How much does it cost to apply for or participate in the program?
This program provides a grant on behalf of the homeowner. There is no cost to the homeowner. Contractors are paid directly from the City of South Bend.
How can I apply for the program?
- Contact 311 or HomeRepair@southbendin.gov
- Complete Pre-Screening Online—opens January 5, 2026-and closes February 13, 2025
- South Bend Residents can contact the Department of Community Investment, Neighborhoods Office, to respond to pre-screening questions by calling 311 or by visiting City Hall (215 Doctor M.L.K. Jr Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601) and asking for the Home Repair Program.
What is the application process?
All pre-screening applications will be reviewed, and eligible applicants will receive an official application to complete and return.
- Once the completed application is received, the file will be screened. All complete applications for assistance will be screened and will move through the process on a first-come, first-served basis. Each owner must sign the South Bend Home Repair Program application and submit all required documentation for the application to be complete.
For a complete application, applicants are required to submit the following items:
- Application - Fully completed and signed application form.
- I.D. or Birth Certificate – From the homeowner/primary applicant.
- Deed – A copy of the recorded deed that indicates the applicant is the homeowner. ALL persons listed on the deed must also be listed on and must sign the application. If one person is deceased, a death certificate must be provided.
- Proof of Current Taxes - A copy of the applicant’s most recent real estate tax bill, including proof of payment for installments that have become due, is required.
- Homeowner’s Insurance – A copy of the homeowner’s policy declaration page is required. This page must include the name and telephone number of the homeowner’s insurance agent.
If the completed application meets eligibility requirements, a required home inspection will be scheduled. The inspection will determine if there are any eligible repairs at the property. The inspector will need full access to the interior and exterior of the home, and pictures will be taken as part of the inspection process.
If the inspection determines there are eligible repairs, contractors will be solicited to perform the work. Contractors will need access to the interior and/or exterior of your home to provide pricing and to complete eligible repairs.
If repairs are within the maximum grant amount, the homeowner will sign a grant agreement. An applicant is not approved for the Home Repair Program Grant or home repairs until they sign a grant agreement.
Who is eligible to receive the grant?
The current application round is open to applicants 65 years of age and older that live within city limits.
Additional eligibility criteria include, but are not limited to:
- Age: Must be 65 years or older at the time of application.
- Residency: Applicant must be a resident of South Bend, Indiana.
- Income Limit: Must be enrolled in the City’s Utility Assistance Program to qualify for the home repair program
- Homeownership: Must be the primary residence of the applicant. Rentals are not eligible. Single-family owner occupied.
What are the eligible repairs for the program?
Eligible repairs through the program ONLY include a new roof. Which repairs an applicant home is eligible for will be determined through the completion of a required program inspection. Repairs are approved only when in poor or failing condition and not compliant with local codes.
When are applications due?
The current round will be accepting applications beginning Monday, January 5,2026 until Friday, February 13, 2026 at 5:00 pm. All complete applications for assistance are screened on a first come first served basis.
Applications must be received by the program staff no later than February 13, 2026 at 5:00 pm. No applications will be accepted after the deadline. Applications with a postmark prior to February 13, 2026 but received after the deadline will NOT be considered.
Looking for additional information?
Visit the Home Repair Program webpage at https://southbendin.gov/south-bend-home-repair/
311 Process Notes
2026 Program update: Please see the update in the summary section.
All calls received before January 5 should be advised to check the website or call back on January 5 to begin the prescreening process. If they call before that date, they can be reminded to complete their UAP sign-up in the meantime.
For 311, Use this link to fill out pre-screening: Pre-Application LINK
LINK TO GUIDELINES
LINK TO INDIANA ENERGY SAVER – For applicants seeking energy efficiency repairs other than roof replacements, or for anyone who does not meet the qualifying criteria for the upcoming Home Repair round, this program serves single- and multi-family homes at varying income levels, up to 150% of the AMI.