The USDA roof loan and the home repair grants offered in Texas come from one federal program. If you own an older home outside the city and money is tight, the U.S. Department of Agriculture runs a repair program that can pay for a new roof. It's called the Section 504 Home Repair program (USDA's Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants), and it is meant for very-low-income homeowners in rural areas. Here's how it works for people around Austin, and where it doesn't apply.
Does It Cover Homes Near Austin?
The program only serves rural areas, generally places with a population of 35,000 or less. The City of Austin itself is far too large to qualify, but some rural parts of the surrounding counties may be eligible. Eligibility is decided address by address, so the fastest way to find out is to enter your address on USDA's online eligibility map at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov.
Who Qualifies
- You own the home and live in it.
- Your household income is below 50% of the area median income for your county.
- You can't get affordable credit elsewhere.
- For a grant (money you don't repay), you must also be 62 or older and unable to repay a repair loan.
USDA Roof Loan vs. Home Repair Grants in Texas at a Glance
| Repair loan | Repair grant | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum amount | Up to $40,000 | Up to $10,000 |
| Interest | 1% fixed | None |
| Repayment | Up to 20 years | Not repaid |
| Who it's for | Eligible low-income owners | Eligible owners aged 62 or older who can't repay a loan |
Program limits are set by USDA and can change, so confirm the current figures with your local USDA Rural Development office before you plan around them.
How to Apply, Step by Step
- Check the address on USDA's eligibility map.
- Contact your local USDA Rural Development office (find it through rd.usda.gov) and ask for the Section 504 application.
- Gather your paperwork: proof of income, proof of ownership and occupancy, and the details of the repair you need.
- Get a written roof estimate. The office will want to know what the work involves and what it costs.
- Wait for approval before any work begins.
Where RISE Roofing Fits In
We can inspect the roof for free, document its condition with photos, and give you a written estimate within 24 to 48 hours to include with your application. We don't decide eligibility or handle the application for you; that's between you and USDA. If you don't qualify, financing for qualified homeowners is available through Acorn Finance, a third-party lender, and our roof financing page explains how it works.
More help: our roof cost calculator and roof inspection cost guide. Request a free inspection to get your estimate started.
USDA Roof Repair FAQ
Generally no. The Section 504 program serves rural areas, usually places with 35,000 people or fewer, so the City of Austin is too large. Some rural parts of the surrounding counties may qualify; USDA's eligibility map checks a specific address.
Yes. We inspect the roof for free, photograph its condition and send a written estimate within 24 to 48 hours that you can include with your application. USDA makes the eligibility decision.