Home Repair Grants in Texas

This plain‑language guide is for Texas homeowners who need help fixing unsafe conditions—especially seniors, people with disabilities, rural homeowners, veterans, and families on tight budgets. It highlights the fastest, most reliable options and shows how to apply without getting lost in paperwork.

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

• Owners living in their Texas home (not a rental or vacation home).
• Low or moderate income compared with local “Area Median Income (AMI).” You can check your area using HUD’s income limits tool.
• Repairs address health, safety, or basic function (roof leaks, unsafe wiring, failing HVAC, accessibility ramps, septic/sewer issues).
• You are willing to provide ID, proof of ownership, income, and let an inspector visit your home.

Tip: If English is hard, call 2‑1‑1 Texas and ask for interpreter services. You can also request help from your local program’s staff—most have bilingual teams.

Top Programs in Texas (Quick Table)

Amounts above are examples only. Always confirm current caps and open/closed status on each program’s official page.

Short Federal Snapshot (with Texas links)

• USDA 504 In rural Texas, USDA’s repair program offers 1% loans (up to 20 years) and limited grants for seniors 62+. Texas specifics and contact info are on USDA’s Texas 504 page. For background, see this simple Section 504 guide (overview).
• WAP Weatherization in Texas is run by the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA). Start on the state’s WAP page, then apply through your local provider (listed via Help for Texans).
• FEMA After a declared disaster, apply for repairs and temporary housing using FEMA disaster assistance. Report your damage quickly through the state’s iSTAT survey to help Texas qualify for aid.

Texas Programs (Core Section)

1) Texas Weatherization Assistance (free energy/safety work)

Weatherization fixes drafty homes, unsafe heaters, and high bills. In Texas, TDHCA funds local agencies (covering all 254 counties) to install insulation, air sealing, duct work, and HVAC safety upgrades. Start at TDHCA’s WAP program page and find your local provider through Help for Texans.

Eligibility is generally at or below 200% of the poverty level. State updates note high demand and multi‑month waitlists; Travis County’s page shows a 9–12 month timeline is possible.

2) TDHCA Accessibility and Home Reconstruction (statewide, locally delivered)

• Amy Young Barrier Removal (AYBR) provides one‑time grants (up to ~$22,500) for accessibility and safety modifications—ramps, wider doors, grab bars. You apply through local administrators listed on TDHCA’s AYBR page.
• HOME Homeowner Reconstruction Assistance (HRA) funds local partners to reconstruct unsafe homes for households up to 80% AMI. Find an administrator via TDHCA’s HRA page (apply through local entities shown there).

Money is limited, and not all counties have active awards each year. TDHCA’s pages point you to current state contacts and local providers.

3) Utility and Delivery‑Company Programs (rebates/low‑income weatherization)

Several Texas utilities fund energy‑saving upgrades. In the Oncor service area (DFW and beyond), the Low‑Income Weatherization and Home Energy Efficiency offerings provide incentives (often routed through approved contractors). Availability can close when funds run out each year.

In the Houston area, CenterPoint’s residential efficiency programs offer free A/C tune‑ups and other energy‑saving services for eligible homes. San Antonio’s CPS Energy runs Casa Verde weatherization (now a rebate model with registered Trade Allies).

4) Disaster Repair, Rebuild, and Reimbursement

When storms or floods hit, apply first through FEMA’s assistance portal, and also report your damage via the state’s iSTAT system. For state‑managed long‑term funds (CDBG‑DR), check the Texas General Land Office’s homeowner assistance page and current 2024 disasters HAP / HRP notices.

Duplication of benefits: you cannot be paid twice for the same item of damage—this is required by federal law and FEMA rules. Keep receipts and use each grant only for the stated purpose.

City & County Programs (Examples)

Smaller cities often run CDBG/HOME “owner‑occupied rehab.” Call City Hall or use 2‑1‑1 Texas to find your local housing office.

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Programs use different cutoffs (50%, 60%, or 80% of AMI). Always confirm the exact limit on the official page or HUD’s income limits tool.

• Austin (80% MFI): City tables show a 4‑person limit of about $104,200 (example only—see ABR page or loan program for current values).
• San Antonio (80% AMI): City tables list a 4‑person limit of about $77,300 (see NHSD’s AMI table).
• Fort Worth (60% AMI): Priority Repair shows a 4‑person limit of about $64,020 (see program eligibility).

