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Home Repair Grants in Wisconsin

Home Repair Grants in Wisconsin

This plain‑language guide is for Wisconsin homeowners who need help fixing unsafe conditions like leaking roofs, failing furnaces, bad wiring, accessibility barriers, or disaster damage. It highlights the fastest programs to try, what the money looks like (grant vs. loan), and step‑by‑step actions.

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

  • Seniors, veterans, disabled homeowners, single parents, and rural homeowners living anywhere in Wisconsin.
  • Owners of the home they live in (most programs require “owner‑occupied”).
  • People with low or moderate income. Limits vary. Use HUD’s income limits tool or the income charts on your city or county program pages.
  • Homes needing basic health, safety, energy, or code repairs (not luxury remodels).

If you’re in a heating or water emergency, apply to Wisconsin’s Home Energy Plus portal and call the statewide energy assistance line at 1‑866‑HEATWIS (432‑8947) or Customer Care at 1‑800‑506‑5596 for furnace or water‑heater help through HE+ HVAC/Water programs.

Top Programs in Wisconsin (Quick Table)

Program Type Example max help ($) Who it mainly helps Where to apply
USDA Section 504 Home Repair (statewide) Loan (1%) and/or grant Loan up to 40,000; grant up to 10,000 (higher grant cap in federal disaster areas) Very‑low‑income rural owners; grants for age 62+ USDA Rural Development – Wisconsin
Wisconsin WHEAP + HE+ HVAC/Water (statewide) Service/grant (no lien) Furnace/water heater repair or replacement as needed Low‑income households with no‑heat/unsafe systems Home Energy Plus (WHEAP) / HE+ HVAC
Weatherization Assistance (statewide, via local agencies) Free weatherization Scope depends on audit (insulation, air sealing, safety items) Income‑eligible owners/renters (owner permission needed) WI WAP (DEHCR)
Focus on Energy rebates (statewide) Rebate Varies by measure and zip code All utility customers; extra for income‑qualified homes Residential Rebate Finder
WHEDA Home Improvement Loan Program (HILP) Loan Up to 50,000 (via participating lenders) Owners with qualifying credit/income WHEDA HILP
Milwaukee STRONG Homes Partially forgivable loan (0–3%) Up to 25,000 (25% forgiven after 10 yrs) Owner‑occupants citywide; seniors/disabled may defer City of Milwaukee NIDC
Milwaukee NIP (Neighborhood Improvement Project) Forgivable loan Amount varies by code needs Low‑income owners in eligible NSP areas Milwaukee NIP
Milwaukee Compliance Loan Program 0% deferred loan Varies; repaid at sale/transfer Owners with exterior code orders Compliance Loan Program
City of Madison Major Rehabilitation (via Project Home) 0% deferred loan (lien; due at sale) Scope based on inspection Income‑eligible Madison homeowners Project Home – Madison Rehab
Waukesha County HOME/CDBG Rehab Deferred loan HOME up to 14,999 (purchase/rehab); CDBG up to 24,999 Owners in Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Jefferson Waukesha HOME Rehab
Green Bay Home Improvement Loan Program 0% deferred loan Up to 35,000 Low‑ to moderate‑income owner‑occupants City of Green Bay HILP
Eau Claire Rehabilitation Loan 0% loans + small grants Loan up to 40,000; grant up to 7,000 City of Eau Claire homeowners (waitlist applies) Eau Claire Rehab Program
Kenosha County Housing Rehab (outside City) 0% deferred loan Varies; due at sale/transfer Owners in Kenosha County (not in City) Kenosha County Rehab
Milwaukee County Lead Hazard Reduction (suburbs) Lead grant/loan Project‑based; eligibility required Suburban Milwaukee owners with eligible children Milwaukee County Lead Program

Short Federal Snapshot (with Wisconsin Links)

  • USDA 504 Rural owners can apply year‑round to USDA Rural Development Wisconsin for 1% loans (up to 20 years) and small grants for seniors 62+. For background, see the plain‑language USDA 504 detailed guide and then use the state page to apply.
  • Weatherization Wisconsin’s WAP is run by the state energy division and delivered by local agencies; start at the DEHCR weatherization page and your WHEAP office. Homes get audits, insulation/air sealing, and safety fixes—free for eligible households.
  • Disasters After a federal declaration, apply at FEMA’s DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800‑621‑3362. FEMA has Wisconsin‑specific notices on its how to apply pages. You cannot be paid twice for the same damage (“duplication of benefits”).

