Home Repair Grants in South Dakota

Who This Is For & Quick Eligibility Check

• You own and live in a home in South Dakota (including many rural areas and reservations).
• Your home needs basic safety or habitability repairs (roof leaks, furnace, wiring, plumbing, accessibility, weatherization).
• Your income is low or very low for your county. Use HUD’s income limits tool or the City of Sioux Falls’ posted income guidelines to check a quick example.
• You can provide documents (ID, proof of ownership/occupancy, income, recent utility bill). If paperwork is hard, call South Dakota 211 and ask for help.

Tip: If you got money from insurance, FEMA’s repair grants or another program for the same damage, new aid can’t pay for that same item again (this is called “duplication of benefits”).

Top Programs in South Dakota (Quick Table)

Amounts below are examples only. Actual awards vary by inspection, need, and funding. Always confirm on the official page.

Short Federal Snapshot (with where to click)

USDA 504 in South Dakota

Section 504 gives very‑low‑income rural homeowners a 1% loan (20 years) and, for age 62+, a small grant to remove health/safety hazards. Start on USDA’s program page, then connect with the USDA Rural Development South Dakota office. For an easy explainer you can skim first, see this plain‑English 504 guide (background primer).

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP in South Dakota is run by the Department of Social Services and delivered by four Community Action agencies (Inter‑Lakes, GROW SD, ROCS, and Western SD Community Action). Apply via DSS’s energy & weatherization portal or see DOE’s how to apply for WAP.

FEMA disaster help

After a presidential disaster, you can apply for home repair grants through DisasterAssistance.gov and review FEMA’s Individuals & Households Program. Remember, FEMA can’t pay for the same item insurance already covered; see FEMA’s note on duplication of benefits.

South Dakota Programs (Core Section)

1) Energy & Weatherization (DSS)

For heating bills, apply to the state’s Low‑Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP) on the DSS Energy Assistance page. Crisis fuel help (ECIP) is available if you have a disconnect notice or less than 20% in your tank—call 800‑233‑8503 or use the DSS contact details.

For home efficiency and safety, apply to Weatherization on the same DSS page. Work may include air‑sealing, insulation, and furnace repairs. Priority goes to seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children. There’s no cost, but there can be a wait‑list; DSS lists local providers right on the program page.

2) SD Housing CHIP (Community Home Improvement Program)

SD Housing’s CHIP offers low‑interest loans (2.9%) for repairs and improvements through participating lenders. This is a real loan with monthly payments; it’s good when you don’t meet grant rules but need safe, affordable financing. Read program details on SD Housing’s Fix My Home page and ask for the CHIP lender list on that page.

Money clarity: CHIP is a standard loan. It puts a lien on your home and has monthly payments. If income is unstable, talk to a housing counselor via HUD’s South Dakota HUD page before you borrow.

3) City of Sioux Falls Housing Programs

• Single‑Family Rehabilitation: A 0% deferred loan (repaid when you sell or move), for roofs, plumbing, heating, wiring, windows, accessibility, etc. See the program page for eligibility and property rules.
• Mobile Home Repair: Up to $5,000 for emergency repairs; the loan is forgiven after one year of occupancy. Check the mobile home repair page and call 605‑367‑8180.
• Historic Preservation Loan: Zero‑interest loan (up to $25,000) for exterior work on homes in historic districts or individually listed. See the City’s historic loan program.

Income and program updates are posted on the City’s housing hub; see the Sioux Falls Housing Programs page and this 2025 announcement summarizing all three programs’ terms and limits on the City’s news release.

4) Community‑based rehab help (regional)

• HAPI (Homes Are Possible, Inc.) – Aberdeen area: Offers repair grants with a forgivable mortgage (typically forgiven over 5 years). See the HAPI repair grants page.
• NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources – Black Hills/western SD: Combines low‑interest, deferred, and forgivable loans for “life‑safety” repairs. Start at NeighborWorks home rehab.
• Huron Housing Authority – Huron: 0% loans with partial forgiveness (typical cap around $15,000); program focuses on code and safety. See the Huron rehab page.
• Mitchell Area Housing (MAHI) – Mitchell region: HOME rehab grants for critical items like roofing, HVAC, accessibility; details on MAHI’s HOME rehab page.

