Last updated: July 27, 2026
Start With Safety if the Home Is Dangerous
If there is a gas smell, active sparking, fire, carbon monoxide alarm, sewage in living space, collapse risk, or a power line on the home, leave the danger area and call 911 or the utility emergency line. Do not wait for a repair program to call back.
If the danger came from a storm, take photos when it is safe. Save insurance messages, estimates, receipts, inspection papers, and any FEMA or disaster letters. Do not sign a repair contract under pressure.
Bottom Line
Texas has real home repair help, but it does not have one statewide grant application for every homeowner and every repair. Most help is delivered by a city, county, nonprofit, community action agency, USDA office, or disaster program. Your address, income, ownership papers, repair type, age, disability status, and whether the home is rural or disaster-damaged can change the right first call.
The best statewide starting point is the Help for Texans finder. Select “Home Repair / Accessibility Modifications,” then enter your city or county. You can also call 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905 and ask for home repair, weatherization, ramp construction, or disaster-specific repair help.
Many people search for a Texas home repair grant because a roof is leaking, the air conditioner has failed, a bathroom is unsafe, or the cost of electrical or plumbing work is too high. Help may be a grant, loan, direct service, reimbursement, or volunteer project.
For a wider explanation of how these programs work, see our home repair assistance guide.
Texas Home Repair Help: Quick Reference
| Repair need | Best first path | Type of help | Important limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drafts, high bills, weak insulation, or an inefficient HVAC system | Texas weatherization | Direct weatherization service | Work must meet energy-savings rules. It is not a general remodeling program. |
| Ramp, doorway, bathroom, or other disability access change | Amy Young program | One-time grant up to $22,500 | Only available through participating local providers. |
| Serious repair in a rural area | USDA Section 504 | 1% loan, grant, or both | Grant applicants must be age 62 or older. Rural and very-low-income rules apply. |
| Home damaged by the 2024 Texas disasters | GLO disaster programs | Repair, reconstruction, or reimbursement | Only 27 listed counties. Houston and Harris County use separate local funding. |
| Home is beyond normal repair | TDHCA reconstruction | Locally administered reconstruction help | Not statewide and not a direct application to TDHCA. |
| Roof, plumbing, electrical, foundation, or code repair | City or county housing office | Grant, deferred loan, forgivable loan, or direct repair | Open status and terms vary by location and funding cycle. |
Where Texas Homeowners Should Start
The first question is not “Where is the grant?” The first question is “Which office serves this exact address?” City and county boundaries matter, and state funds are often delivered through local providers.
Use This Order
- Name the danger or repair. Say “roof leak,” “unsafe electrical panel,” “no working air conditioner,” “sewage backup,” “wheelchair ramp,” or “storm damage.”
- Check your location. Confirm the city, county, ZIP code, city limits, and whether the home may qualify as rural.
- Use the state finder. Search the Help for Texans page for home repair or accessibility providers.
- Call 2-1-1. The official 2-1-1 Texas service is available statewide and lists home repair, ramps, weatherization, and disaster repair.
- Call the local housing office. Ask whether intake is open and whether the help is a grant, loan, lien program, reimbursement, or direct service.
- Do not start permanent work. Many programs will not pay for work started before inspection and written approval.
Phone script for 2-1-1: “I own and live in a home in [city and county]. I need help with [repair]. Please check for home repair, weatherization, accessibility, rural, disaster, senior, disability, or nonprofit programs that serve my exact address.”
Phone script for a local office: “Before I apply, is my address in your service area? Are applications open? What repairs do you cover, and is the help a grant, deferred loan, forgivable loan, lien, or direct repair service?”
Our guide to finding local programs explains how to search city, county, community action, and nonprofit systems when the program name is not obvious.
Statewide and Rural Programs Worth Checking
Texas Weatherization Assistance Program
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, called TDHCA, operates the Weatherization Assistance Program through local agencies that cover all 254 counties. This is a direct service, not cash handed to the homeowner.
Work may include an energy audit, insulation, air sealing, duct work, and repair or replacement of inefficient heating and cooling systems. Weatherization normally will not pay for a full roof, foundation rebuild, room addition, or cosmetic remodel.
Texas uses two federal funding streams with different 2026 income ceilings. TDHCA lists LIHEAP-funded weatherization at 150% of the federal poverty guidelines and DOE-funded weatherization at 200%. The local agency decides which funding and rules apply.
| Household size | 150% limit | 200% limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $23,940 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $32,460 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $40,980 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $49,500 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $58,020 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $66,540 | $88,720 |
| 7 | $75,060 | $100,080 |
| 8 | $83,580 | $111,440 |
These limits took effect January 26, 2026. Check the official 2026 income table because income counting, household status, priority, and available funds can affect eligibility.