Wisconsin Programs (Core Section)

1) Home Energy Plus: WHEAP + HE+ HVAC/Water

For no‑heat, unsafe furnaces, or failed water heaters, Wisconsin’s HE+ HVAC and Water programs deliver emergency repair or replacement with no lien. Apply through Home Energy Plus or contact WHEAP on the DEHCR Assistance page. HE+ services are year‑round and coordinated with local weatherization agencies.

HE+ says services “will never result in a property lien or charge to the customer,” unless fraud is proven; see the program language on DEHCR’s HE+ HVAC page.

2) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP upgrades include insulation, air sealing, ventilation checks, and health/safety measures (e.g., CO/smoke detectors). Wisconsin’s program is described on the DEHCR weatherization page; many areas use community agencies like Project Home’s weatherization program in Dane/Green Counties. Apply through WHEAP first, then your local weatherization provider schedules your energy audit.

3) Focus on Energy Rebates + IRA Home Energy Rebates

Utility‑funded rebates reduce the cost of insulation, air sealing, HVAC, and more. Use Focus on Energy’s Residential Rebate Finder to see current offers by ZIP and find Trade Ally contractors. For IRA Home Energy Rebates rolling out in Wisconsin (administered through Focus), monitor updates from the Public Service Commission’s PSC federal funding page.

4) WHEDA Home Improvement Loan Program (HILP)

The state housing authority offers fixed‑rate home improvement loans via partner lenders. See WHEDA HILP for eligibility and lender access. WHEDA’s site notes loans are up to 15 years; a 20,000 loan at 5% over 15 years is about 158/month (example only—ask lenders for today’s rates). WHEDA also lists other homeowner resources on its homeowner programs page.

5) State HOME/CDBG Rehabilitation (delivered locally)

Wisconsin channels HOME and CDBG housing dollars to cities and counties for owner‑occupied rehab, down‑payment help, and rental rehab. The state’s HOME HHR overview is on the DEHCR HOME Homebuyer & Rehabilitation page. If you’re outside a HUD “entitlement” city/county, look up regional contacts through DEHCR’s CDBG RLF housing page to find your local rehab loan office.

City & County Programs

Here are strong local options in major Wisconsin communities. Most are income‑limited and may use waitlists or short funding rounds.

City/County Program Example help Who qualifies How to apply
Milwaukee STRONG Homes Loan Up to 25,000; 25% forgiven after 10 yrs; 0–3% interest Owner‑occupants citywide; low/mod income NIDC STRONG
Milwaukee Neighborhood Improvement Project (NIP) Forgivable loan; code/safety repairs Owners in eligible NSP areas; income‑eligible Milwaukee NIP
Milwaukee Compliance Loan Program (CLP) 0% deferred; fix exterior code orders Owner‑occupants with cited violations CLP
Milwaukee Lead Hazard Reduction / Primary Prevention Grants up to project cap for window & lead hazard work Pre‑1978 homes; child/pregnancy criteria may apply MHD Lead Program
Milwaukee Me² Energy Efficiency Low‑interest financing (up to 20,000) + rebates Owner‑occupants of 1–3 unit homes in city limits Me² overview
Madison Major & Minor Home Repair (Project Home) 0% deferred for major; low‑cost minor repairs Income‑eligible owner‑occupants in city Project Home – Rehab
Waukesha County (incl. Ozaukee/Washington/Jefferson) HOME/CDBG Rehab Deferred loans up to 24,999 (CDBG); 14,999 (purchase/rehab) ≤80% AMI; owner‑occupied Waukesha County housing
Green Bay Home Improvement Loan Program 0% deferred loans up to 35,000 Low/mod income owner‑occupants Green Bay HILP
Eau Claire Rehabilitation Loan Up to 40,000 loan + up to 7,000 grant Income‑eligible; waitlist common Eau Claire Housing
Kenosha County (outside city) Owner‑Occupied Rehab 0% deferred; code/health repairs Income‑eligible; outside City of Kenosha Kenosha County Rehab
Brown County/Region NE Wisconsin CDBG Housing 0% deferred; code/lead/septic/access repairs Low/mod income owners in participating communities Brown County CDBG Housing
Fond du Lac (city) Housing Rehabilitation 0% deferred; income limits posted Owner‑occupied; income eligible Fond du Lac Rehab

Many smaller cities and towns use CDBG/HOME funds for “owner‑occupied rehab.” Call City Hall or County Community Development and ask for the housing rehab loan office; you can also search DEHCR’s CDBG Housing RLF page to find your regional contact.

