Fast, Free Estimates on Roof Replacement, Installation or Repair | Call today! (732)770-3867

How to Get a New Roof for Seniors at Low or No Cost (Updated 2025)

free roofs for NJ seniors

As a senior citizen, the cost of maintaining a home can be a challenge. This is especially true when it comes to replacing a roof.

However, there are roof replacement grants available for seniors in New Jersey. These can help alleviate the financial burden. In this article, we explore some of the programs available to get a new roof for seniors in New Jersey.

In Monmouth County, the Home Repair Program provides assistance to applicants who meet the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) mandated low and moderate-income standards. Determination of eligibility is based on the total gross annual household income based on household size in accordance with HUD’s income standards.

To qualify, applicants must be residents of Monmouth County for at least one year and must own and occupy the home as their primary residence. Eligible properties include single-family homes and owner-occupied units in duplexes, although assistance is limited to the owner-occupied unit, except for shared essential elements such as roofs or heating systems. Properties that are second homes, vacation homes, investment properties, or currently listed for sale are not eligible for assistance.

The program is not available to residents of Asbury Park, Long Branch, or Middletown.

Get an Application Packet and more information at https://www.visitmonmouth.com/Page.aspx?Id=508

In Ocean County, the Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA) administers the HOME Rehabilitation Program. The purpose of the program is to provide moderate and substantial rehabilitation to owner-occupied low and moderate-income households. It may help with a new roof for seniors.

The program offers deferred loans to assist with necessary home repairs. Moderate rehabilitation loans range from $1,000 to $24,999, while substantial rehabilitation loans range from $25,000 to $50,000. Both types of loans are deferred for ten years. Eligible projects include weatherization, handicapped accessibility, code compliance, structural repairs, and roof replacement.

Residents of Ocean County, excluding those in Brick, Toms River, Jackson, and Lakewood (which have separate programs), may apply. Applicants must meet income eligibility requirements based on household size.

To learn more and access the application, visit the Ocean County Planning Department’s Housing Rehabilitation page:

https://planning.co.ocean.nj.us/frmCEHome 

For other towns with separate programs, view these other links: 

Toms River: https://tomsrivertownship.com/394/Toms-River-Housing-Rehabilitation-Progra 

Jackson: https://rehabconj.com/housing-program-applications/jackson-township/jackson-township-housing-rehabilitation-program 

Lakewood: https://rehabconj.com/housing-program-applications/lakewood-township/lakewood-township-housing-rehabilitation-program

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federally funded initiative administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) through its Division of Housing and Community Resources. The program aims to help low-income households, including senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and families with children, reduce their energy bills by improving their homes’ energy efficiency. Services provided include free home energy audits to identify areas where energy efficiency can be enhanced.

Based on the audit findings, WAP may offer various energy-saving measures such as insulation, air sealing, heating system repairs, and other improvements to enhance home energy efficiency. However, it’s important to note that while WAP can address minor roof repairs necessary to protect installed insulation, it does not cover full roof replacements. If significant roof work is required, applicants may be referred to other rehabilitation programs or need to secure alternative funding sources.

Eligibility for the program is primarily determined by household income, with priority given to the elderly, individuals with disabilities, families with children, high-energy users, and households with a high energy burden. Both homeowners and renters are eligible to apply, provided they meet the income criteria.

For more information, visit the Office of State and Community Energy Program website at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/wap.shtml

The New Jersey Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance to help very low-income residents cover heating and medically necessary cooling expenses. Administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), LIHEAP offers grants to eligible households, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families with young children. These grants can alleviate energy costs, potentially freeing up funds for other essential home needs, such as roof repairs.

In addition to standard energy bill assistance, LIHEAP offers emergency heating system services and fuel assistance for households facing urgent heating needs. The program prioritizes applications from vulnerable populations, ensuring timely support for those most at risk.

Eligibility for LIHEAP is determined based on household income and size. Applicants can apply online through the DCAid portal or by submitting a completed application to their local Community Action Agency. Find out about LIHEAP at the Department of Community Affairs website at  https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/hea.html

The USDA Rural Development Grant is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to low-income families. Eligible seniors can apply for this program. If approved, they may receive grant money to help pay for a new roof replacement.

This program, also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, offers grants up to $10,000 to very low-income homeowners aged 62 or older who cannot afford to repay a loan. These grants must be used to remove health and safety hazards, which can include critical roof repairs. Additionally, loans up to $40,000 are available at a fixed 1% interest rate for broader home improvements. Applicants must own and occupy a home in an eligible rural area and be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere.

Learn more at the USDA website at  https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/nj

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) are federal grants provided to states and local governments to improve housing and living conditions for low- and moderate-income families. Eligible seniors can apply for CDBG grants to cover the cost of a new roof replacement.

In New Jersey, the Small Cities CDBG Emergency Housing Repair Fund offers grants up to $20,000 for urgent home repairs, including roof replacements. To access these funds, homeowners must have their municipality or county apply on their behalf and certify the emergency nature of the repair. Applications are accepted year-round on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to funding availability.

Start by visiting the HUD website at https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/cdbg or download the CDBG NJ Emergency Housing Repair Fund application at https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/forms/docs/cdbgehrfapp.doc.

As you can see, there are various ways for seniors in New Jersey to afford necessary roof repairs and replacements. These programs aim to provide financial assistance to low-income families and senior citizens to help them maintain their homes and improve their living conditions. If you are a senior citizen in New Jersey and are in need of a new roof replacement, it’s worth exploring these programs to see if you are eligible.

You might also wish to visit the list of resources available on the HUD New Jersey website at: https://www.hud.gov/states/new_jersey/homeownership/homerepairs or contact your municipality for local program offerings.

Ready to Get Your New Roof in NJ? Let Us Help

If you have a grant in NJ to get a low-cost or free roof for seniors, it’s time to select the right roofing contractor to assist you. 

4 Seasons Roofing Company is commited to providing all of our customers with top-notch quality, honest estimates and superior customer service—at affordable prices. Allow us to provide a free roofing estimate whenever you need roof repairs or replacement. Fill out our Contact Form, or call (732)770-3867.