How to apply for RESTORE — Emergency Home Repairs for Seniors

Who it's for

RESTORE pays for emergency home repairs for New York homeowners age 60 and over, so they can keep living safely at home. It covers repairs that fix a hazard or a code violation posing an immediate threat to your life, health or safety — a failing furnace, a dangerous roof, bad wiring, a collapsing step. Grants cover repair work up to $20,000 per property, and you do not pay it back. You cannot apply to the state directly: repairs are arranged through a Local Program Administrator, usually your county or town government or a local nonprofit.

What you'll need

• Proof of age (60 or older)
• Proof you own and live in the home as your primary residence
• Household income documentation

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Confirm you are eligible: you must be 60 or older, own and live in the home as your primary residence in New York State, and have a household income at or below 100% of your area's median income. That income limit varies by county and household size, so the exact dollar cutoff depends on where you live.
2. Find the Local Program Administrator (LPA) serving your county or town. LPAs are usually your county or town government or a local nonprofit. You cannot apply to New York State Homes and Community Renewal directly — the LPA runs the program in your area.
3. Contact your LPA to ask whether there is an open funding round and whether a waiting list applies. Funding availability varies by location, so this step is important before gathering documents.
4. Gather your required documents: proof of age showing you are 60 or older, proof that you own and live in the home as your primary residence, and household income documentation for all members of your household.
5. Apply online through your Local Program Administrator's application portal. Follow the instructions your LPA provides, as the process may vary slightly by location.
6. Work with your LPA to identify and document the emergency repair needed. Eligible repairs must fix a hazard or code violation that poses an immediate threat to your life, health, or safety — such as a failing furnace, dangerous roof, faulty wiring, or a collapsing step.

What to expect: After you submit your application, your Local Program Administrator will review your eligibility and assess the emergency repair need. If approved, the grant covers repair costs up to $20,000 per property — and you do not pay it back. Processing times vary, so ask your LPA for an estimate when you apply. RESTORE is a one-time grant, but a property may be assisted again as long as the total assistance does not exceed $20,000 within the three-year regulatory period. Keep in mind that funding is not guaranteed in every area, and a waiting list may apply.

Renewals

one-time grant; a property may be assisted again, but not more than $20,000 total within the three-year regulatory period