If you are slightly over the limit, look for alternative options (utility rebates, 0% city rehab loans, or USDA loans if you are rural).

Special Groups & Short Examples

Seniors (62+)

If you live in a rural area, start with USDA Section 504: 1% loans and—if 62+ and unable to repay a loan—small grants for hazards. See USDA’s Texas 504 page. In cities, look at San Antonio’s Under 1 Roof and Austin’s repair programs. For broader background, this seniors overview can help you compare options (seniors grants guide).

Example: A 70‑year‑old homeowner in rural East Texas with a leaking roof might combine a small USDA 504 grant with a low‑payment 1% loan to replace unsafe roofing.

Veterans

Disabled veterans may qualify for VA housing grants—SAH/SHA caps adjust yearly (for FY 2026, SAH up to $126,526; SHA up to $25,349). You apply using VA Form 26‑4555. Also ask local Habitat/Rebuilding Together affiliates about veteran repair slots. For an easy overview of veteran‑focused options, see this veterans programs guide.

Example: A veteran in Bexar County needing a ramp and bath remodel could look at VA SHA, the City’s Major Repair (if open), and Rebuilding Together Austin–San Antonio’s repair assistance.

Disabled homeowners

AYBR grants fund accessibility changes statewide through local partners—start on TDHCA’s AYBR page. In Austin, the ABR program offers up to $20,000 for ramps, accessible showers, and similar work.

Rural residents

Most rural areas qualify for USDA help. Confirm your address on USDA’s Texas Rural Development page and ask about Section 504. Rural homeowners can also get weatherization via Help for Texans.

Families with children

Weatherization programs prioritize households with children and high energy burdens. Apply via TDHCA’s WAP page and also ask your city about minor repair programs.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

1. Make a simple list of hazards (leaks, wiring, HVAC, soft floors). Take phone photos.
2. Find your likely path:
   • Rural & very‑low income → USDA 504 + WAP.
   • San Antonio → Under 1 Roof and NHSD rehab pages.
   • Houston → City’s Home Repair or GLO disaster programs.
   • Fort Worth → Priority Repair + WAP.
   • Austin → Home Repairs (GO REPAIR!, Minor, ABR) + WAP.
3. Call 2‑1‑1 Texas for local intake agencies and for help in your language.

This week

1. Gather documents: ID, proof of ownership (deed/tax bill), income (recent pay/benefit statements), mortgage and tax status, utility bill.
2. Start applications (don’t wait for estimates—programs usually send their own inspector).
3. If you had disaster damage, register with FEMA (FEMA page) and fill the state iSTAT survey.

This month

1. Follow up weekly by phone or email. Ask for your case number and expected next step.
2. Get on WAP and city repair waitlists early; Travis County notes 9–12 months is possible.
3. Price emergency stop‑gaps (tarping, space heaters) while you wait; ask your city or county about emergency repairs.

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

If denied or funds are gone: ask for the decision letter and the reason in writing; request an appeal or re‑review; and ask when the next application window opens.

• Try nonprofits: Rebuilding Together Houston, Rebuilding Together North Texas, and Rebuilding Together Austin–San Antonio. Also check Habitat affiliates like Austin Habitat Repair and Dallas Habitat NeighborCare.
• Consider safe financing: Austin’s 0% rehab loans or USDA 504 loans (1%). Example: a $20,000 USDA 1% loan over 20 years is about $92/mo principal & interest.

Common mistakes (and quick fixes):

• Starting work before approval → wait for a written notice to proceed.
• Missing documents → use the checklist below; ask staff what’s still missing.
• Not answering calls/emails → add program numbers to your contacts.
• Unlicensed contractor → use approved lists (city/utility vendors) or get license proof.
• Title problems/heirs’ property → contact Texas Law Help or local legal aid before you apply.

Disaster overlap: if FEMA already paid for your roof, another program can only help with remaining unmet need—FEMA’s duplication rules (see IHP facts) prohibit paying twice for the same loss.

