heat and insulation; the city fixes the steps after inspection.

Veterans

If you have a service‑connected disability, the VA’s housing grants can fund ramps, wider doors, and bathroom changes. Review the VA’s SAH/SHA grant page and apply using VA Form 26‑4555 online. For a plain‑language overview of repair options, see this background guide on veteran home repair programs (overview resource). You can also apply to local rehab programs like BSRP or URA HAP if you meet income and residency rules.

Example: A veteran in Allegheny County uses the VA’s SHA grant to modify a bathroom and applies to AHILP for a low‑interest loan to replace a unsafe porch.

Disabled homeowners

For accessibility work, Philadelphia’s Adaptive Modifications Program funds ramps, lifts, and bathrooms. Outside Philly, WAP may fix safety hazards while utilities’ LIURP programs can take care of heating repairs (see UGI’s LIURP as an example). For financing, PATF offers 0% mini‑loans and low‑interest loans for accessibility devices and modifications.

Rural residents

Check two first: the USDA 504 repair program (1% loans; small grants for 62+) and the PENNVEST septic/lateral loan. Then add WAP through your local weatherization agency.

Families with children

WAP can reduce drafts and fix unsafe heat (state WAP page). In Philadelphia, the Health Department’s Lead and Healthy Homes Program can help remove lead hazards for eligible families.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

1. Write a short list of problems (e.g., “roof leak over kitchen; furnace unreliable; sewer backup”). Take a few clear photos if safe.
2. Check your income versus your county/metro using the HUD income limits tool. Save proof of income and your deed, tax bill, and utility bill.
3. If heat is out or unsafe, call your utility and look at DHS’s LIHEAP page for Crisis. In Philadelphia, use the Heater Hotline page.

This week

1. If you are rural and very low income: start USDA 504 via the USDA RD Pennsylvania page and apply for WAP through the WAP overview.
2. If you live in Philadelphia: apply to BSRP (emergency) and, if needed, AMP. Consider a low‑interest RRR loan via the City’s RRR page.
3. If you live in Pittsburgh: check the URA HAP page for application windows. If closed, sign up for alerts and apply to WAP and AHILP if you are in the county (AHILP page).
4. Ask PA 211 to help you find local rehab programs and utility LIURP options (dial 211 or visit PA 211).

This month

1. Get inspections/estimates only if the program asks. Do not start work before approval.
2. Keep a folder with your case number, program contact, and copies of any letters. Return calls and emails quickly.
3. If you are denied, ask for the reason in writing and how to appeal or re‑apply. For disaster cases, use FEMA’s instructions on the application checklist.

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

• If funds are out: ask about the waitlist and next opening date; then apply to a second program (WAP, utility LIURP, county rehab, or PENNVEST).
• If denied: request the denial letter, the reason, and the appeal steps. Ask what would make you eligible next time.
• Common mistakes and quick fixes:
  • Starting work before approval → Wait for a signed approval/contract.
  • Missing documents → Use the program’s checklist; ask what’s missing.
  • Unclear title/heirs’ property → Get help from Philly’s Title Clearance Unit or contact statewide legal aid via Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network.
  • Unlicensed contractors → Use only licensed and insured contractors when the program requires it.
  • Phone/email changes → Update your caseworker right away.

Phone Scripts

Calling a WAP/LIHEAP office

Hi, my name is [Name]. I live in [County]. My home has [problem]. My household size is [#] and our income is about [$]. I want to apply for Weatherization and, if possible, LIHEAP Crisis for heat. Can you tell me the next steps and what documents you need?

Calling a city/county rehab program

Hello, I’m calling about owner‑occupied home repair help. I own and live at [address]. I have [roof leak/furnace/plumbing issue]. Could you confirm if I meet the income rules and how to apply? Is there a waiting list?

Calling USDA Rural Development (Section 504)

Hi, I live in [Town, County]. My home is in a rural area and needs [repair]. I’d like to apply for the Section 504 loan/grant. Can you confirm if my address is eligible and send me the application checklist?

Calling a nonprofit (Habitat/Rebuilding Together)

Hello, I’m an owner‑occupant in [city/county]. I need help with [repairs]. Do you have a waitlist or application for critical repairs? If you can’t help, could you refer me to another local program?