5) Veterans, tribal, and health‑related assistance

• VA adapted housing grants: Disabled veterans may qualify for SAH/SHA grants to adapt a home. Apply through VA’s adapted housing application and read current limits at the VA’s grant overview.
• BIA Housing Improvement Program (HIP): For enrolled tribal members with urgent repair or replacement needs; see the national HIP page or contact your tribal housing office.
• IHS Sanitation Facilities Construction: For water/sewer hazards affecting health; find Great Plains contacts on the IHS OEHE page.

6) Disasters in South Dakota (FEMA + State)

If storms or flooding are declared, apply quickly on DisasterAssistance.gov and watch FEMA’s South Dakota page for declared disasters and contacts. The state’s Office of Emergency Management can guide you to mitigation and local help; see OEM’s emergency management page or call 605‑773‑3231.

City & County Programs (at a glance)

Many smaller cities use federal CDBG/HOME funds through regional partners. If your city isn’t listed, call City Hall and ask for “owner‑occupied rehab” or check SD Housing’s Fix My Home page.

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Programs set income using the Area Median Income (AMI). Some use 80% AMI, others 50%, and weatherization often uses 200% of poverty levels. Always check the exact rule on the program’s page.

• Use HUD’s official Income Limits tool to look up your county/metro and family size.
• For example, the City of Sioux Falls lists 2025 limits; 80% AMI equals about $89,750 for a family of four and about $62,850 for one person (see City housing income guidelines). These are examples only; your county may differ.

If your income is a little over the limit, ask about wait‑lists, hardship review, or low‑interest options like SD Housing’s CHIP loan. Housing counselors on HUD’s South Dakota page can help you compare choices.

Special Groups & Short Examples

Seniors (age 62+)

Start with Weatherization on the DSS weatherization page, then check USDA’s 504 grant for seniors on the USDA 504 page. If you live in Sioux Falls and own a mobile home, see the City’s Mobile Home Repair program.

Example: A 70‑year‑old homeowner in Huron with a failing furnace may qualify for Weatherization, and if more work is needed, Huron’s rehab program on the Huron Housing site could help with a 0% loan partly forgivable after time.

Veterans (including disabled)

Look at VA’s adapted housing grants (SAH/SHA) via the VA’s grant overview and application instructions. If you need general repairs (roof, steps, wiring), also check USDA 504 on the USDA RD South Dakota page and local rehab help like NeighborWorks’ home rehab. For a quick background summary of veteran‑focused options, this plain‑language veterans repair guide can help you prepare questions.

Example: A veteran near Rapid City who uses a wheelchair could pair a VA SAH ramp project (via the VA grants page) with weatherization safety fixes from DSS’s WAP.

Disabled homeowners

Ask Western Resources for Independent Living about ramps and barrier removal on the WRIL site, and connect with DHS through its statewide Department of Human Services portal. If you need health‑related water/sewer work, contact IHS via the Great Plains OEHE page.

Rural homeowners

USDA 504 is designed for rural addresses; check your address on the USDA program page and call the South Dakota office listed on USDA RD SD. For energy savings and furnace safety, apply to WAP from the DSS weatherization portal.

Families with children

WAP prioritizes households with children; start on the DSS WAP page. If you’re in Sioux Falls, also look at the Single‑Family Rehabilitation program for critical systems and safety repairs.

Common repairs: roof, heat, wiring

For roof damage from hail or wind, check city rehab options (e.g., Sioux Falls Single‑Family Rehab) and USDA 504 on the USDA page. If you want a simple background primer while you gather bids, this short roof repair guide explains typical documents and timing.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

1. Write a short list of problems (example: “roof leak over kitchen; furnace short cycling; back steps unsafe”). Take two phone photos of each issue.
2. Pull documents: photo ID, deed or title, most recent tax return or 3 months of income, utility bill, and insurance letter if you filed a claim.
3. Call South Dakota 211 and ask for “home repair, weatherization, and energy assistance referrals” and for help filling out forms if needed.

