Find Down Payment Help
Fill out the form and click Find Programs to see which down payment assistance programs you may be eligible for.
Next Step:
Review the programs below and save the ones you want to explore with a lender.
Filters
No programs match your filters. Try adjusting your criteria.
Need help navigating these programs? Talk with a DPA specialist →
Free consultation. No obligation.
Area Median Income (AMI) Lookup
Most DPA programs have income limits based on AMI. Check if you qualify.
Complete Income Limits by Household Size
All figures are annual gross household income
| AMI Level | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|
What is AMI and why does it matter?
Area Median Income (AMI) is the midpoint of a region's income distribution, published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Half of households earn more, half earn less.
Most down payment assistance programs use AMI thresholds to determine eligibility. For example, a program might require your household income to be at or below 80% of AMI (the "Low Income" limit) or 150% of AMI for moderate-income programs.
The limits vary by county (high-cost areas like the Bay Area have higher limits) and by household size (larger households have higher limits). HUD also applies adjustments in high housing cost areas, which is why some counties' 80% limit may actually exceed 80% of the raw median.
Common DPA thresholds:
- • 80% AMI — "Low Income" — Used by many city/county DPA programs
- • 100% AMI — "Median" — Common threshold for CalHFA programs
- • 120% AMI — "Moderate" — Some state and employer programs
- • 150% AMI — Upper limit for programs like CalHFA Dream For All
Source: HUD FY2025 Income Limits. The 80%, 50%, and 30% limits are official HUD-published figures. The 100%, 120%, and 150% limits are calculated using HUD household size adjustment factors.
This tool provides estimates for informational purposes only. Verify income eligibility directly with program providers.
Select a County to See Income Limits
Choose a county above to see the HUD income limits that determine eligibility for down payment assistance programs.
You found programs. Now what?
How to Actually Get Down Payment Assistance
Finding programs is the first step. Getting approved requires the right lender, the right loan structure, and someone who knows how these programs actually work.
How DPA Works — 4 Steps
Get Pre-Approved
Work with a lender who knows DPA programs. They'll assess your eligibility, credit, and income to determine which programs you qualify for.
Choose Your Program
Not all programs are equal. Your lender helps you compare grants vs. loans, repayment terms, and which program saves you the most long-term.
Find Your Home
Shop with confidence knowing exactly how much help you'll receive. Some programs have purchase price limits, so your lender and agent work together.
Close & Receive Funds
The DPA funds are applied at closing — reducing or eliminating your out-of-pocket down payment. Your lender coordinates everything with the program provider.
Why Your Lender Choice Matters
Here's what most buyers don't realize: not every lender can do every DPA program. Many loan officers have never processed a DPA loan. Others only know one or two programs and will steer you toward those — even if a better option exists.
The difference between the right lender and the wrong one can mean:
- ❌ Missing out on a grant because your lender only offers deferred loans
- ❌ Losing thousands in assistance because the loan wasn't structured to maximize your DPA eligibility
- ❌ Having your file fall apart because the lender didn't understand the program's specific requirements
- ❌ Paying more long-term because nobody looked at the full financial picture — just the lowest rate
What to Look For in a DPA Lender
- ✓ Access to multiple DPA programs, not just one
- ✓ Experience with state, county, and city programs
- ✓ Works for you, not a single bank
- ✓ Explains the long-term financial strategy, not just the transaction
- ✓ Willing to compare grant vs. loan vs. forgivable options side-by-side
Get Help Applying for These Programs
Connect with a DPA specialist who can tell you exactly which programs you qualify for, how much assistance you can receive, and the best way to structure your loan. No commitment, no pressure.
Talk With a DPA Specialist →Free. No obligation. Takes about 15 minutes.
About This Tool
Down Payment Scout was built by mortgage industry experts who saw too many homebuyers miss out on assistance they qualified for — simply because they didn't know it existed, or their lender wasn't familiar with the programs.
We built this free resource to fix that. Every program in our database is verified against official sources, and we track eligibility requirements, income limits, assistance amounts, and funding status so you can make informed decisions.
Our goal is simple: make sure every eligible homebuyer knows what help is available to them and can connect with a lender who actually understands these programs.
What We Track
- ✓ 1,927+ down payment assistance programs across all 50 states
- ✓ Grants, forgivable loans & deferred loans
- ✓ Income limits by county & household size
- ✓ Real-time funding status tracking
- ✓ Official HUD AMI data for all counties
Built by mortgage industry experts.
Program data sourced from HUD, state & local housing agencies.
Common Questions
Do I have to pay back down payment assistance?
It depends on the program. Grants don't need to be repaid. Forgivable loans are forgiven after a set period (usually 3-5 years). Deferred loans are due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. Each program is different — that's why comparing them matters.
Can I use DPA with any lender?
No. Most DPA programs require you to work with an approved lender. Some lenders are approved for many programs, others for only a few. An independent broker typically has access to far more programs than a single bank or credit union.
I make good money — do I still qualify?
Possibly. Income limits are based on Area Median Income (AMI), which varies significantly by county. In high-cost areas, a household earning $150,000+ can still qualify for certain programs. Use the AMI Lookup tab to check your area.
Do I need to be a first-time buyer?
Not always. While many programs are for first-time buyers, some are available to repeat buyers — especially county and city programs. Additionally, most programs define "first-time buyer" as someone who hasn't owned a home in the past 3 years, so you may qualify even if you've owned before.
How long does the process take?
A typical DPA-assisted purchase takes 30-45 days from accepted offer to close — similar to a standard mortgage. The key is getting pre-approved early so you know exactly which programs you qualify for before you start shopping.
Browse Programs by State
1,927+ down payment assistance programs across all 50 states
Ready to find out what you qualify for?
Talk With a DPA Specialist →