Owning your own home can be a wonderful experience but over the years damage can accumulate and repairs may be needed. Depending on your financial situation you may not be able to afford to make those repairs in a timely manner. Fortunately, the United States government will often offer government grants and loans which can help you repair your home should you meet various qualifications. There are many different types of federal loan and grant programs which can help individuals with low incomes, the elderly and those collecting Social Security disability.
Various government programs which are meant to prevent neighborhoods from becoming blighted and abandoned by its residents often provide financial assistance for low income families. These types of government-subsidized loans and grants can be used to repair various types of infrastructure like a leaking roof and failing plumbing. Low income families don't just include those which are currently working but also people who are collecting Social Security from retirement or due to disability. Depending on the type of loan or grant being sought these funds could also be used to make a home handicap accessible by adding a ramp for making other modifications which would normally be too expensive for those individuals or families on limited incomes.
A common type of federal assistance for home repair which most individuals may be aware of is when there is a natural disaster. Either the federal government through FEMA or state local governments will often declare a state of emergency for an area ravaged by natural disaster which will then free up financial resources for those adversely affected. Debris and fallen trees on the property and broken windows are some of the many items which can be paid for with federal financial assistance either through grants or loans.
The key difference between a grant and loan is that grants do not need to be repaid but come from a very limited pool of resources and therefore are normally allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Loans on the other hand need to be repaid but since they are federally subsidized they usually have some of the best terms available such as minimal fees and incredibly low interest rates. Federal grants and loans also are not just for low-income individuals or those on fixed incomes looking to repair a home but can also sometimes be applied to homeowners in a historic district or in a rural area. Needless to say, it might be worthwhile to go online and do some research to see if what you want to do to your home may be covered by some sort of federal assistance program.
The only significant drawback to receiving government grants and loans for repairing a home is normally the paperwork involved when applying. As with most government programs, such as social security or military benefits, the paperwork can be lengthy and sometimes confusing which may require significant time and effort on your part to properly fill out all forms and submit them to the appropriate agencies. While not impossible by any means, it is normally not as clean and efficient as using your bank or credit union online loan application process. If you are willing to put in the effort it is possible to see significant savings when repairing your home all thanks to the generosity of your state and federal government agencies.