Chile launches housing material subsidy for women heads of household

Chile’s Ministry of Housing and Urbanism (MINVU) has launched the ‘Tarjeta Banco de Materiales’ (Materials Bank Card) program, specifically designed to support 25,000 women heads of household. The initiative, also referred to as ‘Tu Casa a Tu Pinta’, provides a digital card—similar to a gift card—to purchase construction materials at hardware stores partnered with Serviu.

The subsidy covers three specific types of low-complexity home improvements: roof repairs (up to 25 UF), bathroom improvements (up to 15 UF), and the installation or replacement of perimeter fencing/gates (up to 40 UF). Depending on the selected work, the financial support ranges from approximately $613,000 to $1,635,000 CLP.

To qualify, applicants must be women over 18, Chilean or permanent residents, and fall within the 70% to 100% socioeconomic bracket of the Social Household Registry (RSH). Applicants must also own or be part of a household that owns the property, reside in the home, and possess a ClaveÚnica. The program exclusively funds materials; it does not cover labor or transportation costs. Applications are open online through minvu.cl until October 9, 2026.