Help for Low-Income Individuals, Families and Seniors over 62 to Buy or Repair Homes
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Low-Income Individuals and Families
Buy or Repair Homes
USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for very low- and low-income individuals and
families seeking to purchase or repair a home in a rural area.
The Direct Home Loan program offers financing to qualified very-low and low-income applicants that
are unable to qualify for traditional financing. No down payment is required, and the interest rate could
be as low as one percent with a subsidy. Applicants must meet income and credit guidelines and
demonstrate repayment ability. The program is available in rural communities of generally 35,000 people
or less.
The maximum loan amount is $40,000 at a one percent interest rate, repayable for a 20-year term and
can be used to improve or modernize homes and do essential repairs. Grants of up to $10,000 are
available to homeowners 62 and older and must be used to remove health or safety hazards, such as
fixing a leaking roof, installing indoor plumbing, or replacing a furnace.
Contact a USDA Rural Development Housing Specialist in your area today, to see if you qualify.
USDA Rural Development loans and grants provide assistance that supports infrastructure
improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and
health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit
www.rd.usda.gov/mn.
- Grant funds are limited to a lifetime award of up to $10,000 for very-low income elderly applicants age 62 or older. Grant eligible repairs must be health and safety related or be utilized for accessibility improvements for a disabled household member.
Your local contact is:
Lisa Kerr
Loan Technician
Rural Development
United States Department of Agriculture
1202 8th St S, Suite 103 | Virginia, MN 55792
Phone: 218.305.3586 | Fax: 855.823.7652
Email: lisa.kerr@usda.gov