Home Repair Programs

How it works

New Castle County’s home repair programs are designed to help qualified homeowners make necessary repairs to remove health and safety hazards. The county says all of the programs are federally funded and subject to federal guidelines and regulations. Homeowners must go through an application process to determine eligibility before assistance is approved.

What the money covers

The programs are intended for repairs that address health and safety issues in the home. The page gives examples including water lines, sewer lines, roofs, heaters, ramps, grab bars, and bathroom modifications. The county also says ordinary homeowner maintenance and exterior upkeep do not qualify, including yard work, tree removal, gutter cleaning, and routine painting.

Programs described on the page

• Emergency Home Repair Program: a loan program focused on critical health and safety repairs.
• Senior Repair Program: a two-part program with a grant and optional deferred loan.
• Architectural Accessibility Program: a grant program to improve accessibility for the people living in the home.

Amounts and terms

• Emergency Home Repair Program: approved applicants may receive up to $20,000 of home repairs. A lien is placed on the property, and repayment terms are based on the homeowner’s income.
• Senior Repair Program: the first part is a $5,000 grant. If additional work is needed, homeowners may also use a $7,500 no-interest deferred loan, for a total possible repair amount of $12,500.
• Architectural Accessibility Program: the page does not state a dollar maximum.

How work is done

New Castle County says it works with contractors approved through the county bid process to address the identified issues in the home.

Timing and deadlines

Funding is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. The Senior Repair Program has a waiting list, and applicants are sent letters based on their position on that list. The page does not state application deadlines for any of the programs.