If you’re lying awake at night listening to water drip into a bucket or staring at curling shingles that won’t make it through another winter, you’re not alone.
At Cenvar Roofing & Solar, we talk to homeowners every week who are in exactly that spot.
The good news? There are real government programs and grants that can pay for roof repairs or even a full replacement, especially if you’re a senior, on a fixed income, or just going through a rough patch. Disabled homeowners can find free roof repair through various programs, primarily USDA Section 504 Home Repair grants for eligible rural residents, local or state programs that focus on health and safety hazards, or disability-specific VA grants for veterans. It's important to note that most "free money" claims are scams and federal grants for general home repair are typically for low-income individuals or those who meet specific criteria, such as being elderly or disabled.
Cenvar Roofing has put this guide together for families across all the areas we serve: Lynchburg, Roanoke, Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, the New River Valley, Winchester, and Staunton in Virginia; Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol in Tennessee; Hagerstown and Frederick in Maryland; Charleston, Huntington, Beckley, and Martinsburg in West Virginia; and State College and Altoona in Pennsylvania.
Let’s walk through the most helpful options we’ve seen work for our customers.
What Do You Do When You Can’t Afford a New Roof?
Start with the free money first (yes, actual grants you don’t have to pay back). Most of these programs are for low or very low-income homeowners who own and live in the house. If that sounds like you, keep reading.
Who Qualifies?
Almost every program looks at household income, home ownership, and whether the repair fixes a health or safety issue. Seniors (62+), disabled residents, and veterans are prioritized for grants.
The Best Starting Points for Free or Low-Cost Roof Help
- USDA Section 504 Home Repair Grants Perfect for seniors 62 and older in rural areas (most of our Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania locations qualify). Up to $10,000 grant with no repayment as long as you stay in the home three years. They also offer 1% loans up to $40,000 if you need more. Find your local office here: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/offices/state-offices
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Run by the Department of Energy. Focuses on energy savings, but roof leaks that hurt insulation absolutely count. These grants are run through local providers. If anyone in your home gets SSI or certain other benefits, you’re automatically eligible. Find your local provider here: https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program
- HUD and Local Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Many counties and cities use HUD money for emergency roof repairs. Rules change by location, so call your county housing department or Area Agency on Aging and ask about “senior home repair programs.”
- State and County Programs Virginia, Tennessee, Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania all have their own senior and low-income repair funds. Examples include Virginia’s Housing Rehabilitation Program (up to $15,000 grant) and similar emergency repair funds in the other states. Your local Area Agency on Aging is the fastest way to find what’s available where you live.
- USDA Housing Preservation Grants & Other Rural Programs These flow through local nonprofits and rural development offices. Even if you can’t apply directly, your local USDA office can point you to partners who handle roof replacements.
What If You Don’t Qualify for a Grant?
We’ve got options for you. Cenvar Roofing offers financing options built for a variety of credit situations. Many customers pair a small grant with an affordable monthly payment and end up with a brand-new roof for less than they expected. You can see all the plans we offer right here: https://cenvarroofing.com/financing/
Next Steps
Pick one program above that looks like the best fit.
- Call the local office or Agency on Aging for your county. They will know what
- Ask them to check your eligibility and send an application.
- Have us come out and perform a free estimate. If you hit any roadblocks or just want a second opinion on your roof’s condition, give us a call. We’ll come out, take a look, document the damage (which helps your application), and walk you through funding options.
We’re proud to serve families from Gettysburg, PA all the way down to Bristol, TN, and everywhere in between. A safe, dry roof shouldn’t be out of reach, and we’ll do whatever we can to help you get the assistance you deserve.
