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Low-interest loanGrant

USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (Section 504)

Administered by U.S. Department of Agriculture — Rural Development

USDA Rural Development's Section 504 program provides low-interest repair loans to eligible low-income rural homeowners, and grants to eligible very-low-income homeowners aged 62 or older, primarily to remove health and safety hazards. USDA determines eligibility and publishes current limits.

Apply directly

The homeowner/applicant applies directly to the program administrator.

Who runs it

U.S. Department of Agriculture — Rural Development — a federal agency.DwellReady does not administer this program.

Where it's available

Available in rural areas as USDA defines them. Your local USDA Rural Development office confirms whether a specific address is eligible — some areas that feel suburban can still qualify.

Major eligibility factors

You own the home and live in it as your primary residence
The home is in an eligible rural area as USDA defines it (USDA confirms your address)
Household income is within USDA low/very-low income limits for your area
Age 62 or older for the grant path; the loan path has no age requirement

What it's for (per the official source)

Per USDA: repairs, improvements, or modifications that remove identified health and safety hazards; grant funds may also be used to make a home accessible for a household member with a disability, as USDA describes on its current program page.

What it's not for

Cosmetic or luxury improvements, and anything USDA guidance excludes.

How much assistance

USDA publishes current maximum loan and grant amounts (and combined totals) on its program page. Loans are made at a reduced interest rate; grants do not require repayment unless the home is sold within a period USDA defines. Confirm current amounts directly with USDA.

When to apply

USDA currently describes applications as ongoing — confirm timing with your local Rural Development office.

Verify with the official source

Official program page
Official contact

Official source: USDA Rural Development — "Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants" · DwellReady verified Sep 2026.DwellReady does not administer this program, and the administering organization makes all eligibility and funding decisions.

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