The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers grants and loans with interest rates as low as 1% to assist low-income, elderly (age 62 and older) homeowners with making needed repairs to their homes. Known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, the intent of the program is to repair, improve or modernize homes to remove health and safety hazards. The maximum loan amount is $20,000, which can be repaid at a 1% fixed interest rate over 20 years, and the maximum grant amount is $7,500. Loans are processed in the order they are received, and applications can be made year-round, provided funding is available.
For more information, including eligibility requirements and who to contact to inquire about this program, click here: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants