New York Home Repair Grants: Updated

New York awarded over $68 million in home repair grants to assist nearly 1,300 low-to-moderate income households in 2026. You could qualify if your income falls below county-specific limits like Buffalo’s $56,600 for one person, targeting urgent fixes such as roofs or electrical systems. Check your eligibility now to secure up to $40,000 before funds run out.

Key Takeaways

• Income eligibility for New York home repair grants typically ranges from 50-80% of Area Median Income (AMI), with USDA programs targeting very-low-income households and seniors.
• Eligible repairs include critical health and safety issues like roof replacement, plumbing, electrical upgrades, foundation work, and lead paint removal.
• Grant amounts vary by program: T-HIP offers up to $40,000, USDA Section 504 grants provide up to $10,000, and NYC’s HomeFix offers up to $60,000 per home.
• Key requirements include homeownership, primary residence occupancy, proof of income, and inability to obtain affordable credit elsewhere.
• Application process involves contacting local USDA offices, county development agencies, or city housing departments to submit documentation and receive eligibility determination.

Repairs Covered by New York Home Repair Grants

New York home repair grants cover essential repairs addressing health and safety hazards****, ensuring homes remain safe and livable for occupants.

You can access funding sources through programs like the Section 504 Home Repair program, which provides up to $10,000 in grants for very-low-income homeowners.

These grants prioritize critical repairs including roof replacements, plumbing issues, electrical upgrades, and foundation work.

When you submit your grant application, you’ll find that many programs focus on removing health and safety threats like water access problems.

Some programs provide labor at no cost while you cover materials, depending on eligibility and specific program requirements in your county.

2026 Income Limits for NY Repair Grants

Check your household income against county-specific Area Median Income (AMI) limits to qualify for New York home repair grants, as programs typically cap eligibility at 50%-80% of AMI for very low-income households.

You’ll find program-specific thresholds vary—such as USDA grants under 50% AMI for seniors or NYS HOME up to 80% AMI—often prioritizing those at or below Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Verify the latest figures for your area and gather income documentation to confirm you meet these precise criteria.

Income Qualification Thresholds

Income qualification thresholds for New York home repair grants vary by county and program, so you’ll verify yours against the Area Median Income (AMI) for your location.

Very low-income households earning 50% or less of AMI qualify for specific programs, while low-income households between 51–80% of AMI access broader assistance options.

Income verification through documentation is essential; you’ll need to demonstrate your household income aligns with established thresholds.

Some programs, like Section 504, prioritize homeowners aged 62 or older.

Each program sets distinct limits, so you should contact your local awardee to confirm eligibility based on your county’s current AMI guidelines and household composition.

Program-Specific Limits

1. USDA Section 504: Targets very-low-income (≤50% AMI); seniors 62+ get grants up to $10,000 in rural areas.
2. City of Buffalo Target/Focus: ≤80% AMI (e.g., $56,600 for 1-person household).
3. Otsego Rural/Albany Programs: ≤80% AMI (e.g., $51,100 for 1-person; up to $72,950 for 4).

Verify your fit to secure aid.

T-HIP Grants for Low-Income NY Homeowners

If you’re a low- to moderate-income homeowner in New York, you can qualify for T-HIP grants by meeting income limits of no more than 80% of your area’s median income and owning a 1–4 unit primary residence in targeted neighborhoods.

You’ll receive up to $40,000 per unit to cover critical repairs like roof replacements, electrical system updates, furnace installation, lead water service line replacement, and accessibility modifications.

The program prioritizes homeowners in areas historically affected by housing discrimination and racial wealth gaps, ensuring you build equity while stabilizing your community.

Eligibility Requirements and Income Limits

To qualify for New York’s Targeted Home Improvement Program (T-HIP), your household income mustn’t exceed 80% of the area median income for your region.

You’ll need to meet these key requirements:

1. Own and occupy a 1-4 unit primary residence in economically disadvantaged areas
2. Demonstrate current property tax and homeowner insurance payments
3. Provide income documentation through the application process

Eligible homeowners receive up to $40,000 in funding sources for critical repairs including roof work, electrical system updates, and energy efficiency improvements.

