Home Repair Grants in Utah

Who This Is For & Quick Eligibility Check

• Homeowners living in Utah who need essential repairs (roof, heat, plumbing, electrical, accessibility, weatherization).
• Seniors (62+), people with disabilities, families with kids, and rural homeowners often get priority.
• Veterans with service‑connected disabilities may qualify for special federal grants.

Top Programs in Utah (Quick Table)

Start with the programs that match your situation. Amounts and rules can change—always check the official page before applying.

“Example max help” is for quick orientation; most awards are smaller and depend on inspection, income, and the program’s budget. Always confirm details on the program’s page.

Short Federal Snapshot (Utah‑specific)

• USDA Section 504 in Utah: For rural homes, very‑low income owners can get a 1% loan (up to 20 years) and seniors 62+ may qualify for small grants to remove hazards. Start with the Utah Rural Development office and the national 504 program page. For a plain‑language walk‑through, see this Section 504 guide.
• Weatherization Assistance (WAP): Utah’s WAP is run by the State Community Services Office. You apply through one of the regional agencies listed on the WAP “How to apply” page. WAP can add insulation, air sealing, and sometimes replace unsafe furnaces.
• Disaster help (FEMA): If your home was damaged in a declared disaster, apply on DisasterAssistance.gov and check state guidance on Utah’s Individual Assistance page. You cannot be paid twice for the same damage (no “duplication of benefits”).

Utah Programs (Core Details)

Salt Lake City – Home Repair & Minor Repairs

Salt Lake City offers two strong options. The Home Repair Program helps low‑ to moderate‑income owners with health, safety, and structural repairs. Depending on need, funding may be a no‑ or low‑interest loan, and very‑low income households (≤50% AMI) can receive grants—the page notes up to $50,000—for major structural/mechanical issues. The Minor Repairs (Handyman) grant helps seniors (62+) or disabled owners with small fixes, currently up to $1,500.

Money type: grants don’t need monthly payments; loans are debt and may place a lien. The city’s pages explain timelines (often months) and documents you’ll need.

Ogden – Emergency Home Repair

Ogden’s EHRP provides a 0% deferred loan (due on sale or transfer) up to $5,000 for urgent hazards. Roofing is eligible only if damage is from a catastrophe and within the program cap. The city lists sample income limits and notes loans are aimed at ≤50% AMI.

Provo – Emergency Home Repair (Grant)

Provo’s Emergency Home Repair offers grants (up to the amount shown on the city page) for critical safety issues. Check the city’s “Who Qualifies?” section and have proof of ownership, occupancy, and income ready.

Orem – Critical Home Repair

Orem’s Critical Home Repair program provides a mix of grants and loans (up to the amount listed on the city page) for owners at ≤80% AMI. Eligible work can include roof, electrical, plumbing, accessibility, and other essential repairs. Apply through the city’s Neighborly portal.

West Valley City – Rehab, Mobile Home, and Emergency

West Valley City’s Community Grants Division runs several options: low‑interest or deferred home rehab loans, a mobile home repair grant, and an emergency repair grant for extremely low‑income owners. Amounts and rules vary; see each application on the city’s page.

Regional rehabilitation options (outside the Wasatch Front)

• Mountainland AOG (Summit/Wasatch/Utah): The Single‑Family Home Repair Program assists eligible owners (≤80% AMI) with major or minor repairs, including roofs, HVAC, and accessibility.
• Southeastern Utah (Carbon/Emery/Grand/San Juan): SERDA’s Single‑Family Rehabilitation uses grants and low‑interest loans for health/safety repairs such as heating systems, roofing, water/sewer line issues, and disability adaptations.
• Uintah Basin (Daggett/Duchesne/Uintah): UBAOG coordinates CDBG and Olene Walker housing rehab loans for essential fixes; see the UBAOG housing page for eligibility and contacts.

Weatherization & Utility Programs (reduce bills, fix hazards)

Utah’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is free for eligible households and often addresses unsafe furnaces, ventilation, and insulation. Apply through the state’s WAP application page, which lists the local agencies. For energy bills, the HEAT (LIHEAP) program has guidance on the utility assistance page and local contacts like Utah Community Action HEAT in Salt Lake and Tooele counties.

For rebates and efficiency upgrades, check Rocky Mountain Power’s wattsmart incentives and Dominion Energy’s ThermWise rebates. For water savings, see state rebates through Utah Water Savers and the Division of Water Resources’ Landscape Incentive Program.

City & County Programs (Who to Call)

Here are common homeowner repair options in Utah’s larger areas. Smaller towns often use CDBG/HOME funds through their Association of Governments—call City Hall or 211 and ask for “owner‑occupied rehab.”

