Utah Home Repair Grants: Updated

If you’re a Utah homeowner struggling with critical repairs, you don’t have to face the costs alone. Several state and federal programs offer grants and low-interest loans, charities with local funding, and single fathers, veterans, specifically designed to help low- and moderate-income families address health and safety hazards.

From roof replacements to electrical updates, these opportunities can transform your home, but eligibility requirements vary significantly by program and location.

Key Takeaways

• USDA Section 504 grants provide up to $10,000 for homeowners aged 62+ in rural areas, with 1% loans available up to $40,000
• CHiRP grants offer up to $20,000 for critical repairs in Salt Lake, Tooele, and Davis Counties with income-based eligibility
• Northern Utah Neighborhood Improvement Program grants reach $25,000 with no repayment required for qualified applicants
• Habitat for Humanity programs combine zero-interest material loans with volunteer labor for low-to-moderate income homeowners in multiple counties
• Most programs require homeownership, primary residence occupancy, income verification, and cover health and safety hazards like electrical, plumbing, and roof repairs

What Are Utah Home Repair Grants?

Because many Utah homeowners struggle to afford critical repairs, several grant programs provide financial assistance, cash support, and food services to cover the costs of health and safety improvements.

The Section 504 Home Repair program offers grants up to $10,000 for homeowners aged 62 or older, with increased funding available in disaster areas.

The Critical Home Repair Program (CHiRP) provides grants up to $20,000 for low-to-moderate-income households in specific counties.

The Northern Utah Neighborhood Improvement Program (NUNIP) offers grants up to $25,000 with no repayment required.

Most grant applications require that you occupy your home as your primary residence and meet income limits for your county.

These funding sources address urgent health and safety hazards, helping you maintain safe, livable homes.

Who Qualifies for Section 504 Loans and Grants?

You’re eligible for Section 504 grants if you’re at least 62, meet very low-income limits, and occupy an eligible rural home—up to $10,000 ($15,000 in disaster areas).

Verify areas via the USDA Eligibility Site.

Contact your local Rural Development office to start the grant application process.

How Much Funding Can You Get?

1. Section 504: Get up to $10,000 grant ($15,000 in disaster areas); combine loans/grants for $50,000 total (loans cap at $40,000).
2. Section 504 Elderly Grants: If you’re 62+, receive grants to remove health/safety hazards (up to $10,000 limit).
3. HomeFit Upgrade Program: Access up to $25,000 in flexible financing for renovations.
4. Critical Home Repair Program: Obtain grants up to $20,000 for health, safety, accessibility fixes.

Tailor applications to your needs for ideal support.

What Repairs Are Covered?

Utah home repair grants cover repairs that remove health and safety hazards, such as electrical and plumbing work, roof replacements, window repairs, and ADA improvements.

Under Section 504, you get funding for essential fixes to make your home safe and sanitary if you’re a very-low-income homeowner aged 62 or older.

Check repair eligibility for home safety through programs like Orem’s grants for sanitation hazards and remodeling, Critical Home Repair for painting and damage fixes, or HomeFit for bathroom/kitchen updates and exteriors.

In disaster areas, grants rise to $15,000 for urgent needs.

Which Program Is Right for You?

Choosing the right program depends on your income level, location, and the scope of repairs you need.

Consider these homeowner challenges and repair priorities:

1. Section 504 Program: Best if you’re very-low-income and need health/safety fixes; offers $40,000 loans at 1% interest.
2. HomeFit Upgrade Program: Ideal for broader renovations beyond emergencies in Salt Lake, Tooele, or Summit counties; provides $25,000 financing.
3. Critical Home Repair Program: Perfect for urgent repairs requiring grants up to $20,000 with income verification.
4. MAG Single Family Program: Suitable if you earn under 80% Area Median Income and need accessibility or energy efficiency improvements.

Match your specific needs to each program’s focus.

Section 504: USDA Loans and Grants

You’ll want to understand the eligibility requirements first, since they determine whether you can access Section 504 funding at all.

The program offers two distinct funding options—loans up to $20,000 at 1% interest over 20 years, or grants up to $10,000 (or $15,000 in presidentially declared disaster areas) for those 62 and older.

Once you’ve confirmed your qualification, you can begin the application steps by contacting your local Rural Development office with the required documentation.

Eligibility Requirements

Because the Section 504 program targets homeowners facing significant financial constraints, it establishes strict eligibility criteria to guarantee assistance reaches those who need it most.

