How to apply for Tennessee Emergency Repair Program (THDA) — grants for older and disabled homeowners

Who it's for

A grant, not a loan, to fix an essential system or a serious structural problem that puts a low-income homeowner's life, safety, or health in danger. It is for Tennessee homeowners who are 60 or older or who have a disability, who live in the home as their main residence and have lived there at least three years. Typical work: heating or cooling failures, plumbing or electrical hazards, roof damage, and accessibility repairs. The lifetime maximum per homeowner is $24,999. THDA does not take applications directly; apply through the local ERP agency for your county (THDA publishes the agency list on the program page, or email ERP@THDA.org to be pointed to the right one).

What you'll need

• Proof of age 60+ or proof of disability
• Proof that you own the home (deed) and have lived in it as your main residence for at least three years
• Proof of household income (limits vary by county and household size)
• Proof that local property taxes are paid up

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Find the local Emergency Repair Program (ERP) agency that serves your county. Check the agency list on the THDA program page, or email ERP@THDA.org to be pointed to the right local agency.
2. Confirm you meet the basic eligibility rules before applying. You must be a Tennessee homeowner who is 60 or older or has a disability, have owned and lived in the home as your main residence for at least three years, be current on local property taxes, and fall within the income limit for your county and household size.
3. Gather your required documents. You will need: proof of age (60+) or proof of disability; proof of home ownership such as your deed; proof that the home has been your main residence for at least three years; proof of household income; and proof that local property taxes are paid up.
4. Apply online through your local ERP agency. The local agency — not THDA — takes and reviews all applications.
5. Work with the local ERP agency to complete any additional steps they require, such as a home inspection to assess the repair needed.

What to expect: After you submit your application, the local ERP agency will review your eligibility and assess the repair need at your home. Processing times vary, so ask your local agency for an estimate. If approved, the grant covers essential repairs — such as heating or cooling failures, plumbing or electrical hazards, roof damage, or accessibility fixes — that threaten your life, safety, or health. This is a grant, not a loan, so no repayment is required. Keep in mind that statewide funding is limited to $2.7 million per year and the lifetime cap per homeowner is $24,999, so funds may not always be available. Because this is a one-time, lifetime benefit, there is no renewal process once the cap is reached.

Renewals

one-time (lifetime cap per homeowner)