Home Grant Resource
Owning and maintaining a safe home is a foundation for stability and independence. Home grants make that goal more attainable by providing non-repayable funds to help Americans buy, repair, or modify their homes.
While traditional loans and VA home loan benefits must be repaid with interest, home grants are financial assistance gifts. They allow people nationwide to access safe, affordable housing without accumulating additional debt. At Veterans Guide, we believe that veterans should have reliable information about the benefits and resources available to them. Thus, we have created this guide to provide information about home grant resources.
What Are Home Grants and How Do They Work?
Home grants are financial awards provided by government agencies or nonprofits to make housing more affordable and accessible. Unlike VA home loans, beneficiaries do not need to repay these grants. The money can help eligible individuals or families purchase, build, repair, or modify a home to meet safety or accessibility standards.
Most grant programs aim to promote long-term housing stability without adding to Americans’ debt burden. Some focus on helping low- or moderate-income families afford a first home, while others assist seniors or veterans with necessary home repairs and adaptations.
Who Funds Them?
Federal and state agencies fund most home grant programs in the United States. For instance, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, manages a federal housing grant called the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, oversees the Single-Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants Program, also called the Section 504 program.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, funds several housing grant programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Nonprofits and private foundations also fund housing grants nationwide. Many provide direct financial assistance to those in need, while others undertake home repairs or accessibility modifications through community partnerships.
Types of Home Grants Available
Home grants come in several forms, including home repair grants, down payment assistance grants, and first-time homebuyer grants.
Veterans, in particular, have some of the most comprehensive grant options available through the VA. Home grants for veterans include the Specially Adapted Housing grant, the Temporary Residence Adaptation grant, and the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations Grant.
Federal Home Grants
The HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program provides grants to states and local governments to build, buy, or rehabilitate affordable housing for low-income households.
The USDA’s Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants Program provides grants to elderly homeowners with low incomes to remove health and safety hazards in their homes.
The USDA also offers the Single Family Housing Rural Disaster Home Repair Grant program, which provides funding for repairs to low-income homeowners who suffered home damage in rural areas affected by a Presidentially Declared Disaster.
Veteran-Specific Home Grants
The VA offers several housing grants to veterans with service-connected disabilities. These programs provide funding for home modifications and accessibility improvements to help disabled veterans live safely and independently. Key VA home grants include:
- Specially Adapted Housing, or SAH, Grant: This grant helps veterans with severe, permanent service-connected disabilities build or modify a home for independent living. Qualifying disabilities generally include blindness in both eyes, severe burns, or the loss of, or loss of use of, a lower extremity or more than one limb.
- Temporary Residence Adaptation, or TRA, Grant: Veterans who qualify for the SAH program but are temporarily living in a family member’s home may receive TRA funds to make the residence accessible.
- Home Improvements and Structural Alterations, or HISA, Grant: The HISA benefit provides housing resources for disabled veterans who need modifications to their owned or rented primary residence. To qualify, veterans typically must have a service-connected medical condition, but some may qualify with non-service-connected conditions. Covered improvements include permanent ramps, roll-in showers, lowered counters or sinks, widened doorways, or plumbing or electrical upgrades needed for medical equipment.
State and Local Grants
Many states and city or county governments manage housing grant programs that expand on federal initiatives. These programs often receive funding through the HUD’s Home Investment Partnerships Program, then use that money to support local housing needs. For example, the New York State HOME Program distributes HUD funds to acquire, rehabilitate, or construct affordable housing. It also uses the funds to assist low-income homebuyers and renters.
Depending on the state, grants may help residents with down payments, emergency home repairs, or accessibility upgrades for seniors and people with disabilities. Contact your local housing authority to learn about the state housing assistance programs available in your area. You can visit the National Council of State Housing Agencies’ directory to find verified programs by state.
Nonprofit and Private Programs
Nonprofit organizations and private foundations play an important role in improving housing access. While most do not provide direct cash grants to homeowners, the services and resources they offer can be just as valuable.
For example, Habitat for Humanity makes affordable homeownership accessible to people in vulnerable communities by offering mortgages with low monthly payments.
Rebuilding Together is another large housing assistance organization. It coordinates donors and volunteers to help community members in need make repairs, renovations, and safety modifications to their homes.
How To Determine Eligibility for Home Grants
Home grant eligibility varies by program. Most programs have income requirements and serve low- or moderate-income households that earn certain percentages of the area median income. Location and home type also matter because many programs apply only to owner-occupied or single-family homes in designated rural or low-income areas.
For veterans, eligibility usually depends on service-connected disability status. VA home grant programs require documentation that the veteran’s military service caused or exacerbated the disabling condition. The disability may also need to meet severity requirements and affect specific parts of the body.
How To Apply for a Home Grant
Here are the general steps involved in applying for a home grant:
- Identify the right program. Determine which federal, state, or nonprofit program best fits your needs.
- Check eligibility criteria. Make sure your income, location, property type, veteran status, and other details meet the program’s requirements.
- Gather documentation. Collect proof of income, identification, homeownership or occupancy, disability, accessibility needs, and any other materials needed to verify your eligibility.
- Complete the application. Follow the instructions carefully. Double-check that all information and documents are complete before submitting.
- Follow up or appeal if needed. Track your application status and respond promptly to requests for more information. If your request is denied, you may have the opportunity to correct any issues and reapply. Otherwise, you may have the right to formally appeal the decision.
How To Avoid Home Grant Scams
Scammers often take advantage of people seeking housing help by sending fake “grant approval” emails or official-looking messages claiming you’ve been selected for funding. These schemes may request personal information, financial details, or upfront payments to release your supposed grant. In reality, no legitimate government program will ever approve a grant before you apply or ask for money in exchange for grant funds.
Be cautious of websites or messages that promise guaranteed approval or fast funding. These tactics are designed to create a sense of urgency and pressure you to act quickly. If you’re unsure about an offer, confirm it through an official .gov website or a trusted benefits resource, such as the Veterans Guide.
Why Work With a Housing Benefits Advocate
There’s no single place to review every housing grant or determine which programs you qualify for, and the rules vary widely across programs. A housing benefits advocate can cut through the noise and help you make sense of your options. Services may include the following:
- Identifying programs that match your income, location, or veteran status
- Verifying program legitimacy and protecting you from scams
- Clarifying eligibility requirements and helping you organize your documentation
- Assisting with applications to reduce errors and improve your approval odds
Working with an advocate can save time, reduce frustration, and help you apply with confidence.
Need Help With a Home Grant?
Home grants can make safe and affordable housing possible for those in need, but knowing where to start can be challenging. If you’re unsure which programs you qualify for or how to apply, consult a VA-approved loan advisor for help.
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