To find the local provider, use Help for Texans, call 1-888-606-8889, or call 1-877-541-7905. Ask the same agency whether it also handles utility help through the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program. Utility aid is not a whole-house repair grant, but it may help keep power on while you wait.
Amy Young Barrier Removal Program
The Amy Young Barrier Removal Program is one of the clearest Texas grant options for disability-related home changes. It provides a one-time grant of up to $22,500 for qualified households that include a person with a disability and need accessibility modifications or removal of hazardous conditions.
The household income must not exceed 80% of Area Median Family Income. The program can serve homeowners and tenants, but it is not available everywhere. A local government or nonprofit must have funds and serve the address. Use Help for Texans and select the accessibility-only filter. For related funding paths, see our disability modification guide.
USDA Section 504 for Rural Homes
USDA Rural Development’s Section 504 Home Repair program is open in Texas and accepts individual applications on an ongoing basis. It serves very-low-income rural owner-occupants needing repairs or health and safety work.
- Loan: Up to $40,000, fixed at 1% interest for 20 years.
- Grant: Up to $10,000 for very-low-income homeowners age 62 or older who cannot repay a loan.
- Disaster grant: Up to $15,000 when repairing a home damaged in an eligible presidentially declared disaster area.
- Combined help: Up to $50,000 normally or $55,000 in an eligible declared disaster area.
- Not automatic: USDA checks ownership, occupancy, rural location, county income limits, credit availability, and ability to repay.
A grant must be repaid if the property is sold in less than three years. Full title service applies when the outstanding Section 504 loan balance exceeds $25,000.
Phone script for USDA: “I own and live in a home in [town and county]. Please check whether my exact address is rural-eligible and whether I should be screened for a Section 504 loan, grant, or both.”
Do not guess based on how rural the area looks. Ask USDA to check the address. Our rural repair guide covers other rural backup paths.
Homeowner Reconstruction Assistance
TDHCA’s Homeowner Reconstruction Assistance program can help when a lower-income owner-occupied home needs reconstruction rather than a normal repair. It may support rebuilding, manufactured-home replacement, floodplain relocation, or replacement after disaster or condemnation.
This is locally administered housing assistance. It is not available statewide, and homeowners do not apply directly to the state. Household income generally must not exceed 80% of Area Median Family Income. Use Help for Texans to find a local administrator.
Colonia Self-Help Centers
Texas has a separate path for selected colonias in Cameron and Willacy, El Paso, Hidalgo, Maverick, Nueces, Starr, Val Verde, and Webb county areas. Services can include rehabilitation, reconstruction, technical help, infrastructure work, and contract-for-deed or title help.
This is not a statewide cash grant. Each center serves targeted colonias and has its own current projects. Use the official colonia center list and call the center serving your county before gathering a large application packet.
Current Texas Disaster Repair Programs
As of July 27, 2026, the Texas General Land Office is still accepting applications for two 2024 Disasters homeowner programs in 27 counties. There is no posted closing date, but both are first come, first served while funds remain.
The 2024 Disasters Homeowner Assistance Program has $244.1 million for repair and reconstruction of owner-occupied primary homes. It can provide rehabilitation, reconstruction, hazard mitigation, elevation with reconstruction, and temporary relocation assistance.
The GLO says a home must have at least $8,000 in disaster-related damage. The posted repair threshold is $90,000 for non-historic homes and $175,000 for historic homes. If damage exceeds the repair cap, reconstruction may be required. The program uses approved builders; homeowners do not receive an unrestricted check.
Approved homeowners sign an unsecured forgivable promissory note and must maintain ownership, primary residence, property taxes, and required insurance for three years after completion.
Homeowner Reimbursement Program
The 2024 Disasters Homeowner Reimbursement Program has $43.1 million to reimburse eligible repair expenses already paid by homeowners. The posted range is $3,000 to $75,000 for a stick-built home and $3,000 to $50,000 for a manufactured home.
This is reimbursement assistance, not an advance for future work. The homeowner must document the repairs, payments, ownership, occupancy, and disaster connection. Approved homeowners sign a forgivable note and must maintain ownership, primary residence, taxes, and insurance for one year.
You may apply for repair or reimbursement, not both. Eligible counties are Anderson, Bell, Brazoria, Caldwell, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Fort Bend, Galveston, Guadalupe, Hardin, Hays, Henderson, Hockley, Jasper, Kaufman, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Polk, San Jacinto, Smith, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, and Wharton.
Houston and Harris County residents are not eligible for these state-run programs because HUD gave separate 2024 disaster allocations to the City of Houston and Harris County. Check local recovery offices instead.
