USDA Section 504 Home Repair Loan
U.S. Department of Agriculture
About This Program
Low-interest loan for very-low-income rural homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes. Cambridge is not eligible as it is designated as an urban area under USDA definitions.
Program not available in Cambridge due to urban classification
Federal record normalized from a maintained federal layer; confirm current terms.
Record set last reviewed 2026-05-25. How we verify our data.
Other published resources for Cambridge, MA, are listed below. Review each separately and ask the administrators whether they can coordinate funding for the same work:
- FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Varies, no individual cap; projects typically $10K-$200K+
- FEMA Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Coverage Up to $30,000
- HUD Lead Hazard Control & Healthy Homes Varies by jurisdiction, typically $5,000-$15,000 per unit
- EPA / WIIN Act Lead Service Line Replacement Varies, full line replacement cost covered in many programs
Key Details
- Not available in Cambridge (urban area)
- Limited to USDA-designated rural areas
- Very-low-income requirement
- Loan up to $40,000 at 1% interest
- Contact USDA for eligible Massachusetts locations
How to Apply
Automated source check blocked. The cited site blocked or rate-limited our automated check on . The page may still work in your browser; opening it does not verify the program, amount, eligibility, or availability.
Track this programProgram phone: (800) 670-6553
Some programs require contractor estimates, licenses, or inspections. A cited link may be general, so confirm the current rules with the administrator before hiring; a directory match does not guarantee contractor eligibility or funding.
You may need a contractor or estimate
Some programs for this project type ask for a license, inspection, or written estimate. Confirm the rule before contacting a contractor in Cambridge.
Get matched with a contractorEach administrator sets its contractor rules. Confirm exact requirements directly; the cited URL may be a general agency page.
Your application paperwork
Form to file: USDA Form RD 410-4 (with RD 3550-1 and RD 3550-4)
Very low income rural homeowners can get a loan to repair or modernize their home, and homeowners age 62 and older can get a grant to remove health and safety hazards. Loans and grants combine up to 50,000 dollars, with grants capped at 10,000 dollars. You apply through your local USDA Rural Development office.
Steps to apply
- Check that your address is in an eligible rural area on the USDA eligibility site.
- Contact your local USDA Rural Development office.
- Complete the application packet (Form RD 410-4, plus RD 3550-1 and RD 3550-4).
- USDA verifies your income, age, and eligibility, then approves the repair work.
Documents you will likely need
- Proof you own and live in the home.
- Income verification for your household.
- Proof of age (for the grant, age 62 or older).
- Estimates for the repair work.
Requirements vary by program and locality. Confirm the exact rules and application route with the administrator. We can help you prepare your paperwork, but you submit it yourself.
Deadline: Not available in Cambridge (urban area)
Questions about this program?
Email us at no charge. Messages are reviewed manually, but a response time is not guaranteed.
Email us about this programReport a problem with this listing
Need a Contractor for This Project?
Browse local listings or request an introduction. The Grant Map does not guarantee licensing, program experience, work quality, or funding.
More ways to save on this project
Rebates and discounts that may reduce project cost. Confirm eligibility and coordination rules before including one in your budget.
Find More Programs in Cambridge, MA
This is one of several kinds of assistance that may be available. Review other programs separately and confirm whether their administrators allow coordination for the same work.
See All Programs