For a limited time, if eligible, you may receive a $20,000 down payment assistance grant for the purchase of a primary, owner-occupied residence through the HELP Funds* down payment program. The assistance is fully forgivable after you live in the home as your primary residence for five years.
Homebuyers must meet all program requirements to be eligible for the down payment assistance and its ongoing benefits.
Program repayment requirements for down payment assistance grant:
- Grant is forgivable; 20% each year for five years
- Prorated balance due is repayable if the property is sold, refinanced, foreclosed, not owner-occupied as the primary residence or transfers title within the first five years
- No cash out refinance is permitted
Borrower eligibility
- Household income cannot exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), adjusted for family size in the county in which you purchase your home
- Must be a first-time homebuyer
- Must have at least $500 of your own funds for down payment
Property eligibility
- Single family detached
- Property must be owner-occupied primary residence
Homebuyer education requirements
- Homebuyer education course is required and must be conducted by a HUD-approved counseling agency that has adopted the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling prior to closing
First mortgage requirements
- To receive the down payment assistance, you must be approved for a first mortgage loan
2024 Income Limits
(Updated by Department of Housing & Urban Development annually)
| AMI | 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 5 Person | 6 Person | 7 Person | 8 Person |
| 80% Limit | $49,200 | $56,240 | $63,280 | $70,240 | $75,920 | $81,520 | $87,120 | $92,720 |
