Homeowners needing to make health and safety repairs in Manteca but are having a tough time securing help from a bank can look to the Manteca Redevelopment Agency for possible help.

And if the household qualifies as very low income by earning 50 percent or less of the area median income they could end up having the loan forgiven after five years if they are a senior citizen and 10 years if they aren’t.

Two actual loans are also offered to those between 50 and 80 percent of the area median income and between 80 and 120 percent. Both loans are at 3 percent but the low income loan has a longer deferral for the first payment than the moderate income loan.

The City Council Tuesday is expected to up the lifetime limit for grants or loans from the current $10,000 maximum to $15,000.

To qualify for a very low income loan that could turn into a grant if conditions are met the income threshold are as follows:
•$22,250 for a one person household
•$25,450 for a two person household.
•$28,600 for a three person household.
•$31,800 for a four person household.

To qualify for the other two loan programs at 3 percent the income threshold are as follows:
•$35,650 for a one person household.
•$40,700 for a two person household.
•$45,800 for a three person household.
•$50,900 for a four person household.

Close to $2 million has already gone to seniors over the years to upgrade their homes. The additional program aimed at those who aren’t seniors was added a few years ago in a bid to fight blight.

Upping the limits on that program is expected to be a big boon to first-time homebuyers who are acquiring foreclosures that are often in substandard condition.

Both rehabilitation programs require a 25 percent match by the homeowner.

For the very low income loans that can end up being an outright grant, a default before the threshold time to become a grant is reached would result in 5 percent interest being tacked on the loan and full payment required. Default under the RDA program is triggered by selling the home, refinancing to take cash out, transferring title, or not using the home as a primary residence before the end of the grant or loan term.

The City Council sitting as the redevelopment agency board meets Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St.

For details on the programs call 456-8520 for a brochure and an application package or pick one up at the One Stop Permit Center at the Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St.