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Programs use different income cutoffs. Some use 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), others use 50% AMI or state median income for energy programs. Always check the program page’s current chart or HUD’s income limits tool.

  • Madison (Dane County): For 2025, the City lists 80% AMI for a 4‑person household as $103,850 on its Special Assessment Loans page (updated June 1, 2025). The City also notes 60% AMI for a 4‑person household as $77,880 on its Housing Tracker.
  • Milwaukee (TIN/NIDC): The Targeted Investment Neighborhoods page shows 2025 household limits (e.g., 4‑person $88,550) under “Income Guidelines” on the TINs page.
  • Energy help (WHEAP): WHEAP uses 60% of State Median Income; the state posts eligibility and application at the Home Energy Plus assistance page.

These are examples only—programs update limits annually. Always confirm the latest figures on the program’s official page.

Special Groups & Short Examples

Seniors

Start with WHEAP and the HE+ HVAC program for unsafe furnaces or water heaters; apply via the state’s Home Energy Plus portal. Many cities offer deferred rehab loans (for example, Madison’s 0% deferred rehab), and Milwaukee’s STRONG Homes has deferred options for low‑income seniors. For background on options, see the seniors primer at home repair grants for seniors (general overview) and then use the Wisconsin program links above to apply.

Example: A 70‑year‑old homeowner in Madison with a failed furnace could get emergency HE+ HVAC service through WHEAP and later use Project Home’s major rehab loan to address roof and accessibility ramps.

Veterans

If a service‑connected disability affects access at home, the VA’s adapted housing grants—SAH/SHA grants—can fund ramps, bathrooms, or major modifications. The VA explains how to file the VA Form 26‑4555 online or by mail (Janesville Claims Intake Center). Local nonprofits like Revitalize Milwaukee and Project Home’s “Serving Those Who Served” can help with critical repairs for low‑income veterans.

Disabled Homeowners

Rebuilding Together affiliates make “Safe at Home” modifications (grab bars, ramps, fall‑prevention) free to eligible households; see the national affiliate finder and the Wisconsin Fox Valley affiliate listing. For southeastern Wisconsin, Revitalize Milwaukee assists low‑income seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities with critical safety repairs.

Rural Residents

USDA’s Section 504 is built for very‑low‑income rural owners. The state page lists eligibility and the 1%/20‑year loan terms on USDA Wisconsin. Many rural counties also participate in regional CDBG housing rehab; start with DEHCR’s CDBG RLF page.

Families with Children

For lead hazards (peeling windows, dust), Milwaukee’s Lead Hazard Reduction Program funds window and hazard work, and Milwaukee County’s suburban program posts criteria on its housing page. For sudden crises (fire, disaster, domestic violence), the state’s Emergency Assistance helps eligible families with children.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

  1. If your heat or hot water is out, submit an application at Home Energy Plus and call 1‑800‑506‑5596 (Customer Care). Tell them you have a “no‑heat” emergency for HE+ HVAC.
  2. Make a simple list of problems (e.g., “roof leak over kitchen,” “unsafe stairs,” “bad wiring”). Take photos for your records.
  3. Check if you’re rural. If yes, call USDA Rural Development Wisconsin (see the state page on USDA 504) to ask eligibility and how to apply.
  4. In Milwaukee or Madison: contact your local housing rehab program—Milwaukee STRONG / Milwaukee NIP or Project Home Madison—and ask what’s open now.

This week

  1. Use HUD’s income limits tool to see which bracket your household fits.
  2. Apply to one rehab program and one energy/weatherization program; don’t wait. Many have waitlists. Keep copies of all applications.
  3. Check Focus on Energy for rebates that can stack with local loans.
  4. If you had recent storm damage, start a FEMA application at DisasterAssistance.gov (if an active WI declaration exists). File insurance first—FEMA can’t pay for the same item twice.