FAQs (Pennsylvania‑Specific)

Q1. Do programs cover roof leaks?
Yes, but priority is health and safety. In Philadelphia, BSRP handles major roof emergencies; see the City’s emergency repairs page. For a plain‑language overview of roof options, review this background resource on roof repair grants (overview resource).

Q2. Are manufactured/mobile homes eligible?
Many programs accept manufactured homes on a permanent foundation with title/land ownership. Check the application rules on your local program page (e.g., county rehab or PENNVEST) before applying.

Q3. What if my income is just over the limit?
Ask about higher‑limit programs like Philadelphia’s RRR loans or county loan options like AHILP. Utility LIURP eligibility may be broader; check your utility’s assistance page (see UGI LIURP as an example).

Q4. How long do I wait?
WAP and city rehab programs often have months‑long queues. Rebuilding Together Philadelphia notes wait times can be a year or longer; see RTP’s get repairs page. Apply early and answer phone calls quickly.

Q5. Will there be a lien?
Often yes for rehab loans or forgivable loans. For example, the URA’s HAP has a 10‑year deed restriction (see the HAP page), and Allegheny’s AHILP loans are mortgage‑secured (see AHILP details). Ask each program to explain the lien and when it goes away.

Q6. I have a “tangled title.” Can I still get help?
You may need to clear the title first. In Philly, start with the Title Clearance Unit and, if needed, contact legal aid through Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network.

Q7. After a storm, can I get FEMA and state help?
Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov when your county is declared. In Pennsylvania, Ready PA also posts state options, including DRAP activations, on the individual assistance page. Remember “no duplication of benefits”: programs can’t pay twice for the same damage.

Q8. Can veterans get both VA grants and local rehab?
Yes, as long as you aren’t double‑paid for the same work. Review the VA’s SAH/SHA grant page, and also apply to local rehab if you meet the rules (e.g., BSRP or HAP).

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Quick Checklist

• List urgent problems (health/safety first) and take photos.
• Check income using HUD’s income limits tool.
• Gather documents: ID, deed, tax bill, utility bill, income proof.
• Apply to 2–3 programs that fit (e.g., WAP + city rehab or USDA 504 + PENNVEST).
• Track case numbers, dates, and contacts in a notebook or phone note.

Contacts (starter list)

Resumen en español (Spanish Summary)

Esta guía es para dueños de casa de bajos ingresos en Pensilvania. Si su hogar tiene problemas serios (techo con goteras, calefacción rota, instalación eléctrica peligrosa, problemas de alcantarillado o necesita accesibilidad), empiece con estos pasos.

• Para mejoras de eficiencia y seguridad, solicite el Programa de Climatización (WAP) del estado. Revise la página de DCED del programa WAP y busque su agencia local.
• Si su casa está en zona rural y sus ingresos son muy bajos, pida el Programa USDA 504 (préstamos al 1% y pequeñas subvenciones para mayores de 62 años). Empiece en la página de USDA Rural Development en Pensilvania.
• Para problemas de fosa séptica o tubería hacia el alcantarillado, el programa PENNVEST ofrece préstamos de bajo interés. Vea el programa para propietarios.
• En Filadelfia: pida reparaciones de emergencia (BSRP) y modificaciones de accesibilidad (AMP) en el portal de mejoras del hogar. En Pittsburgh: revise las fechas del programa HAP de la URA.
• Si hubo desastre, solicite ayuda de FEMA por DisasterAssistance.gov y verifique opciones del estado en la página de Ready PA.
• Si necesita intérprete o recursos locales, llame al 211 (o visite PA 211). Ellos pueden ayudarle a encontrar programas en su condado.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Confirm current income rules in HUD’s income limits tool.
• Rural repairs: USDA’s Section 504 program and the USDA PA office page.
• Weatherization: state WAP details on DCED’s program page.
• Disasters: apply and track at DisasterAssistance.gov and see Ready PA’s individual assistance page.
• Find local help and interpreter services at PA 211.

Rules, amounts, and income limits change. Always confirm with the agency or a trusted housing counselor before you decide.