SER assists with home repairs to correct unsafe conditions and restore essential services. Eligible home repairs may include repair or replacement of a non-functioning furnace, hot water heaters or septic systems.

The lifetime maximum for energy-related home repairs (furnaces) is $1,500 per SER group. All energy-related repairs approved since 1/1/1978 count toward this maximum.

Non-energy-related repairs include all home repairs except furnace repair or replacement. (It includes hot water heaters and septic systems for client-owned housing.) The lifetime maximum for non-energy-related home repairs is $1,500 per SER group. All non-energy-related repairs approved since 12/1/1991 count toward this maximum.

Home repair payments are made only if the repair(s) is essential to remove a direct threat to health or safety or is required by law or a mobile home park regulation. The repair(s) must restore the home to a safe, livable condition. SER does not pay for improvements or nonessential repairs.

In addition, all of the following conditions must be met:

• An SER group member is an owner or purchaser of the home, or holds a life estate or life lease on the home with the responsibility for home repairs.
• The home is the SER group’s permanent, usual residence.
• The home is not listed for sale.
• The home is not in jeopardy of loss. Deny repairs if there is a house payment or property tax arrearage, unless a workable plan exists for paying the arrearage.
• The ongoing cost of maintaining the home is affordable to the SER group. (Total housing costs cannot exceed 75% of the group’s net income.)

Only a DHS Specialist can accurately determine your eligibility for this program. Ask for details when turning in a completed application at your local DHS County Office.