Public programs that may help a homeowner in Chester County pay for a repair, each with its official page, where you apply. This site does not run any of them.
Programs open and close, and their rules change. The office that runs a program decides who qualifies. This site is not that office and cannot say whether you qualify: ask the program, using the official link given for each one.
Programs for Chester County
Housing Rehabilitation Program (Chester County)
County program. Run by Chester County, with the Housing Partnership of Chester County.
Helps low to moderate-income homeowners correct local code violations in their homes, such as structural, plumbing, heating and electrical problems.
Who it is for: Chester County homeowners whose household income is within the program's limit.
Senior Citizen Home Maintenance Program (Chester County)
County program. Run by Chester County, with the Housing Partnership of Chester County.
Moderate home repairs and modifications, such as roof, minor plumbing, flooring and general repairs that may improve the physical functioning of an older homeowner.
Who it is for: Chester County homeowners aged 65 or older whose household income is within the program's limit.
Nonprofit program. Run by Good Neighbors Home Repair.
Critical repairs at no cost to the homeowner that make the home warmer, safer, drier and healthier, such as a heater or furnace, a leaking roof or pipe, windows and doors, soft floors, entry steps, ramps and grab bars.
Who it is for: Low-income homeowners in southern Chester County and southern Lancaster County who are current with their mortgage and taxes.
Repairs at no cost that make homes warmer, safer and drier, done mostly by volunteers: roof repair, plumbing and heating, electrical wiring, fire or flood restoration, code compliance, floor repair and similar work.
Who it is for: Low-income homeowners in central and northern Chester County who have owned and lived in the home for at least two years, meet the income guidelines, and are up to date on property taxes and the mortgage.
A free in-home energy assessment with recommendations to use less energy, free energy-saving lights and, where the home needs them, free carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Eligible PECO natural gas customers can also get repair and replacement of gas heating and water heating systems.
Who it is for: High-usage PECO customers within the program's household income limit; the page gives the usage each rate must reach. For tenants, PECO needs the landlord's permission for some measures.
A no-cost energy assessment, free energy-saving products and energy tips. Customers with electric heat may be eligible for upgrades like insulation, air sealing, a heat pump, a water heater and smart thermostats.
Who it is for: Income-eligible PPL Electric customers aged 18 or older, whether they own or rent. Renters need their landlord's contact information.
Energy-saving improvements at no cost to qualifying UGI customers. After a home energy evaluation, the work may include insulation, air sealing, heating system repairs, a furnace clean, tune and safety inspection, caulking and weather stripping, and carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.
Who it is for: Income-eligible households with an active UGI residential gas heating or electric account, a full year of billing and higher than average usage. Renters need written permission from the landlord.
State program. Run by Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).
Loans, to be repaid, for specific energy efficiency repairs: air sealing, insulation and ductwork; energy efficient windows and doors; energy efficient heating or cooling system repairs or replacements; and roof replacements.
Who it is for: Homebuyers and homeowners within the program's income limits, which the page lists by household size. Loans are subject to credit approval.
LIHEAP crisis grants (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
State program. Run by Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, through the County Assistance Offices.
LIHEAP gives cash grants to help pay heating bills. Its crisis benefits are for a heating emergency, such as broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced, or a lack of fuel.
Who it is for: Renters and homeowners who meet income requirements set by household size. You do not need to be on another public assistance program or have unpaid heating bills to qualify.
State program. Run by Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), with the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and the Department of Environmental Protection.
Loans, secured by a mortgage on the home, for homeowners who need to repair or replace their on-lot septic system or make a first-time connection to a public sewer from an existing home.
Who it is for: Pennsylvania residents improving their primary residence. There are no restrictions on household income; borrowers are checked for their ability to repay the loan.
Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants (Section 504 Home Repair)
Federal program. Run by U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development.
Loans to low and very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes, and grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards.
Who it is for: Homeowners who occupy the house, cannot get affordable credit elsewhere and are within the income limit for their county; grants are for homeowners aged 62 or older. Only in areas USDA counts as rural: its Eligibility Site checks an address.
State program. Run by Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), through a local weatherization agency in each county.
Makes homes more energy efficient. After an energy audit of the home, the work can include air sealing, insulation, changing or replacing the heating system for efficiency or safety, and minor repairs or health and safety measures needed for the weatherization work.
Who it is for: Low-income individuals, with priority given to higher risk residents such as the elderly, disabled individuals, families with children and high energy users.