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Programs use income limits tied to Area Median Income (AMI). Some use 80% AMI (low‑income), some 50% (very low), and a few use other cutoffs. Always confirm amounts using HUD’s Income Limits tool.

• Salt Lake City Metro (example): The city lists 2025 AMI figures; for a 4‑person household, 80% AMI is about $98,160 and 50% AMI is $61,350. See SLC’s affordability page.
• Ogden (example): Ogden’s emergency repair page shows 50% AMI for a 4‑person household at $55,200 (used for its 0% deferred loans). See the EHRP qualifiers.
• Ogden “Own in Ogden” (80% AMI example): A 4‑person household max is shown as $96,400 on the program page (used here as an AMI reference only).

These are examples only. Use the HUD tool or the program’s page for the exact current numbers in your county or metro area.

Special Groups & Short Examples

Seniors (62+)

Good first stops: Salt Lake City’s Minor Repairs grant, ASSIST Inc.’s Emergency Home Repair (Salt Lake County cities), and statewide Weatherization. Rural seniors should also look at USDA 504 grants. For background on senior‑focused help, see this seniors overview.

Example: A 70‑year‑old in Glendale (SLC) with a failing furnace could apply to SLC’s Home Repair and WAP; if rural in Sanpete County, they might combine WAP with a small USDA 504 grant if income‑eligible.

Veterans

If you have a service‑connected disability, check VA’s SAH/SHA housing grants (you can apply using VA Form 26‑4555). Local city rehab programs (like SLC Home Repairs or Ogden EHRP) can help with non‑specialized fixes. As a plain‑language overview, see this veterans repair guide.

Example: A veteran in Provo with mobility needs might use VA SAH funds for bathroom accessibility and apply to Provo’s emergency repair grant for a failed water heater.

Disabled homeowners

Ask about accessibility modifications in SLC’s programs (ramps, grab bars) via Home Repair, and consider ASSIST accessibility design (statewide assistance). Weatherization gives priority to disabled households—see the state’s WAP page.

Rural residents

Start with USDA Rural Development Utah for Section 504 loans/grants and ask your AOG (e.g., MAG repair or SERDA rehab) about CDBG‑funded owner rehab. Weatherization through your local agency is on the WAP page.

Families with children

WAP and HEAT often prioritize households with young kids—see the state’s utility assistance page. Some Utah cities (SLC, Provo, Orem) have repair programs that don’t require you to be a senior; check the “Do I qualify?” bullets on each city’s page.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

• Write a short list of the problems (e.g., “roof leak over kitchen,” “furnace not working,” “soft bathroom floor”). Take photos.
• Call 211 Utah and say: “I need homeowner repair help in [your city/county]. Please refer me to city rehab, AOG rehab, Weatherization, and nonprofits.”
• Check WAP application and start your local Weatherization paperwork; waitlists can be months.

This week

• If you live in SLC, Ogden, West Valley City, Provo, or Orem, complete your city’s online application (see links above). If rural, email your AOG’s contact on MAG, SERDA, or UBAOG pages.
• If you are rural and very low income, call the USDA Utah office and ask about Section 504 pre‑screening.
• Gather proofs: ID, deed or property tax bill, mortgage statement (if any), last 30–60 days of income, recent utility bills, and any shutoff or code notices.

This month

• Answer calls promptly from program staff so your file doesn’t stall. Save your case numbers in a notebook.
• For work that needs bids, ask the program how to get three licensed bids. Do not start work until you have written approval.
• If denied, request the reason in writing and ask when you can reapply. Move to Plan B below.

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

• If denied or funds are gone: Ask for the written reason and whether an appeal or waitlist is available. Ask 211 for other city/county programs, utility rebates, and nonprofit options like Habitat critical repairs (SL/Tooele/Davis).
• Don’t start work before approval: Many programs won’t reimburse past work. Always wait for the written approval or loan/grant agreement.
• Use licensed contractors: City/AOG programs will require licensed, insured firms. Ask your program for their contractor list or bid rules.
• Title issues (“heirs’ property”): If your name isn’t on the deed, ask Utah Courts’ Self‑Help Center about next steps and referrals.
• Duplication of benefits: After disasters, you can’t be paid twice for the same damage (FEMA + another source). See Utah’s IA guidance.

Phone Scripts (short and simple)

Calling Weatherization/HEAT

“Hello, I live in [city]. I’m calling about Weatherization and HEAT. My home needs [furnace/insulation/air sealing]. My income is about [$/month] for [#] people. Can you tell me how to apply and what documents you need?”

