USDA Rural Development announced today that funds are available to help repair homes in rural New York. The Rural Housing Service Loan and Grant Home Repair Program offers very-low income homeowners living in eligible rural areas, loans to make general home repairs or modifications, which may improve or modernize a home.
“Loans of up to $20,000 for a maximum of 20 years are available,” said Jennifer Jackson, USDA NY Rural Development Single Family Housing Program Director. “Under these terms, a $5,000 loan would have a monthly payment of just $23. Applicants must own and occupy the home in need of repair and meet the ‘very-low income’ criteria.”
To be eligible for home repair loans, an applicant must have the ability to repay the loan, an acceptable credit history, live in a rural area and an income that falls within the very-low income category for the size of their household. ‘Very-low income’ varies throughout New York State. For example, a household of two in Chenango County whose income is at or below $23,100 may be income-eligible for the program. A one percent interest rate for a maximum term of 20 years may allow eligible homeowners the opportunity to make the home improvements they have been planning. Applicants may obtain multiple loans, with a maximum outstanding loan balance at a given time of $20,000.
Grants are available to senior rural home owners age 62 or older who cannot afford a loan. Grants are limited to a lifetime assistance of $7,500 and must be used to remove health and safety hazards or make a home more handicap accessible. To see if you meet the income and property eligibility, please visit click here.
For more information on the Home Repair Program and other USDA Rural Development programs, please contact the Cortland office at (607) 753-0851, ext. 4. The Cortland office services Onondaga, Tompkins, Cortland, Chenango, Tioga, Broome, and Cayuga counties.
President Obama's historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.