You’ll need to meet these requirements:

1. Demonstrate homeowner status and occupancy – You must own and live in the property as your primary residence.
2. Prove inability to obtain affordable credit elsewhere – Lenders evaluate your creditworthiness and borrowing options.
3. Meet income verification thresholds – Your household income can’t exceed the very-low-income limit, typically 50% of area median income.
4. Be age 62+ for grants – Only elderly homeowners qualify for grant-based assistance for health and safety hazards.

These homeowner responsibilities maintain program integrity while income verification protects vulnerable populations.

Funding Options

The Section 504 program provides two distinct funding mechanisms—loans and grants—each designed to address different financial situations and repair needs.

You can secure loans up to $40,000 at a fixed 1% interest rate over 20 years for repairs, improvements, or modernization, if you’re a very-low-income homeowner unable to get alternative funding elsewhere.

If you’re 62 or older, apply for grants up to $10,000 ($15,000 in disaster areas) to remove health and safety hazards; repay only if you sell within three years.

Combine them for up to $50,000 via local Rural Development offices or community resources.

Application Steps

Once you’ve determined which funding option suits your situation—loan, grant, or combination—applying for Section 504 assistance involves contacting your local Rural Development office and completing several forms.

The application process accommodates your schedule since submissions are accepted year-round, though funding availability varies by state.

Start your application by gathering these essentials:

1. Complete Form RD 3550-35 (intake form) and Form RD 3550-1 (authorization to release information)
2. Provide proof of income, homeownership, and inability to obtain affordable credit elsewhere
3. Submit documentation meeting funding criteria: household income below the very-low limit and occupancy verification
4. Include repair bids with itemized descriptions and contractor licenses

Processing typically takes 30-60 days, depending on funding availability and application completeness.

CHiRP: Salt Lake Area Grant Program

To qualify for CHiRP, you must own a home on a permanent foundation in Salt Lake, Tooele, or Davis County, hold U.S. citizenship or legal residency, and meet low-to-moderate income guidelines (typically 30-80% of area median income).

You start the application process online or via referral, submit documentation verifying income and homeowner status, then undergo an eligibility review and home assessment to prioritize health, safety, and accessibility repairs.

You’ll receive up to $20,000 in grant funding, with any excess costs covered by a 0% interest deferred loan requiring no monthly payments until ownership changes.

Eligibility and Income Requirements

Qualifying for the CHiRP grant program in the Salt Lake area requires your household income to fall below 80% of the area median income (AMI), targeting low-to-moderate-income homeowners.

To proceed with your application, you’ll need to meet these essential requirements:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien
2. Own a home situated on a permanent foundation
3. Provide income verification and household documentation during the application process
4. Reside in Salt Lake, Tooele, or Davis County

Once approved, you’ll receive funding for repairs addressing health, safety, and accessibility concerns—without upfront costs.

Application and Documentation Process

Start the CHiRP application process online; you’ll spend about 10–15 minutes completing it as staff reviews your income, location, and homeowner status.

Gather your documentation checklist now: three months of bank statements, pay stubs, last year’s tax return, plus verification of homeownership and current insurance/property taxes.

You’ll then have an initial consultation with the CHR manager to confirm eligibility, followed by a site visit evaluating urgent safety issues.

Use these application tips to prepare documents upfront.

Receive up to $20,000 in grant funding; opt for a 0% interest, deferred loan if needed. Staff communicates clearly on financial options before work starts.

Grant Funding and Financial Assistance

1. Grant assistance covers eligible repairs without repayment requirements.
2. 0% interest deferred loans address remaining costs with no monthly payments.
3. Income-based qualification guarantees accessibility for low-to-moderate earners.
4. Community engagement through local partnerships strengthens homeowner education.

These financial structures remove barriers to necessary repairs.

By combining grants with deferred financing, you’re empowered to address urgent safety issues without overwhelming debt.

CHiRP’s comprehensive approach prioritizes both immediate health concerns and long-term housing stability for eligible residents across service areas.

City of Orem Grants: Up to $15,000

Apply via Neighborly after creating/verifying your account, or call 801-229-7000.

HomeFit Upgrade: Alternative Financing

If you’re looking beyond basic repairs, you’ll find that HomeFit Upgrade offers up to $25,000 in flexible financing for larger renovation projects in Salt Lake, Tooele, and Summit counties.

You can qualify by occupying your home as your primary residence, maintaining current mortgage payments and taxes, and meeting debt-to-income requirements—with automatic approval at a 640 credit score minimum.

