Single Family Housing Rural Disaster Home Repair Grants

The Single Family Housing Rural Disaster Home Repair Grants program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through its Rural Development division. This initiative provides targeted financial assistance to very-low and low-income homeowners who have experienced significant damage to their primary residences as a result of certain Presidentially Declared Disasters. The program is governed by the Housing Act of 1949, as amended, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. It is supported by implementing regulations found in 7 CFR Part 3550 and operational guidance contained in the Direct Single Family Housing Program Field Office Handbook. The primary purpose of this grant program is to enable eligible homeowners to repair and restore their homes to a habitable condition following disasters such as floods, wildfires, and other federally declared emergencies. Funding is intended to cover disaster-related repair expenses, including site preparation and the relocation of manufactured homes, as well as costs incurred prior to the submission of an application. The program ensures that duplication of benefits does not occur, requiring applicants to certify that they have not received overlapping financial assistance for the same repairs. The program is open nationwide, but eligibility is geographically restricted to homes located within both rural areas designated by USDA and counties or municipalities included in a Presidential disaster declaration since 2022. Applicants must own and occupy the home, or agree to reoccupy it after repairs are completed. They must also demonstrate that their adjusted household income falls within very-low or low-income limits set by USDA. The USDA Income and Property Eligibility website is the authoritative tool for verifying both income thresholds and eligible rural areas. Applicants may receive up to $44,000 in grant funding. In certain cases, very-low-income applicants may also qualify for additional financing through the Section 504 Home Repair Loan and Grant Program. While the program does not impose a cost-sharing or matching requirement, recipients must comply with program restrictions and reporting requirements. The funding is allocated on a rolling basis, and applications are accepted year-round until program funds are exhausted. Applications are processed in the order received. The application process requires contacting a USDA home loan specialist in the applicant’s local area. Specialists provide information on eligibility, required documentation, and submission mechanics. While the webpage does not enumerate specific application forms, applicants are directed to USDA Rural Development resources and the relevant field offices for guidance. Evaluations are based on income eligibility, property eligibility, and compliance with the disaster-related criteria. There is no specific application close date, and applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible following a qualifying disaster. The program is designed to provide timely, direct relief to homeowners who may otherwise lack the financial capacity to restore their homes. By focusing on rural communities and lower-income households, the initiative supports the USDA’s broader mission to strengthen rural infrastructure and improve quality of life. Information about specific disasters and eligible areas is regularly updated, and applicants are advised to consult state-level USDA Rural Development offices and online disaster eligibility resources. Contact with USDA field specialists remains the first step in initiating an application, and applicants can expect assistance throughout the verification and approval process.