Home Repair Grants in Vermont

Who This Is For & Quick Eligibility Check

This guide is for low‑income homeowners in Vermont—seniors, people with disabilities, single parents, rural residents, and veterans—who need health, safety, or energy repairs.

Top Programs in Vermont (Quick Table)

Important: Amounts and openings change. Always confirm current details on each agency’s official page.

Short Federal Snapshot (Vermont specifics)

USDA Section 504 in Vermont

For rural homeowners, USDA’s repair program in Vermont and New Hampshire offers 1% loans (up to 20 years) and small grants for seniors 62+. Start on USDA’s VT/NH 504 page and ask about local pre‑qualification. The Vermont Health Department also points to 504 on its financial assistance page.

Weatherization in Vermont

Vermont’s Home Weatherization network is run by regional community action agencies (e.g., CVOEO Weatherization in the Champlain Valley and Capstone in Central VT). If your income is low, services are free; owners and renters can apply. For background on how weatherization works, see the WAP guide and the U.S. DOE’s how‑to‑apply page.

Disaster help in Vermont

When storms hit and the President declares counties, apply for FEMA Individual Assistance for essential repairs and shelter. Start at the FEMA Vermont page, and you can also get step‑by‑step tips from Vermont Law Help. Remember: you cannot be paid twice for the same damage (“duplication of benefits”).

Vermont Programs (Core Section)

1) State Weatherization & Energy Help

What it covers: energy audits, insulation, air sealing, and heating system safety fixes. The program is free for eligible households and is run locally by agencies like CVOEO Weatherization and BROC Community Action (Rutland/Bennington). Vermont law also supports expanded per‑home funding; see 33 V.S.A. §2502 on the state’s statutes page.

Type of help: Grant (services). No repayment. Some repairs (e.g., minor roof patching) may be done only if needed to complete weatherization work. For general tips on process and timelines, see the DOE application page.

2) Efficiency Vermont + Utility Incentives (extra savings)

Beyond free weatherization, many households can stack rebates or pay over time on their utility bill through WRAP (Weatherization Repayment Assistance Program). Check 2025 income‑expanded offers on Efficiency Vermont’s rebate update and details for WRAP on on‑bill financing. Green Mountain Power also lists 2025 low‑income heat pump rebates on its heat pump page.

Type of help: Rebates (money back) and on‑bill financing (payments on your utility bill). WRAP is overseen by VHFA and also described by the Burlington Electric Department’s WRAP page.

3) Drinking Water and Septic Fixes (On‑Site loan)

What it covers: repair or replacement of failed private wells and onsite wastewater (septic). Vermont’s Department of Environmental Conservation lists this financing under the Wastewater & Potable Water program, and the Health Department highlights the On‑Site Loan Program (income‑screened). These are loans, often low‑interest, and usually require you to live in the home year‑round.

Type of help: Loan (secured; monthly payments). If your issue is strictly sewer or septic and you want an overview of national options, see this sewer repair guide and then call DEC to confirm Vermont‑specific rules.

4) Healthy & Lead‑Safe Homes

The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board runs a statewide lead hazard control program when funded. See VHCB’s Healthy & Lead‑Safe Homes for program status and forgiveness rules. In Burlington/Winooski, the city’s Lead Program provides forgivable help for pre‑1978 homes meeting income and family criteria.

Type of help: Forgivable or deferred assistance tied to lead hazard control. Expect a lien period (5–10 years typical) and yearly compliance steps. Always read the city or VHCB agreement.

5) Accessibility Modifications (statewide)

The Vermont Center for Independent Living can fund ramps and bathroom fixes for low‑income people with physical disabilities through the Home Access Program. VCIL can also advise on smaller assistive items via the Sue Williams Freedom Fund.

Type of help: Grant‑funded work for access. These funds are limited and focus on core access (entry/bathroom) needs that keep you in your home.

6) Mobile/Manufactured Home Repairs

Past rounds of the state’s mobile home repair/replacement funds were managed by the Vermont State Housing Authority. For current updates on manufactured home repair assistance, check VSHA’s program pages such as the MHIR information page and ask about any new application windows.

Type of help: Grant or forgivable assistance when available. Deadlines change year to year; confirm dates on VSHA’s site and ask about application help via CVOEO.

City & County Programs

Smaller towns often use federal CDBG/HOME dollars through regional housing nonprofits. If your town is not listed, call City Hall or your regional housing trust and ask about “owner‑occupied rehab.”

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Programs use different income cutoffs. Some use 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), some use 50% or “very‑low income,” and weatherization uses a specific energy‑program screen. Always check your program’s rules and confirm against HUD’s Income Limits tool.