Apply through the GLO disaster page or call 1-844-893-8937. Complete files are processed in the order received.
What Is Open or Closed in Major Texas Areas
Local status can change quickly. The examples below show why readers must check the current page before mailing documents or paying for estimates.
| Area | Current path | July 2026 reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Austin | Austin repair programs | Current interest application. Grants up to $20,000 for safety work, up to $15,000 for plumbing, and 0% rehabilitation loans up to $75,000 for repair or $350,000 for reconstruction. Loan programs place a lien and require long-term primary occupancy. |
| San Antonio | San Antonio repair page | Minor Repair and Major Rehab applications are closed. The Cool Roof path is accepting appointments for eligible homeowners and offers a one-time grant up to $19,000 with a five-year restrictive covenant. It is not emergency roof repair. |
| Houston | Houston home repair | The main Home Repair Program has exhausted funding and is not reviewing new files. Disaster Recovery 2021 intake is paused. Houston is developing a separate 2024 disaster repair program, but homeowners should not assume intake is open until the city posts an application. |
| Harris County | Harris County repair | The page says general applications are not currently accepted. It also contains a limited note about health-and-safety septic and well projects. Call 832-927-4955 before sending an application. |
| Dallas | Dallas repair programs | The main Home Improvement and Preservation Program is not accepting applications. Smaller partner programs may operate in limited ZIP codes. Current posted aid includes emergency grants up to $10,000, exterior code grants up to $20,000, and forgivable major-system loans up to $24,000 when funding and intake are available. |
| Tarrant County | Tarrant County rehab | County rehabilitation covers major roof, electrical, plumbing, and accessibility work, but only outside Fort Worth, Arlington, and Grand Prairie. Call 817-850-7950 for screening. |
Local Community Development Block Grant and HOME funding often appears under names such as owner-occupied rehabilitation, housing preservation, emergency repair, code repair, or minor repair. Our CDBG and HOME guide explains why homeowners usually apply locally instead of directly to HUD.
Older Adults, Disabled Owners, Veterans, and Repair Type
Older adults: Do not assume that age alone creates a grant. Age can improve priority or open a USDA grant, senior repair nonprofit, or county program. Start with the local Area Agency on Aging, 2-1-1, and the senior repair guide.
Disabled residents: Ask for “accessibility modification” or “barrier removal,” not only “home repair.” Amy Young, Medicaid home and community-based services, VA programs, and local accessibility funds may be better fits for ramps, bathrooms, doors, and safe entry.
Veterans: Ask the County Veterans Service Office to screen for Department of Veterans Affairs adapted housing or medically necessary home alteration benefits. These are federal benefits, not general Texas grants.
Roof problems: A roof may qualify when it threatens health, safety, code compliance, energy work, or the structure. Programs rarely pay for cosmetic roof upgrades. See our roof repair guide.
Septic, sewer, or well problems: Ask whether the program covers private septic and wells or only public utility connections. County, USDA, disaster, and water programs may use different rules. See our sewer repair guide.
How to Apply Without Losing Time
Documents to Gather
- Photo identification for the owner and other adults when requested
- Deed, mortgage statement, manufactured-home title, or other ownership proof
- Proof that the home is the main residence, such as homestead records, utility bills, or insurance
- Income proof for every household member the program counts
- Property tax records or an active payment agreement
- Mortgage status and lien information
- Homeowners and flood insurance papers when required
- Photos of damage and a short written repair list
- Code notices, inspection reports, estimates, and emergency invoices
- FEMA, SBA, insurance, or disaster award letters for storm damage
- Disability or medical support documents for access work when requested
Texas title tip: Inherited property, missing deeds, multiple owners, a contract for deed, or an unresolved manufactured-home title can stop an application. Tell the intake worker about the ownership issue on the first call. Do not wait until inspection.
What Happens After You Apply
Most programs review service area, income, ownership, occupancy, taxes, mortgage status, insurance, and the repair. Staff may request missing documents, then order environmental, lead, damage, energy, code, or contractor reviews.
The program may choose the contractor, require several bids, or use an approved list. Permits and inspections may be required. Hidden damage can change the scope. Do not expect approval to mean construction starts immediately.
Before signing, ask:
- Is this a grant, loan, forgivable loan, deferred loan, reimbursement, or direct service?
- Will a lien or restrictive covenant be recorded?
- How long must I own and live in the home?
- What happens if I sell, refinance, transfer, rent, or move?
- Who selects and pays the contractor?
- Who pays if the approved amount is too low?
- Must I move out, and is relocation covered?
- What is the appeal or complaint process?
