Public programs that may help a homeowner in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia County
Adaptive Modifications Program (AMP)
City program. Run by Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC), funded by the City's Division of Housing and Community Development.
Free adaptations to a house or apartment for easier access and mobility, such as accessible kitchens and bathrooms, stairway elevators, wheelchair lifts and ramps, railings and barrier-free showers. Home repairs are not included.
Who it is for: Philadelphia residents with a permanent physical disability who meet the income guidelines, own and live in the home or have the owner's permission, in a structurally sound property that is current with property taxes.
City program. Run by Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC), funded by the City's Division of Housing and Community Development.
Free repairs to correct electrical, plumbing, heating, limited structural and carpentry, and roofing emergencies in eligible owner-occupied homes in Philadelphia.
Who it is for: Philadelphia homeowners who own and live in the single-family house with the problem, own no other residential property in the city, are current or on a payment agreement for property taxes and the water bill, and meet the income guidelines.
City program. Run by City of Philadelphia, with Clarifi taking the applications.
Helps Philadelphia homeowners get low-interest loans, to be repaid, for repairs that focus on health, safety, weatherization, accessibility and quality of life, with counseling and help finding a contractor.
Who it is for: Philadelphia homeowners whose primary residence needs repairs, who have homeowners insurance, are up to date on utilities and taxes or in a payment plan with the City, and meet the program's credit and income rules.
Nonprofit program. Run by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA).
Minor repairs and modifications that make homes safer, such as doors and locks, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, basement steps, leaky faucets and toilets, electrical fixtures, grab bars, railings and tub benches.
Who it is for: Philadelphia homeowners aged 60 or older, in a structurally sound home with all utilities working, including central heating. Free within the income limit; above it, services may be offered with the cost shared.
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.
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.