Michigan Senior Home Repair & Assistance Programs

The Insurance Pros

1 month ago

👵 Michigan Senior Home Repair Programs: Grants, Loans, and Help You Can Trust

Aging in place is important, but homes often need safety upgrades or repairs. For Michigan seniors, especially in Detroit or rural areas, there are trusted programs offering grants, loans, and repairs at little or no cost. Learn how to initiate the process in 2025.

🏠 Detroit Senior Emergency Home Repair Program (SEHRP)

This city-run program helps low-income homeowners age 62+ in Detroit make emergency health and safety repairs like:

Roof and furnace repairs
Electrical or plumbing fixes
Structural and accessibility modifications

Funded through City Council and ARPA, SEHRP provides grants (not loans) to fix code violations and safety risks.

📞 How to Apply:
Call 313-224-6380 or visit detroitmi.gov/news and search “Senior Home Repair.”

🏡 USDA Section 504 Rural Home Repair Program

For seniors 62+ living in eligible rural areas, this federal program offers:

Grants up to $10,000 to remove safety hazards
Loans up to $40,000 at 1% interest for home repairs

To qualify, you must both own the home and reside in it, as well as have a very low income. Use the USDA map tool to check if your address qualifies.

Apply for USDA Section 504 Help

🛠️ Additional Help: If you do not qualify for the USDA Section 504 help mentioned above, consider trying these alternatives:

If you do not qualify for the above, please consider these options.

Rebuilding Together: Provides free repairs for seniors via local volunteers. Visit rebuildingtogether.org
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): Connects seniors to trusted local programs. Use the Eldercare Locator to find your AAA
MSHDA MI-HOPE Grants: Energy and safety-focused repairs for eligible households. Check michigan.gov/mshda

💬 FAQs: Senior Home Repair Support in Michigan

👴 What counts as a health or safety repair?

Roof leaks, furnace replacement, unsafe electrical wiring, plumbing issues, or lack of bathroom access all qualify.

📍 I live in the suburbs. Do I qualify?

If you’re outside Detroit, check your eligibility for USDA Section 504 or local AAA repairers. Many townships have their initiatives.

📝 Can I combine grant and loan programs?

Yes. Some Detroit seniors use SEHRP grants for emergencies and apply for the 0% Detroit Repair Loan for homeowners.

📄 Need Help with Homeowner’s Insurance?

Many home repair programs require current insurance. Should you face a denial of coverage, you might be eligible for Michigan Basic Insurance coverage.

💻 Click to get a Free Michigan homeowners insurance quote

💡 More Support for Detroit Seniors

Wayne County Senior Repair Aid: Additional support may be available through county partnerships.
Weatherization Programs: Federal and state-funded help for insulation, windows, and HVAC repairs.
Nonprofit Support: Groups like Habitat for Humanity may offer senior repair assistance.