Federal grants to replace a roof

 Federal roof repair and replacement grants are not as common as loans. If you want to repair or replace your roof with a more energy-efficient material, you can probably qualify for tax credits and may be able to get some low-interest loans to help with costs. However, roofing grants are generally limited to certain demographic groups and non-profit organizations. If you don't make a lot of money, you have more options.

Where to find roofing grants

The federal government is less likely to offer grants than state and local governments. However, if you fall into a low or very low income category, there are some federal grants worth checking out. By low or very low income, the federal government means less than 50 percent of the area median income for very low incomes, and 50 to 80 percent of the area median income for low incomes.

Types of grants available

One type of grant available is the Home Preservation Grant Program, which is available through the United States Department of Agriculture. This program has $10 million in grants available, but you cannot apply directly. Instead, you must go through reputable nonprofit organizations that repair and rehab low-income housing. These grants are limited to people living in rural areas and cities with fewer than 20,000 people, as well as Native American tribes and people living on federally recognized tribal lands. These grants are generally awarded to organizations that rehabilitate housing for low and very low income homeowners, but owners of rental properties can also receive assistance if they rent housing units to very low-income citizens. To see how to get one of these grants or find an organization that does roof repair or replacement, you should check with the USDA Rural Development office in your state.

 

Another type of grant that is available is Single Family Self-Help Grants, which are for very low-income elderly homeowners. These home repair grants are limited to homeowners age 62 and older whose household income is less than 50 percent of their area median. The maximum grant is $7,500, and you only get this grant once during your lifetime. Also, if you sell the house within three years, you must pay back the grant money. If you can afford a portion of the repairs, you may qualify for a combination grant and loan.

There is also the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which is part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant program. These block grants are awarded to state and local governments to develop low- and moderate-income housing, which is up to 120 percent of the area median income. These grants also do not go to individuals. Funds go to qualified state and local government agencies and non-profit organizations. If you represent a nonprofit organization, you can view previous grant applications that scored well for tips on how to submit a successful grant application.

Weatherization Assistance Progra

If you want to improve the energy efficiency of your roof, the US Department of Energy has the Weatherization Assistance Program and the State Energy Program. You automatically qualify if you receive Supplemental Security Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. States often give preference to other groups, including families with children, families with a family member with a disability, and people age 60 and older.

Qualifying families will receive a weatherization audit. New roofs don't qualify, so you have to seek help from the government with roof repairs, and the average award is $6,500. However, help is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency if you were involved in a natural disaster. FEMA will verify your loss claim and will only pay for repairs that make a home safe, sanitary, and functional.