Phone Scripts (short and simple)

• WAP/LIHEAP agency: “Hi, I live in [county]. I’d like to apply for Weatherization. Can you tell me your intake steps and what documents you need? My phone is [number].”
• City/County rehab: “Hello, I’m a homeowner at [address]. I have [safety issue]. Are applications open? If not, how can I join the waitlist and get alerts?”
• USDA Rural Development (504): “Hi, I’m calling about Section 504 Home Repair. I’m [62+/under 62], income is about [amount], and my home is in [town/county]. Can I pre‑screen to see if I fit for a loan or grant?”
• Nonprofit (Habitat/Rebuilding Together): “Hello, I’m seeking critical home repairs. I’m [senior/veteran/disabled]. Can you tell me when applications open and what documents I should prepare?”

FAQs (Texas‑Specific)

Do Texas programs help mobile/manufactured homes?
Some do—often when the home is on a permanent foundation and you own the land. For example, Austin notes manufactured homes may qualify in certain cases on its Habitat repair page. Always confirm local rules.

What if I’m behind on taxes or my mortgage?
Many rehab programs require you to be current or on a payment plan. Ask your county tax office about payment options, and tell the program if you have a plan. If you’re 65+ or disabled, ask about property tax deferral options through your county and the Comptroller.

How long are waitlists?
It varies. TDHCA WAP can take months (Travis County shows 9–12 months). City programs open in short cycles—watch the city’s housing page or sign up for alerts.

Will they put a lien on my home?
Many city “grants” are forgivable/deferred loans recorded as liens for 5–15 years. If you sell or move before the term ends, you may owe some or all back. Houston’s page includes an About Liens document—read your agreement carefully.

Disaster help: can I get FEMA and state funds?
Yes, if they pay for different needs. You cannot get paid twice for the same work (see duplication rule). Keep receipts and use the funds as stated.

Where do I check income limits?
Use HUD’s Income Limits tool or your city’s repair page (e.g., San Antonio AMI).

Can renters get help?
Weatherization helps renters if the landlord signs off (see TDHCA WAP). For serious rental conditions, call city code and legal aid (see Texas Law Help).

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Quick Checklist

• List problems (safety first): roof leaks, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, accessibility.
• Check income against the HUD limits tool.
• Gather: photo ID, proof of ownership, income docs, tax/mortgage status, utility bill.
• Apply to 2–3 programs at once (city/county + WAP + USDA if rural).
• Track: program, contact, date, case number, next step.

Contacts (Bookmark these)

Resumen en español (corto)

Este guía es para dueños de casa en Texas con ingresos bajos o moderados—en especial personas mayores, con discapacidades, veteranos, familias y residentes rurales—que necesitan reparar su vivienda por razones de salud y seguridad.

Programas clave: En áreas rurales, pida el programa de reparaciones de USDA (Sección 504): préstamos al 1% (hasta 20 años) y, si tiene 62+ y no puede pagar un préstamo, pequeñas subvenciones. Vea la página de USDA Texas. Para reducir cuentas de energía y mejorar seguridad, solicite el Programa de Climatización (WAP) del estado en TDHCA WAP. Si sufrió daños por desastre, registre su solicitud con FEMA y reporte daños en el sistema estatal iSTAT.

Ciudades: San Antonio ofrece Under 1 Roof (techo nuevo reflectivo). Austin tiene programas de reparación (incluye accesibilidad). Fort Worth tiene Priority Repair para emergencias. Houston maneja reparaciones por la helada de 2021 en su página de Home Repair.

Paso a paso: Llame a 2‑1‑1 Texas para encontrar agencias locales y pedir intérprete. Reúna documentos (identificación, prueba de propiedad, ingresos). Aplique a 2–3 programas a la vez (ciudad/condado + WAP + USDA si es rural). Guarde recibos y cartas. Si le niegan, pida la razón por escrito y pregunte cuándo reabrirán solicitudes.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Verify income rules on HUD’s Income Limits tool.
• Rural repairs and grants: USDA’s Texas page for Section 504 and state contacts.
• Weatherization: TDHCA’s WAP overview and provider lookup via Help for Texans.
• Disaster: apply at FEMA’s assistance page and report damage with the Texas iSTAT tool.
• Need a referral or language help? Call 2‑1‑1 Texas (free, 24/7).

Rules and amounts can change during the year. Always confirm program status on the official page or with a trusted housing counselor. If you are unsure how a grant or loan affects your taxes or benefits, ask the agency or a tax professional.