What if I can't afford to fix my roof or furnace?
A broken furnace is usually treated as an emergency and can often be repaired or replaced free through the Weatherization Assistance Program or LIHEAP heating repair funds, while a failing roof for a homeowner 62 or older in a rural area may be covered by a USDA Section 504 grant that never has to be repaid.
What this means
- Heat is treated differently from other repairs because losing it is dangerous. Many states will send a contractor within days when a furnace fails in winter.
- USDA Section 504 has two parts: a low-interest loan for any qualifying rural homeowner, and a grant, which is limited to owners 62 and older who cannot repay a loan. The grant is the part that is free.
- Rebuilding Together affiliates and local volunteer groups do free repairs for older homeowners, though they usually work on a seasonal schedule rather than an emergency one.
What to do first
- If the furnace is out now, call your state LIHEAP office and say "no heat emergency." That phrase triggers the fastest track.
- Apply to the Weatherization Assistance Program, which can repair or replace unsafe heating equipment and insulate the house at no cost to you.
- For a roof, call your USDA Rural Development state office and ask for the Section 504 grant specialist if you are 62 or older.
- Call your local Rebuilding Together affiliate and your Area Agency on Aging about volunteer repair days.
LIHEAP Home Energy Assistance
Helps pay heating and cooling bills, and can stop a shut-off in an emergency.
Weatherization Assistance Program
Free insulation, sealing, and heating repairs that permanently lower your energy bill.
USDA Section 504 Home Repair Grants for Homeowners 62 and Older
Up to $10,000 that does not have to be paid back, to remove a health or safety hazard from your home.
Free Home Repairs and Safety Modifications (Rebuilding Together)
Volunteers install grab bars, ramps, and railings and make critical repairs, at no cost to the homeowner.
What you'll need
- Proof that you own and live in the home, such as the deed or a tax bill
- Proof of income for everyone in the household
- Photographs of the damage
- Any repair estimates you already have
Deadlines and timing
- Never sign a contractor's paperwork or pay a deposit before your application is approved. Programs use their own approved contractors and a private contract can disqualify you.
Where to go
- How to apply for weatherization: https://www.energy.gov/cmei/scep/wap/how-apply-weatherization-assistance — this points to the agency in your state.
- USDA Rural Development state offices: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices
- Rebuilding Together affiliates: https://rebuildingtogether.org/find-your-local-affiliate
Reviewed by Jason Burns, Editorial Steward · Last verified August 26, 2026
Sources
- Weatherization Assistance Program · U.S. Department of Energy
- Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants · USDA Rural Development
Need help today?
- Shut-off notice in hand: call the number on the bill and ask for a medical hold and a payment plan, then call 211.
- No food today: call 211 or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 for a same-week food bank or meal.
- In danger: call 911, or reach Adult Protective Services through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Every program on this site is free to apply for. Anyone who asks you to pay to apply, or to “unlock” a government benefit, is a scam — hang up and call Senior Medicare Patrol or 211.
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