USDA Single Family Housing 504 Program

How it works

The USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program provides two forms of help for homeowners in eligible rural areas. Very-low-income homeowners can get loans to repair, improve, or modernize their homes, or to remove health and safety hazards. Elderly, very-low-income homeowners can also qualify for grants to remove health and safety hazards.

What the money covers

• Loans can be used to repair, improve, or modernize a home.
• Loans can also be used to remove health and safety hazards.
• Grants must be used to remove health and safety hazards.

Amounts and matching

• Maximum loan: $40,000.
• Maximum grant: $10,000.
• Loans and grants can be combined for up to $50,000 in assistance.
• Loan term: 20 years.
• Loan interest rate: fixed at 1%.
• Full title service is required for loans greater than $25,000.
• Grants have a lifetime limit of $10,000.
• Grants must be repaid if the property is sold within three years.

How to apply

Applications are available year-round as long as funding is available. Applications are processed in the order they are received. The page directs applicants to contact a USDA home loan specialist through the USDA Rural Development state office directory for help with the application.

Timing and deadlines

There is no fixed deadline listed. The program is open year-round, subject to funding availability. Approval times depend on funding availability in your area.