This week

1. If you are rural and very‑low‑income: call USDA RD at (605) 352‑1100 (see USDA RD SD) and ask about Section 504. Apply online (see 504 program page) or with a local specialist.
2. Apply to WAP and LIEAP on the DSS Energy & Weatherization page. If you have a disconnect or less than 20% tank, mention ECIP emergency assistance.
3. If you live in Sioux Falls: submit the Single‑Family Rehab or Mobile Home Repair application. Don’t start work before approval.
4. Outside Sioux Falls: call your nearest nonprofit—HAPI (home repair grants), NeighborWorks (home rehab), Huron Housing (rehab page), or MAHI (HOME rehab).

This month

1. If your income is a bit too high for grants, meet a CHIP lender through SD Housing’s Fix My Home page. Compare total cost and monthly payments.
2. For disaster damage, apply at DisasterAssistance.gov and read FEMA’s IHP overview. Keep receipts; take pictures before, during, and after repairs.
3. For accessibility needs, contact WRIL on the WRIL site and DHS on its main services portal for ramps and home modifications.

Expectations: Weatherization wait‑lists can be months. City rehab may run in funding rounds. Apply early, answer calls quickly, and keep copies of everything.

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

If you’re denied or funds are gone

• Ask for the reason in writing and whether you can appeal or reapply. Use the program’s main contact (e.g., the DSS Energy & Weatherization page or the City program page).
• Request referrals to nonprofits (HAPI, NeighborWorks, MAHI) and to SD Housing’s CHIP lenders.
• For tribally enrolled households, check with your housing authority and the BIA’s HIP page for repair or replacement options.

Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

• Starting work before approval → Don’t. The Sioux Falls pages state prior work is not eligible; see the rehab program.
• Missing documents → Use the DSS application checklist and ask 211 to help you scan/upload.
• Wrong program → If income is too high for grants, pivot to SD Housing’s CHIP loan.
• Title issues/heirs’ property → Ask a HUD‑approved counselor via HUD’s South Dakota page for legal referrals (e.g., East River Legal Services or Dakota Plains Legal Services listed there).
• Home not in a rural area for USDA 504 → Use city rehab or CHIP; confirm rural status via USDA’s South Dakota RD office.

Taxes & benefits: Ask the agency or a tax professional if funds could affect taxes or benefits like SSI/SSDI or SNAP. Many grants are not taxable, but confirm. Utility rebates and credits (e.g., Black Hills Energy’s residential rebates) usually do not affect benefits.

Phone Scripts (short and practical)

Calling DSS about Weatherization/LIEAP

You “Hi, I live in [Town], and my home needs insulation/a furnace check. My household is [#] people. Can you help me apply for Weatherization and Energy Assistance? I have income papers ready.” [DSS Energy & Weatherization: program page]

Calling a city/county rehab program

You “Hello, I own and live at [address]. My roof/furnace/steps are unsafe. Do I qualify for your owner‑occupied rehab? My income is about [$] for [#] people. What documents should I bring?” [Sioux Falls: rehab page]

Calling USDA RD about Section 504

You “Hi, I’m calling about Section 504 home repair. I’m in [county], household of [#], income around [$]. I need [roof/furnace/electrical]. Can we check if my address is eligible and start the application?” [USDA RD: South Dakota office]

Calling a nonprofit (NeighborWorks/HAPI/MAHI)

You “Hi, I’m an owner‑occupant needing help with [repairs]. I’m under the income limit and can provide documents. Do you have grants, deferred loans, or project management? What’s the first step?” [Examples: NeighborWorks rehab • HAPI grants • MAHI rehab]

FAQs (South Dakota‑specific)

Can I get help for a mobile/manufactured home?