Why Texas Applications Stall
- Wrong jurisdiction: The address is outside city limits or inside an excluded city.
- Closed intake: The program has spent its funds or has a waiting list.
- Title problem: The deed, inherited ownership, contract for deed, or manufactured-home title is unclear.
- Tax, mortgage, or lien problem: Some programs require current payments or an approved payment plan.
- Missing income records: The program may count income from all household members, not only the owner.
- Repair is not eligible: Cosmetic remodeling, additions, detached buildings, and work already completed are often excluded.
- Work started too early: Starting before approval can make the cost ineligible.
- Floodplain or environmental issue: Federal funds may trigger extra review or make reconstruction impossible at the site.
- Duplicate disaster benefits: Insurance, FEMA, SBA, or other aid can reduce a disaster award.
What to Do After a Denial
- Ask for the exact reason in writing.
- Ask whether missing documents can be corrected.
- Ask for the appeal deadline and appeal form.
- If the location is wrong, switch from city to county or USDA.
- If general repair is closed, try weatherization, disability access, aging, disaster, utility, or nonprofit help.
- If title or taxes caused the denial, ask legal aid, the county tax office, or a HUD-approved housing counselor what must be fixed first.
- Keep a call log with dates, names, phone numbers, and promised next steps.
Repair Scams and Unsafe Financing
Government and nonprofit programs do not require an upfront payment to “unlock” grant money. Be careful with anyone who promises approval, claims to be a state-approved contractor without proof, asks for payment by gift card or payment app, or pressures you to sign a deed, lien, power of attorney, insurance assignment, or high-cost loan immediately.
After storms, verify the contractor’s identity, insurance, local permit requirements, and written scope. Never sign a blank contract or allow false information in your application.
A Simple Texas Action Plan
- Today: Make the home safe, photograph damage, and write a one-sentence repair description.
- Next: Search Help for Texans and call 2-1-1 with your ZIP code.
- Then: Test the strongest special path: weatherization, Amy Young, USDA rural, GLO disaster, or a city or county repair office.
- Before work: Get written approval and understand all liens, repayment, occupancy, contractor, permit, and inspection terms.
- If blocked: Ask why, appeal when allowed, and move to the next route instead of waiting on one closed program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one statewide home repair grant in Texas?
No. Texas has statewide networks and targeted programs, but not one all-purpose grant for every repair. Weatherization, disability access, rural USDA help, disaster recovery, reconstruction, and colonia assistance are the main statewide or regional paths. General repairs are often handled locally.
Can Texas help replace an air conditioner?
Sometimes. Weatherization may repair or replace an inefficient heating or cooling system when the home qualifies and the work meets energy-savings rules. Local health and safety programs may also help, but approval is not automatic.
Can I get a grant for a roof in Texas?
Possibly, but most roof help is local and tied to health, safety, code, storm damage, disability, or preservation of the home. Austin and San Antonio have current roof-related paths, while other cities may be closed or use loans and liens.
Will I have to repay home repair assistance?
It depends. Weatherization is a direct service. Amy Young is a grant. USDA may be a repayable loan or a grant. Local programs may use deferred or forgivable loans, liens, restrictive covenants, and occupancy periods. Ask before signing.
What if I live outside city limits?
Call the county housing or community development office, check USDA rural eligibility, use Help for Texans, and call 2-1-1. Do not spend weeks applying to a city program that cannot serve the address.
Can renters get home repair help?
Most owner-occupied repair programs are for homeowners. Renters may qualify for weatherization with owner permission, Amy Young accessibility help in a served area, disaster help, utility programs, or tenant remedies for unsafe conditions.
Can I be reimbursed for repairs already completed?
Usually not unless the program clearly allows reimbursement. The current GLO 2024 Disasters Homeowner Reimbursement Program is a major exception for eligible counties and documented disaster repairs. Save all receipts and proof of payment.
About This Guide
How we researched this page: We checked official federal, state, local, tribal, utility, and trusted nonprofit sources linked in this article. We reviewed program names, service areas, eligibility rules, application routes, contact details, and whether each option is a grant, loan, rebate, service, or referral.
Our role: HomeRepairGrants.org is an independent information website. We do not run these programs, accept applications, choose recipients, or guarantee funding or approval.
Local changes: Funding, waitlists, service areas, income limits, and application periods can change. Confirm current details with the organization that runs the program before you apply, sign papers, pay money, or start repair work.
Corrections: See something outdated or incorrect? Email info@homerepairgrants.org and include the page URL and a reliable source when possible.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information. It is not legal, financial, tax, insurance, medical, disability-rights, contractor, or government-agency advice.
Last verified: July 27, 2026 | Next review: October 27, 2026