USDA Rural Development
USDA Section 504 provides very-low-income rural homeowners with 1% interest loans up to $40,000 for 20 years to repair, improve, or modernize their homes, and outright grants up to $10,000 for homeowners 62+ to remove health and safety hazards. The two can be combined for up to $50,000 in assistance. Properties must be in USDA-eligible rural areas, check specific Austin-area addresses using the USDA eligibility map.
Loan at 1% interest, 20-year term. Grant (age 62+) up to $10,000 lifetime. Combined max $50,000. Must verify rural eligibility for specific address at rd.usda.gov. Very low income = generally below 50% AMI.
Deadline: Rolling, high demand; waitlists possible
Grant-approved contractors understand the documentation, inspections, and timelines, so your funding releases on schedule.
This is just one of many grants, rebates, and free programs available. Stack them together to maximize your savings.
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