T-HIP specifically targets communities historically impacted by housing discrimination, helping you build equity while supporting community stabilization efforts.

Repair Coverage and Assistance Amounts

Through the New York State Targeted Home Improvement Program (T-HIP), you access grants up to $40,000 per unit for critical repairs that boost your home’s safety, health, and energy efficiency, such as roof replacements, electrical upgrades, and accessibility modifications.

Your grant utilization covers essential work including furnace replacements, window installations, and lead remediation.

Strategic funding strategies allow you to combine T-HIP grants with additional loans, reaching up to $50,000 in standard areas or $55,000 in presidentially declared disaster zones.

Multi-unit properties can receive up to $40,000 per unit, maximizing repair assistance across your dwelling.

These grants require no matching funds from you, ensuring accessible support for critical home improvements.

USDA 504 Loans and Grants in Rural NY

You’ll qualify if you:

1. Occupy your rural NY home as your primary residence.
2. Can’t get affordable credit elsewhere.
3. Earn very-low county income.

Combine USDA benefits for up to $50,000 ($55,000 in disasters).

Start the application process year-round at local USDA Rural Development offices—specialists guide you.

Top County-Specific NY Home Repair Programs

Beyond statewide programs, you’ll find county-specific home repair assistance tailored to your local community’s needs, each with distinct eligibility requirements and funding structures.

These regional initiatives often target particular income thresholds, age groups, or repair priorities, giving you multiple pathways to access affordable repairs.

Understanding which programs serve your county—and what coverage limits and repair types they offer—is essential to securing the right financial support for your home’s critical needs.

Regional Program Eligibility Requirements

1. In Broome County, you’re eligible if aged 55+, owning your home; First Ward Action Council covers labor, you pay materials[FACTS].
2. Chemung County’s Arbor Housing grants target owners with sufficient tenure and low income for health/safety fixes[FACTS].
3. USDA Section 504 aids very-low-income rural owners unable to get credit; grants prioritize those 62+[FACTS].

For grant application tips, verify income limits and contact providers early.

County-Specific Funding Opportunities

New York’s county-specific home repair programs provide targeted funding tailored to local needs and demographics.

In Broome County, you access First Ward Action Council‘s free skilled labor for seniors 55+ (you cover materials), or The Impact Project’s no-cost major repairs if you’re below Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Chemung County’s Arbor Housing and Development Corporation offers grants for health, safety, and structural fixes based on county eligibility and income.

Chenango County’s Greater Opportunities targets income-eligible owners for safety issues like clean water.

Funding sources include USDA Rural Development’s Section 504 loans up to $40,000 and grants to $10,000 in eligible counties.

Check county eligibility now.

Repair Types and Coverage Limits

These programs strategically align their repair types with community needs while maintaining realistic coverage limits based on available funding.

Primary Residence Rules for NY Grants

To qualify for New York home repair grants, you must own and occupy the property as your primary residence, a requirement that nearly all programs enforce to prioritize owner-occupants.

Programs like Section 504 demand homeowner occupancy and proof you can’t secure affordable credit elsewhere, often targeting elderly very-low-income applicants facing health and safety hazards.

When you submit your grant application, verify the home is your main residence—many define it as 270 days yearly occupancy and exclude investment properties.

You’ll maintain current taxes, insurance, and residency, ensuring funds address critical repairs.

Key Documents for Grant Applications

The documentation you’ll submit demonstrates both your financial need and the legitimacy of the repairs required. Your application checklists must include specific document requirements varying by program.

You’ll typically need:

1. Financial documentation—tax returns, bank statements, and employment verification showing household income and assets
2. Homeownership proof—deed, mortgage statement, property tax records, and insurance documentation confirming occupancy
3. Repair details—contractor estimates, health/safety hazard descriptions, and proposed scope of work

These document requirements establish eligibility across New York’s home repair grant programs.

However, requirements vary by county and program type, so you’ll want to verify specific submissions needed for your local opportunity.

Max Amounts: $40K T-HIP vs. $10K USDA

New York’s two largest grant programs—T-HIP and USDA Section 504—differ substantially in their maximum funding and target populations.

