Homeowners in declared disaster areas can apply for a grant up to $40,675 for repairs

Last Updated on October 8, 2023 by The HD Post Staff

NATIONWIDE – A new federal grant program is now available to help rural communities affected by disasters to rebuild and recover. Homeowners can now apply for grants up to $40,675 to make disaster-related repairs.

According to All City Adjusting, structural repairs for a fire-damaged home, including wood replacement, sheetrock installation, and new insulation, could average anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 per room. Water damage restoration costs anywhere from $150 to $100,000, but most homeowners pay between $1,300 to $6,000 for a water emergency.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering the Single Family Housing Rural Disaster Home Repair grant to homeowners in Presidentially Declared Disaster.

This pilot program runs until July 18, 2025 and covers Presidentially Declared Disasters within that time frame.

Eligibility

To qualify for the grant:

Have disaster related damage to your home cause by a Presidentially Declared Disaster on or after July 18, 2022
Be the homeowner and be able to occupy the house within 12 months
Have a household income that does not exceed the very low limit by county

To find out if a homeowner lives in an eligible area click here.

Loan

In addition to the grant, the USDA is also offering low interest loans up to $40,000 for homeowners living in declared disaster areas.

Loans and grants can be combined for up to $80,675 in assistance. Loans are termed for 20 years at a 1% interest rate.

For more information about the grant and loan program contact the California Rural Development State Office located at (530) 792-5800 or via email at [email protected].

To find the local office outside of California visit: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices