USDA Section 504 Home Repair Grant
The USDA Section 504 Home Repair Grant is a federal assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development office. It is designed to help very-low-income homeowners in eligible rural areas make necessary repairs to their primary residences.
The program offers both loans and grants. The grant portion is generally available to homeowners aged 62 and older who cannot afford to repay a loan. Grant funds are directed specifically toward removing health and safety hazards from the home. Under normal circumstances, the grant does not need to be repaid, though it may have to be returned if the home is sold within a set period.
Eligibility for the program depends on income, location, and age. Applications are submitted through a local USDA Rural Development office, and prospective applicants can check eligibility information at rd.usda.gov. There is no fee to apply, and no legitimate version of the program guarantees approval.
Avoid grant scams
Legitimate grants are free to apply for. Walk away from anyone who:
- guarantees you a grant, or says you were 'selected' for money you never applied for;
- charges an upfront 'processing', 'application', or 'grant kit' fee;
- asks for your bank-account or card number to 'deposit' a grant;
- pressures you to act immediately.
Verify any program directly at its official .gov site, and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov. More on our grant-scam awareness page.
Official sources: USDA Rural Development — Section 504 Home Repair program. This page is educational information, not financial or legal advice; grants are competitive and never guaranteed. See our sources & how-we-work policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for usda section 504 home repair grant?
Very-low-income homeowners in eligible rural areas; the grant portion is generally limited to homeowners aged 62 and older who cannot repay a repair loan. Open to women and men alike..
Does usda section 504 home repair grant have to be repaid?
This is grant (not repaid unless the home is sold within a set period). Grants generally do not have to be repaid, but they are competitive and eligibility-bound.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying for legitimate funding is free. Anyone charging a fee to 'get you a grant' is a scam — see our scam-awareness page.
How do I apply for usda section 504 home repair grant?
Apply through a local USDA Rural Development office; check eligibility at rd.usda.gov.
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