This month

  1. Answer calls from program staff quickly; missed calls slow approvals.
  2. Get on a nonprofit list (e.g., Revitalize Milwaukee or a Rebuilding Together affiliate via Find Affiliate) for safety repairs if you are low‑income.
  3. In Waukesha/Ozaukee/Washington/Jefferson, review the HOME/CDBG rehab details and submit required documents.

Expect waitlists. Weatherization can take months. Rehab loans can take several weeks from inspection to closing. Apply early and keep documents ready.

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

  • If denied: Ask for the reason in writing. Ask if there’s an appeal, when to reapply, and whether another program (e.g., STRONG vs. NIP) fits better.
  • Try another lane: Consider WHEDA’s HILP loan, a city/county rehab program, or stack Focus on Energy rebates with small repairs.
  • Consumer protection: After disasters, use DATCP’s emergency repair tips and hire licensed contractors (check state DSPS license lookup).

Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

  • Starting work before approval → Wait for a written loan/grant agreement.
  • Missing documents → Keep ID, proof of income, deed/tax bill, insurance, and utility bills in one folder.
  • Unclear title (“heirs’ property”) → Ask legal aid (e.g., Legal Action of Wisconsin or Judicare Legal Aid) for help before applying.
  • Hiring unlicensed “storm chasers” → Verify credentials with DSPS lookup and read DATCP’s home improvement tips.
  • “Duplication of benefits” after disasters → Tell FEMA and your city/county exactly what insurance paid. Programs can usually fund uncovered costs only.

What the Money Really Looks Like (Be Clear!)

  • Grants: You do not repay (e.g., HE+ HVAC, many lead‑safety programs). Some “grants” are recorded as forgivable loans—read your papers.
  • Forgivable or deferred loans: Often recorded as a lien for 5–15 years (e.g., Milwaukee NIP, Madison rehab). If you sell or move before the forgiveness period ends, you may have to repay part or all.
  • Regular loans: Monthly payments and a lien (e.g., WHEDA HILP, STRONG). US DA 504 loans are 1% for up to 20 years. Example: a 20,000 USDA 504 loan at 1% for 20 years is about $92/month (principal + interest).
  • Rebates: You pay first, then get money back (e.g., Focus on Energy). Keep receipts; check eligible models in advance.
  • FEMA: Post‑disaster grants help make homes safe/sanitary; they don’t restore to former condition. Apply via DisasterAssistance.gov.

Tax/benefit note: Ask the agency or a tax professional whether funds may affect taxes or benefits (SSI, SSDI, SNAP). Rules vary by program.

Phone Scripts (short and practical)

Calling WHEAP/HE+ (no heat):

“Hello, I’m a homeowner in [city]. My furnace isn’t heating and I have [children/senior/disabled household member]. I’d like to apply for WHEAP and the HE+ HVAC emergency repair. What documents do you need from me today?”

Calling your city/county rehab program:

“Hi, I own and live in my home at [address]. I’m asking about owner‑occupied rehab help for [roof leak/electrical/ADA ramp]. My household is [#] people with income about [$]. Can you tell me if I meet your income limits and how to start an application?”

Calling USDA Rural Development (Section 504):

“Good morning. I’m in [county]. I own and live in my home and need repairs for [hazard]. My income is very low. Can I apply for a 504 home repair loan or grant, and what documents should I gather before meeting with your office?”

Calling a nonprofit (Revitalize Milwaukee / Rebuilding Together):

“Hi, I’m a low‑income homeowner in [city]. I’m requesting critical safety repairs—[grab bars/steps/roof leak]. Do you have an application or waitlist, and what proof of income and ownership do you require?”

FAQs (Wisconsin‑Specific)

1) Do programs help with roofs?
Yes—many city rehab programs (e.g., Eau Claire Rehab, Green Bay HILP) include roofing. Milwaukee homeowners may use STRONG or NIP. For general tips on roof funding options, see this roof overview and then apply through your local program; a helpful background explainer is the roof repair grants guide (overview only—always use the official city links to apply).

2) Manufactured/mobile homes—am I eligible?
Some programs allow manufactured homes if you own the unit and (often) the land, and the home is not a rental. Check each program’s rules (e.g., Madison’s rehab excludes mobile homes per Project Home). WHEAP/HE+ can still help with essential heating/water systems—apply at Home Energy Plus.

