Skip to content
How-to · Housing & utilities

Ask USDA about a rural home repair loan or grant

USDA offers repair loans for eligible low-income rural homeowners and health-and-safety grants for eligible homeowners age 62 or older.

Steps

2 steps
  1. Check household and property eligibilityYou must own and occupy the home, be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere, and meet county income limits. Grants require age 62 or older and very-low income.
  2. Ask USDA about applyingContact a USDA home loan specialist. Applications are accepted year round; approval time depends on local funding.

More housing & utilities how-tos

  • How-to

    Arrange decommissioning of an unused heating oil tank

    Housing & utilities
    1. Arrange certified decommissioningFor work meeting state standards, use a licensed service provider to certify the project and collect soil samples. Decommissioning means cleaning the tank and removing it or filling it in place with inert material.
    2. Submit the report and feeSubmit the certified report and documentation with DEQ’s filing fee to register the project. DEQ sends a completion letter.
    3. Report a discovered leak promptlyIf a leak is discovered, notify DEQ within 72 hours and clean it to DEQ standards. Call 800-742-7878 to report it, then contact a licensed heating-oil-tank service provider about cleanup.
    Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
    Full guideOfficial page
  • How-to

    Ask your OHP plan for housing help (rent, utilities)

    Housing & utilities
    1. Find out if you are in a CCOIf you are not sure whether you are a CCO member or an open card member, call OHP Client Services.
    2. Gather paperwork if you want rent helpHave your OHP ID card, a lease or rental agreement, and recent proof of income ready.
    3. CCO members: ask your CCOCall your CCO or use its HRSN housing request form, and make sure the request goes to your CCO.
    + 1 more step in the full guide
    BringYour Oregon Health Plan ID cardLease or rental agreementProof of income, past two months
    Oregon Health Authority and your CCO888-834-4304
    Full guideOfficial page
  • How-to

    Ask your utility about a medical certificate

    Housing & utilities
    1. Ask your utility about the certificateCall your electric or gas company and ask how it handles a medical certificate on your account.
    2. Have a medical professional submit itA qualified medical professional sends an Emergency Medical Certificate to your utility. The patient must live in your household.
    3. Set up a payment planWith an accepted certificate you can arrange more lenient payment plans, or renegotiate if you can show financial hardship.
    + 1 more step in the full guide
    BringPatient name and relation to youDescription of health conditionsHow long the condition will lastType of service neededMedical professional's signature
    Oregon Public Utility Commission503-378-6600
    Full guideOfficial page