• In the Burlington‑South Burlington area, the city lists 2025 low‑income (80% AMI) for a 4‑person household at about $103,850 (example only). See the city’s HUD income limits page.
• Champlain Housing Trust shows owner‑occupied repair income examples for 1–8 person households for NW Vermont on its home repair page.
• Windham & Windsor Housing Trust posts sample county limits for its program on the repair page.

Numbers change yearly. Use the HUD Income Limits tool or your program’s own chart to make sure you’re under the current limit.

Special Groups & Short Examples

Seniors

First stops: USDA Section 504 (grants for 62+) via the USDA VT/NH 504 page and your local weatherization provider like CVOEO. For access needs (ramps/bath), call VCIL’s Home Access Program. If heating bills are the problem, ask DCF via 211 about LIHEAP and weatherization referrals.

Example: A 70‑year‑old homeowner near Barre with a leaking roof and fixed income could blend a small Downstreet GMHR loan (see Downstreet GMHR) with free weatherization, keeping monthly costs low.

Veterans

For disability‑related changes (ramps, wider doors, bath), apply to VA’s adapted housing grants using the VA’s SAH/SHA application page. The VA lists current maximums on its disability housing grants page. For a quick overview of programs veterans can tap, see this veterans repair guide and then apply through VA.gov.

Example: A service‑connected veteran in Rutland needing a roll‑in shower can apply to VA SHA, and if approved, coordinate work with a local contractor while also checking weatherization with BROC if heat/insulation is an issue.

Disabled homeowners

Call VCIL for the Home Access Program (ramps/bath). If you need smaller items, ask about the Sue Williams Freedom Fund. Weatherization services prioritize households with disabilities through providers like CVOEO.

Rural residents

Check eligibility for USDA’s 504 loans/grants on the USDA VT/NH page. For failed wells/septic, call DEC via the Wastewater & Potable Water page, and ask about the On‑Site Loan. Weatherization is available statewide through regional agencies such as Capstone.

Families with children

Pre‑1978 homes with a child under 6 should ask about lead hazard help from VHCB’s Healthy & Lead‑Safe Homes and, if in Burlington/Winooski, the city’s Lead Program. For energy and heating bills, call 211 to ask about LIHEAP and a weatherization referral.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

1. List your urgent issues (roof leak, no heat, unsafe wiring, failed well/septic, access needs).
2. Check your income against HUD’s income limits tool and your county’s chart (e.g., Burlington’s posted limits page).
3. If heat or energy is your problem, call your local weatherization provider such as CVOEO or Capstone and ask how to apply.

This week

1. If you are rural and very‑low income, start a USDA 504 inquiry on the USDA VT/NH page.
2. If you have failed septic or water, call DEC using the contacts on the Wastewater & Potable Water page and ask about the On‑Site Loan.
3. If you live in Burlington/Winooski and have a pre‑1978 home, contact the city’s Lead Program.
4. If you are in Windham/Windsor, ask WWHT’s GMHR team about current repair funding and any small grants available.

This month

1. Get at least one written estimate for urgent work (programs may need two). Keep all photos and receipts.
2. If you face storm damage, register with FEMA through the Vermont FEMA page and review appeal tips from Vermont Law Help.
3. For energy upgrades where you don’t qualify for free weatherization, check WRAP and your utility’s rebates (e.g., GMP heat pump).

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

If you’re denied or funds are gone

• Ask for the denial in writing and the exact reason.
• Ask if there’s an appeal or informal review window and how to submit extra documents.
• Ask when the next funding round opens (many Vermont programs fund in cycles).
• Try alternatives: local rehab loans (e.g., CHT repair financing) and nonprofit help (e.g., COVER Home Repair for urgent volunteer‑friendly fixes in the Upper Valley).

Common mistakes that slow things down

• Starting work before approval — wait for the written green light (especially for federal/state funds).
• Missing documents — keep ID, deed/title, tax return or benefit letters, insurance, photos, and estimates together.
• Unclear title/heirs’ property — if a family home lacks clear title, contact Vermont Legal Aid about deed or probate help.
• Using unlicensed contractors for lead/renovation — Vermont requires lead‑safe credentials for pre‑1978 work (see Health Dept. renovation guidance).
• Ignoring “duplication of benefits” — if FEMA paid for your roof, other programs usually can only help with unmet needs.

Phone Scripts (short and simple)

Calling a weatherization office

You: “Hi, I’m a homeowner in [your town]. My heating bills are high and my house is drafty. I’d like to apply for free weatherization. Can you tell me what income papers you need and how long the wait is?” (CVOEO: see program page.)

Calling a city/county rehab program

You: “I own and live in my home in [city/county]. I need help with [roof/heat/electric]. Do you have an owner‑occupied rehab or lead‑safe program open now? What documents should I gather?” (Burlington: see Lead Program.)