Your eligible projects span health and safety improvements to kitchen and bathroom remodels, roofing replacements, and exterior updates, all supported by financial coaching services to help you manage your renovation responsibly.

Flexible Financing Options

1. Secure competitive loans avoiding predatory lending.
2. Receive paired financial coaching to build your skills.
3. Tackle non-health/safety projects like remodeling.
4. Combine with grants for comprehensive upgrades.

Qualifying Borrower Criteria

To qualify for the HomeFit Upgrade Program‘s alternative financing, you must occupy your primary residence in Salt Lake, Tooele, or Summit counties and stay current on mortgage payments and taxes with no liens on the property.

Your household income can’t exceed specified limits, and you’ll need a minimum credit score of 640 for automatic approval, though lower scores may qualify through committee review.

Demonstrating strong borrower responsibilities through timely payment history and stable financial management practices positions you favorably for approval.

The program requires auto-pay enrollment for monthly payments and may mandate financial counseling if your debt-to-income ratio reaches 45% or higher.

This qualification structure guarantees you access up to $25,000 in competitive financing while maintaining responsible lending standards.

Project Eligibility Scope

Eligible project types include:

1. Structural improvements like roofing, foundations, and additions
2. System upgrades for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC
3. Interior renovations including flooring, cabinets, and windows
4. Environmental remediation for mold, radon, and asbestos

The program’s funding limits accommodate substantial renovations while competitive financing protects you from predatory lending.

This flexibility guarantees you can tackle projects that genuinely improve your home’s livability and market value simultaneously.

Habitat for Humanity Grants in Utah County

Habitat for Humanity of Utah County offers a Critical Home Repair Program that helps low- to moderate-income homeowners address health, safety, and accessibility issues through essential repairs to plumbing, electrical systems, and structural elements.

You’ll pay a modest fee based on repair costs and annual income. The program requires you to demonstrate stable income, document home ownership, and commit sweat equity hours alongside volunteers.

Habitat provides zero-interest loans covering materials while community volunteers contribute skilled labor. This partnership model guarantees affordability while fostering neighborhood revitalization.

You can contact the program at 801-263-0136 to investigate eligibility and begin your application process.

How to Apply for Home Repair Grants

1. Contact local USDA RD offices or register on Neighborly for cities like Orem and Salt Lake City.
2. Gather proof of ownership, income verification (pay stubs, tax returns), and homeowners insurance.
3. Check eligibility: age 62+ for Section 504 grants; very-low-income per county.
4. Complete volunteer hours if required, and combine aid up to $50,000 in loans/grants.

Documents You’ll Need to Apply

What documents do you need to apply for Utah home repair grants?

You’ll provide proof of home ownership (such as a recent property tax statement or mortgage statement) and current homeowners insurance.

Verify income with three months of bank statements, recent pay stubs, or last year’s tax return—household income mustn’t exceed 80% of the area median income.

Elderly applicants (62+) include proof of age.

Use this document checklist to streamline your application timeline: submit all before the site visit for faster processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Do When Your House Is Falling Apart and You Can’t Afford to Fix It?

Seek financial assistance for emergency repairs through USDA Section 504 loans (up to $40,000 at 1% interest) or grants (up to $10,000 if you’re 62+). Check eligibility at your local Rural Development office, prove low income and credit issues.

What Is the Utah Homeowner Grant?

Like a crumbling fortress needing urgent reinforcements, the Utah Homeowner Grant offers you up to $15,000 in homeowner assistance for critical repairs. Check repair eligibility if you’re low-income (under 80% AMI) in Orem; apply via Neighborly.

How to Get Money to Make Home Repairs?

You can access home repair options through USDA Section 504 loans and grants, local city programs, and community initiatives. Income limits typically apply, requiring household earnings below 50% of median area income. Contact your local Rural Development office to investigate financial assistance opportunities.

What Is the Federal Way Home Repair Program?

You access the Federal Way Home Repair Program through federal assistance funded by HUD’s CDBG for home improvement. If you’re a low-income owner-occupant (≤80% AMI) in Federal Way, you get up to $20,000 grants/loans for health/safety repairs.

Conclusion

You’ve got the tools to reclaim your home’s safety—don’t let repairs slip through the cracks like water through a leaky roof. Check your eligibility for programs like Section 504 Grants up to $10,000 or CHiRP up to $20,000, gather your documents, and apply today. These grants empower you to fix plumbing, electrical hazards, and more, securing your haven for years ahead.