You get up to $40,000 from T-HIP for critical repairs that promote community stabilization and build your equity in historically discriminated neighborhoods, with T-HIP benefits targeting low- and moderate-income homeowners.[facts]

In contrast, the USDA’s Section 504 caps grants at $10,000 for elderly very-low-income owners to fix health and safety hazards, under stricter USDA eligibility rules.[facts]

Apply to both simultaneously—you combine them for up to $50,000 total, maximizing your repair funds.[facts]

Qualifying Health and Safety Repairs

1. Essential system repairs—plumbing upgrades, electrical hazards, and furnace replacements—eliminate immediate dangers.
2. Structural integrity work including roofs and foundations prevents catastrophic home failure.
3. Environmental hazards like mold remediation and lead paint removal protect your family’s health.

Your income must fall below federal poverty guidelines or county-defined limits to qualify.

Very-low-income homeowners often receive grants covering up to 100% of qualifying repair costs, particularly when facing urgent health threats.

Elderly and Disabled Grant Priorities

Since you’re 62 or older and struggling with critical home repairs, Section 504 grants can provide up to $10,000 in assistance—or $15,000 if you’re in a federally declared disaster area—without requiring repayment as long as you remain in your home for at least three years.

Your grant application accesses critical funding sources through USDA Rural Development. Eligible repairs include roof replacement, foundation work, and accessibility modifications like wheelchair ramps and grab bars. Income limits vary by county, so verify your area’s thresholds before applying.

Application Timeline and Approval Steps

Apply for Section 504 home repair grants year-round at your local USDA Rural Development office, where you’ll submit forms like RD 3550-35 and RD 410-4 from the Attachment 12-E Checklist.

Your application process moves through these key stages:

1. Prequalification: Though not mandatory, completing an informal prequalification determines program fit before formal submission.
2. Documentation submission: Gather proof of income, homeownership, and inability to secure affordable credit elsewhere.
3. Approval waiting: Funding availability in your area directly impacts approval timelines. Applications are processed in order received, so early submission improves your chances.

Quick responses to follow-up requests keep momentum going throughout your application journey.

Spotting and Avoiding Repair Grant Scams

While scams targeting homeowners seeking repair assistance are increasingly common, you can protect yourself by understanding what legitimate USDA Section 504 programs actually offer and how fraudsters exploit homeowners’ hopes for financial relief.

Be cautious of claims promising free money for repairs—these signal scams.

Practice scam identification by watching for upfront fees, personal info requests, or high-pressure tactics from door-to-door solicitors.

Prioritize grant verification: check official government sites like HUD or local housing authorities, and confirm contractors’ licenses, insurance, and references.

Avoid unlicensed workers demanding cash payments or skipping written contracts.

Research funding sources directly to sidestep fraud.

Next Steps: Contact Your Local Administrator

To take the next step toward New York home repair grants, contact your local USDA Rural Development office****—they’ll guide you on eligibility and application procedures.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Gather documentation: Collect income verification and proof of homeownership to strengthen your grant application.
2. Explore funding sources: Consult community development organizations and housing councils familiar with county-specific programs and resources.
3. Understand local criteria: Different counties offer varying eligibility requirements, so ask about programs tailored to your area.

Your local administrator will help you navigate the entire process, ensuring you access the support available for essential home repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Do if You Can’t Afford to Fix Your House?

If you can’t afford repairs, you’ve got options. Investigate Section 504 loans up to $40,000 and grants to $10,000 for very-low-income homeowners. Tap community resources like local nonprofits and county programs offering grants or no-cost assistance based on your home equity and income level.

How to Get Money to Make Home Repairs?

You can access financial assistance for home repairs through New York’s Targeted Home Improvement Program, which supports low- and moderate-income homeowners with grants up to $40,000. The program targets historically discriminated communities, addressing critical repairs like roofs, electrical work, and code violations.

Conclusion

Imagine your creaking roof giving way in the next storm, wires sparking in the dead of night, or stairs crumbling under weary steps—disaster lurks. Don’t wait for collapse. You qualify if you’re low-income in eligible NY areas; grab T-HIP or USDA grants up to $40,000 for urgent fixes. Contact your local admin now—secure your haven before it’s too late.[72 words]