Yes in some programs. Sioux Falls has a dedicated Mobile Home Repair program for emergency fixes (forgiven after one year). WAP can serve manufactured homes; see DSS’s weatherization page. USDA 504 generally requires the unit be real property and on a permanent foundation.

Does Rapid City have homeowner repair grants?

The City manages federal CDBG funding through its Community Enrichment Division and often partners with nonprofits for housing projects. Call the City’s Community Enrichment Division and ask for homeowner rehab referrals (such as Black Hills Area Habitat or NeighborWorks).

What if my income is just over the limit?

Ask about hardship or different programs. The state’s CHIP loan is low‑interest and may fit. A HUD‑approved counselor via HUD’s South Dakota page can help you compare options and prevent risky debt.

How long do applications take?

DSS says LIEAP applications are processed within 60 days; see the DSS Energy Assistance page. Weatherization and city rehab often have wait‑lists. Apply early and respond quickly to calls or letters.

Will I have a lien or payback?

Read every agreement. Many “grants” are recorded as forgivable loans—if you sell or move before a set time, you may owe part back. Sioux Falls rehab is a 0% deferred loan (due on sale/move) per the program page. USDA 504 loans are real debt (1% for 20 years) on the USDA page.

I live on a reservation. Where do I start?

Contact your tribal housing authority first, then review BIA’s HIP program. For water/sewer hazards, contact IHS via the Great Plains OEHE contacts.

Do utility rebates exist in South Dakota?

Yes. Check your utility’s efficiency pages (for example, Black Hills Energy lists residential rebates) and ask your gas/electric provider about income‑qualified discounts. NorthWestern’s site points SD customers to DSS assistance on its payment assistance page.

What if a storm damaged my home?

Document everything, file insurance, then apply at DisasterAssistance.gov. FEMA can’t pay for the same item insurance covered; see the duplication rule in FEMA’s IHP overview. The state OEM page is here: emergency management.

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Resumen en español (corto)

Esta guía es para propietarios de vivienda en Dakota del Sur con bajos ingresos (personas mayores, con discapacidades, familias monoparentales y residentes rurales). Explica programas clave, cuánto ayudan y cómo aplicar.

• Arreglos y calefacción: Solicite Asistencia de Energía y Climatización (Weatherization) en el portal de Servicios Sociales (DSS). Weatherization instala aislamiento, sella fugas y revisa el horno sin costo. LIEAP ayuda con facturas de calefacción; si tiene aviso de corte o menos de 20% de combustible, llame al 800‑233‑8503.
• Reparaciones en áreas rurales: El programa USDA Sección 504 ofrece préstamos al 1% y, para mayores de 62, pequeñas subvenciones para peligros de salud/seguridad. Vea la página de USDA 504 y contacte la oficina de USDA Dakota del Sur.
• Si vive en Sioux Falls: Revise el programa de rehabilitación de vivienda (préstamo diferido 0%) y el programa para casas móviles (hasta $5,000, perdonado tras 1 año).
• Desastres: Después de una declaración presidencial, aplique por ayuda de reparación de FEMA en DisasterAssistance.gov. No pueden pagar dos veces por lo mismo (si su seguro ya pagó por ese daño).
• Ayuda en su idioma: Llame al 211 y pida servicios de intérprete para que le ayuden con solicitudes (DSS, USDA, ciudad, FEMA).

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Verify your income level for your county/metro using HUD’s Income Limits tool.
• For rural repair loans/grants, use USDA’s Section 504 page and the USDA South Dakota office.
• For energy assistance and weatherization, apply through the DSS Energy & Weatherization page.
• For disaster home repairs, apply through DisasterAssistance.gov and check FEMA’s IHP overview.
• For statewide referrals and help filling out forms, call the Helpline Center (211).

Rules, income limits, and amounts can change. Confirm details with the agency or a trusted housing counselor before you sign anything. This is not legal, tax, or financial advice.