Calling USDA Rural Development (504)

You: “I’m calling about Section 504 home repair. I own my home in [town], my income is about [amount], and I’m [under/over] 62. Could I do a pre‑qualification for a small loan or grant, and what forms do you need?” (Start at USDA’s VT/NH 504 page.)

Calling a nonprofit (Habitat/COVER)

You: “I’m a low‑income homeowner with an urgent safety repair (like a ramp or roof). Do you have a repair program and how do I apply?” (Upper Valley: see COVER Home Repair.)

FAQs (Vermont‑specific)

Do Vermont programs help mobile or manufactured homes?

Yes. Weatherization serves mobile homes statewide through agencies like CVOEO. Some nonprofits and state funds periodically support mobile home repair or replacement—check VSHA’s MHIR page for updates and call 211 to ask about current resources.

My well or septic failed. What should I do first?

Call the state’s wastewater/portable water team via DEC’s program page and review the Health Department’s financial assistance page for the On‑Site Loan. This is a loan, usually with low interest; you’ll likely need permits and two contractor bids.

What if my income is a little over the limit?

Ask about moderate‑income options like WRAP on‑bill financing through Efficiency Vermont, and utility rebates such as GMP heat pump credits. Some rehab programs allow flexibility if the home has serious hazards—always ask.

How long is the weatherization wait?

It varies by agency and priority. CVOEO notes high‑priority homes may start in 6–8 months; others can take longer. See their FAQ and check with your regional provider (e.g., Capstone).

Will these programs put a lien on my house?

Loans will be secured by a mortgage (e.g., CHT repair loans). Some “grants” are actually forgivable loans with a lien period (e.g., 5–10 years). Burlington’s Lead Program and VHCB’s Healthy & Lead‑Safe Homes include forgiveness terms—read the agreement.

Can renters use these programs?

Yes for weatherization—renters apply with their landlord through agencies like CVOEO. Lead hazard control can help rentals through city/VHCB programs. Direct repair grants for renters are rare; ask your town and call 211 for referrals.

What about FEMA after floods?

Apply at the FEMA Vermont page or DisasterAssistance.gov. For appeal help and language access, see Vermont Law Help. Keep receipts and photos. You can’t be paid twice for the same damage.

Who can help if I have title or foreclosure issues?

Contact Vermont Legal Aid’s homeowner rights project or use the VTLawHelp intake tool. Title problems can block repair aid—fixing them early helps.

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Quick checklist

• List hazards: roof, heat, wiring, water/septic, access, lead.
• Check eligibility: HUD’s income limits tool; town or nonprofit charts.
• Gather documents: ID, deed/title, tax return or benefits, insurance, photos, estimates.
• Apply to 2–3 programs: weatherization; USDA 504 if rural; local rehab/lead program.
• Track calls: keep a notepad with dates, names, and case numbers.

Key contacts (save these)

Resumen en español

Esta guía es para dueños de vivienda en Vermont con ingresos bajos o moderados (personas mayores, con discapacidades, familias con niños, y residentes rurales). Para empezar:

• Clima y energía: pida ayuda gratuita de climatización (aislamiento, sellado de aire, seguridad de calefacción) con su agencia local, por ejemplo CVOEO Weatherization (noroeste) o Capstone (centro). Estas mejoras no se devuelven.
• Zonas rurales: si vive en un pueblo rural y sus ingresos son muy bajos, pregunte por el programa de reparaciones de USDA (préstamos al 1% y pequeñas subvenciones para personas de 62+). Empiece en la página de USDA 504 VT/NH.
• Agua/pozos/fosas sépticas: para pozos o sistemas sépticos fallados, mire el programa estatal de préstamos en la página de Aguas y Alcantarillado (DEC).
• Plomo y accesibilidad: en Burlington/Winooski, el Programa de Plomo ayuda con ventanas/pintura; para rampas y baños accesibles, contacte a VCIL.
• Desastres: si hubo una declaración federal, solicite a FEMA por la página de FEMA Vermont. Guarde fotos y recibos.

Si necesita idiomas o no sabe dónde empezar, llame al 211 y pida interpretación. Diga: “Necesito ayuda para reparar mi casa y pagar calefacción.”

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Verify income cutoffs with HUD’s income limits tool.
• Rural repairs: check the current forms and contacts on USDA’s VT/NH 504 page.
• Weatherization: contact your local provider (e.g., CVOEO) and see DOE’s how‑to‑apply page.
• Water/septic: confirm eligibility on DEC’s program page.
• Disaster help: monitor FEMA’s Vermont page and call 211 for local recovery resources.

Rules, amounts, and eligibility change. Confirm details with the agency or a trusted housing counselor before you sign. If you have tax or benefit questions (SSI, SSDI, SNAP), ask the program or a tax professional.