Calling a City/County Rehab Program

“Hi, I’m a homeowner in [city]. I have a health/safety issue ([brief]). My income is about [$/month] for [#] people. Could you confirm if your program is open, and whether this repair is eligible? How do I apply?”

Calling USDA Rural Development (Section 504)

“Hello, I own a home in [rural town/county]. I’d like to be pre‑screened for Section 504 repair help. I’m [under/around] the very‑low income limit and I’m [62+ if true]. What forms should I complete and where do I send them?”

Calling a Nonprofit (Habitat/ASSIST)

“Hi, I’m a low‑income homeowner in [city]. I need help with [roof/heat/accessibility]. Do you have a repair program? What are the eligibility rules and wait times?”

FAQs (Utah‑specific)

Can I get help for a mobile or manufactured home?

Some programs do. West Valley City offers a Mobile Home Rehabilitation Grant, and Orem’s repair program includes mobile homes. Weatherization also serves manufactured homes—see the state’s WAP page.

How long do I wait for Weatherization?

WAP is first‑come with prioritization (elderly, disabled, high energy burden). Expect a wait—sometimes months. Apply through the state WAP page now, and keep your phone on for scheduling.

What if my property taxes are behind?

Many city/AOG rehab programs require taxes to be current. For example, MAG’s program lists eligibility that includes being current on taxes on the program page. Ask your program if payment plans are acceptable.

Will a lien be placed on my home?

Often yes for loans or “forgivable” assistance. Ogden’s EHRP is a 0% deferred loan due on sale. Salt Lake City may use loans or grants depending on need. Read the agreement and ask how long any lien lasts.

Are roof repairs covered?

Yes in several programs (SLC, Orem, MAG, SERDA), but emergencies and safety come first. As background, see this roof repair overview, then apply to your local program and utility rebates that can offset energy‑related roof/attic work.

We had flood or quake damage. Where do we start?

File your insurance claim, then apply at DisasterAssistance.gov. Check Utah’s Individual Assistance page for state info. Remember the duplication‑of‑benefits rule—programs can’t pay for the same damage twice.

We’re a tribal household in Utah—any programs for us?

Ask your Tribe about BIA’s Housing Improvement Program (HIP) and local housing authorities. WAP is also available through regional agencies listed on the state WAP page.

How big is the USDA 504 payment?

A $20,000 loan at 1% for 20 years is about $92/month (principal & interest). Grants do not have a payment, but USDA grants must be repaid if you sell within 3 years. See the USDA 504 page.

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Quick Checklist

• List repair problems and take photos.
• Check income using HUD’s income limits tool.
• Gather: ID, deed/tax bill, mortgage statement, income docs, utility bills.
• Apply to: your city/county rehab, Weatherization, and if rural, USDA 504.
• Call 211 Utah if you get stuck or need local referrals (Habitat, ASSIST, etc.).
• Track every application: program name, date, case number, and contact.

Key Contacts (save this)

Resumen en español (corto)

Esta guía es para dueños de vivienda de bajos ingresos en Utah (personas mayores, con discapacidades, padres solteros, hogares rurales y veteranos) que necesitan reparaciones esenciales.

• Empiece con los programas locales: Salt Lake City tiene reparaciones del hogar y reparaciones menores. Ogden ofrece reparación de emergencia. Provo y Orem también tienen programas de emergencia y “critical repair”.
• Climatización (WAP): programa gratuito que mejora calefacción, aislamiento y seguridad. Vea cómo aplicar en la página estatal de Weatherization.
• USDA 504 (zonas rurales): préstamos al 1% y pequeñas subvenciones para dueños muy‑bajo ingreso. Contacte la oficina de USDA Utah.
• Si hubo desastre (inundación, sismo): aplique en DisasterAssistance.gov y revise la guía estatal de asistencia individual.
• ¿Necesita ayuda para encontrar programas o intérprete? Llame al 211 (o visite 211 Utah) y pida referencias a programas de reparación en su ciudad/condado.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Confirm your income cutoff with HUD’s income limits tool.
• Rural repairs: check the Utah office on USDA Rural Development and the national 504 page.
• Weatherization and HEAT: use the state WAP page and the utility assistance guide.
• Disaster recovery: apply at DisasterAssistance.gov and check Utah’s IA page.
• Statewide referrals: call 211 Utah for help finding local repair programs and nonprofits.

Rules, amounts, and income limits change. Always confirm with the agency or a trusted housing counselor. This is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Ask programs or a tax professional if assistance could affect your taxes or benefits (SSI, SSDI, SNAP).