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Section 504 Home Repair Grant Calculator

Calculators

Section 504 Home Repair Grant Estimator

Important Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate based on typical Section 504 program guidelines. Eligibility and grant amounts are determined by your local HUD office based on your specific circumstances, official Area Median Income (AMI) data, and contractor quotes. This tool is for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of funding. Please contact your local HUD or Public Housing Authority for an official determination.

What Is the Section 504 Home Repair Grant?

The Section 504 Home Repair Program is run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It helps low-income homeowners repair, improve, or modernize their homes.

For people with disabilities, the grant can cover accessibility upgrades such as:

  • Wheelchair ramps
  • Widened doorways
  • Roll-in showers
  • Grab bars in bathrooms
  • Lowered kitchen counters
  • Accessible flooring

The goal is simple: make homes safer and more livable.

Who Qualifies for a Section 504 Grant?

To qualify for a Section 504 home repair grant, you must meet several basic requirements.

1. You Must Own and Live in the Home

The calculator checks your homeownership status first. If you rent or live with someone else, you are not eligible for this grant.

2. You Must Have a Qualifying Disability

The tool asks about disability status. The grant is designed for homeowners who need accessibility repairs due to a disability.

3. Your Income Must Be Below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI)

This is a key part of eligibility.

The calculator estimates whether your income falls below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) in your state. If your income is above this limit, you may not qualify.

How the Section 504 Home Repair Grant Calculator Works

The calculator uses your answers to estimate:

  • Eligibility status
  • Income compared to the 50% AMI limit
  • Estimated grant amount
  • Recommended next steps

Here’s how each part works.

Step 1: Basic Eligibility Check

The calculator first checks:

  • Do you own and live in your home?
  • Do you have a qualifying disability?

If you answer “no” to either, the tool will mark you as Ineligible right away.

This saves time and avoids confusion.

Step 2: Income and AMI Calculation

The calculator uses:

  • Household size
  • State
  • Annual household income

How AMI Is Estimated

The tool starts with a base national median income for:

  • 1-person household
  • 2-person household
  • 3-person household
  • 4-person household

Then it applies a state multiplier to adjust for cost of living differences.

Finally, it calculates:

50% of Adjusted AMI = Income Limit

If your income is:

  • Below that number → Likely Eligible
  • Above that number → Likely Ineligible (Income)

You’ll see your income compared directly to the estimated 50% AMI limit.

Example:

  • Your income: $35,000
  • 50% AMI limit: $38,000
  • Result: Likely Eligible

This comparison makes the decision clear and easy to understand.

Step 3: Estimated Grant Amount

The calculator asks for:

  • Estimated cost of accessibility repairs
  • Maximum grant amount

By default, it uses a national estimate of $7,500.

If you know your local maximum grant amount, you can enter a custom number.

How the Grant Amount Is Calculated

The formula is simple:

Grant Amount = The Smaller of:
- Your estimated repair cost
- The maximum grant allowed

Example 1:

  • Repair cost: $5,000
  • Max grant: $7,500
  • Estimated grant: $5,000

Example 2:

  • Repair cost: $12,000
  • Max grant: $7,500
  • Estimated grant: $7,500

If your project costs more than the grant limit, the tool will note that the grant may only cover part of your expenses.

Types of Repairs You Can Select

The calculator lets you check all planned repairs, including:

  • Access ramp
  • Widened doorways
  • Accessible bathroom
  • Roll-in shower
  • Lowered kitchen counters
  • Accessible flooring
  • Other repairs

These selections do not change the grant amount calculation. However, they help clarify what type of accessibility work you are planning.

Understanding the Results Section

After clicking “Check Eligibility,” the results panel shows:

1. Eligibility Status

  • Likely Eligible
  • Likely Ineligible – Income
  • Ineligible

2. Income vs. 50% AMI Limit

Shows your income compared to the estimated threshold.

3. Estimated Grant Amount

Displays the maximum the grant might cover.

4. Grant Note

Explains whether your repair costs exceed the grant cap.

5. Recommended Next Steps

Usually advises you to contact your local USDA office.

Important Disclaimer

The calculator is an estimate tool.

Actual eligibility and funding decisions are made by your local office under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or USDA program administrators.

Final decisions depend on:

  • Official AMI data
  • Verified income documentation
  • Proof of disability
  • Contractor repair quotes

The tool does not guarantee funding.

Why This Calculator Is Useful

Many people avoid applying because they are unsure if they qualify. This calculator helps you:

  • Quickly check basic eligibility
  • Compare your income to local limits
  • Estimate potential funding
  • Understand what steps come next

It removes guesswork.

And that matters when you’re planning important home modifications.

What To Do After Using the Calculator

If you receive a “Likely Eligible” result:

  1. Contact your local USDA Rural Development office.
  2. Gather proof of income.
  3. Prepare disability documentation if required.
  4. Get contractor estimates for your repairs.

If you receive a “Likely Ineligible – Income” result:

  • Double-check your numbers.
  • Ask your local office about updated AMI limits.
  • Explore other assistance programs.