3) What if my income is just over the limit?
Ask the office about alternate programs (e.g., WHEDA HILP) or standard loans plus Focus on Energy rebates. Some city programs (e.g., STRONG) offer different loan terms for moderate incomes.

4) How long do these take?
HE+ “no heat” is fast—contractors are dispatched quickly per the HE+ HVAC rules. Weatherization can take months due to waitlists; rehab loans can take several weeks. Apply early and answer phone calls.

5) Will a lien be placed on my home?
Many city/county rehab “grants” are actually forgivable or deferred loans recorded as a lien (e.g., Milwaukee NIP, Eau Claire Rehab). HE+ HVAC services do not place liens per the state policy.

6) I got FEMA money—can I still get help?
Often, yes—but programs can’t pay for the same items twice. Bring your FEMA award letter (see the FEMA how‑to‑apply page) and insurance documents so local programs can fund remaining needs only.

7) Title issues/heirs’ property—what should I do?
Contact legal aid early: Legal Action of Wisconsin (most counties) or Judicare Legal Aid (northern WI). They can advise on affidavits, probate, or other steps that programs may require before assistance.

8) Who can help me find the right office?
Dial 2‑1‑1 Wisconsin (or text your ZIP to 898211). Ask for “owner‑occupied rehab loans, weatherization, HE+ furnace program, and lead‑safety programs” in your county.

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Quick Checklist

  • List urgent problems (safety, heat, roof, electrical, access). Take photos.
  • Check income bracket with HUD’s income limits tool or your city/county chart.
  • Gather: ID, proof of income (last 30–60 days), deed/tax bill, mortgage/insurance, utility bills, contractor estimates if you have them.
  • Apply to: HE+ (Home Energy Plus) + one city/county rehab program; then check Focus on Energy rebates.
  • Record case numbers, dates, and contact names. Return calls fast.

Contacts (save these)

Agency/Program What they do Link
Home Energy Plus (WHEAP & HE+) Heating/electric help; emergency furnace/water heater repair DEHCR Assistance / Apply online
Weatherization Assistance (statewide) Free insulation, air sealing, safety fixes WAP program page
USDA Rural Development – WI Section 504 home repair loans/grants (rural) USDA 504 in Wisconsin
Focus on Energy Utility rebates for insulation/HVAC Rebate Finder
Milwaukee – NIDC STRONG loans, NIP grants, resources Milwaukee Housing Help
Project Home (Madison/Dane) City rehab, minor repairs, weatherization Madison Rehab
Waukesha County HOME/CDBG Deferred owner‑occupied rehab loans Waukesha HOME Rehab
FEMA Disaster Assistance Post‑disaster grants and housing help How to apply
2‑1‑1 Wisconsin Statewide referrals; language help 211 contact options

Resumen en español (corto)

¿Quién? Dueños de casa en Wisconsin con ingresos bajos o moderados, incluyendo adultos mayores, personas con discapacidades, familias con niños y propietarios en zonas rurales.

Programas clave: Para emergencias de calefacción o calentador de agua, solicite a través de Home Energy Plus (WHEAP/HE+). Para mejoras gratis de eficiencia (aislamiento, sellado), pida la Asistencia de Climatización (WAP). Si vive en zona rural y tiene ingresos muy bajos, pregunte por el programa 504 del USDA en Wisconsin (préstamo al 1% o subvención para mayores de 62 años). En Milwaukee, revise STRONG Homes y NIP. En Madison, contacte a Project Home.

Cómo empezar: Reúna comprobantes (identificación, ingresos, escritura/boleta de impuestos, seguro y facturas). Aplique a HE+ en energybenefit.wi.gov y a un programa local de reparación. Busque reembolsos de Focus on Energy para reducir costos. Si hubo desastre y hay declaración federal, presente solicitud en DisasterAssistance.gov. Para ayuda gratuita con referencias o intérpretes, llame al 2‑1‑1 y pida “servicios de vivienda y reparaciones” en su condado.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

Rules, amounts, and income limits can change. Always confirm with the agency or a trusted housing counselor. This guide is not legal, tax, or financial advice.

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