Most Popular Down Payment Assistance Options

Discover a down payment assistance program dedicated to homeownership! Contact us today to learn more and experience the personalized service of an independent mortgage lender that cares about your homeownership journey!  Let's discuss your eligibility and find a solution that works for you. Contact us today to learn more get started. 

Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you navigate these down payment assistance options and find the program that suits your unique needs. We understand that every homebuyer's situation is different, and we strive to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.  For a list of home purchase down payment assitance programs by state please contact a licensed loan expert or call us anytime at 800-965-0124.

IHDA Down Payment Assistance in Illinois – Up to $15,000 for First-Time Homebuyers & Veterans in 2026

American Home Lending USA partners with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) to offer powerful down payment and closing cost assistance programs **available in all 67 counties across the entire state of Illinois**. Whether you're in Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Rockford, Springfield, Peoria, Elgin, Waukegan, Champaign-Urbana, Bloomington-Normal, Decatur, Alton, Edwardsville, Roxana, or anywhere near Scott Air Force Base in O'Fallon/Belleville—these programs help first-time homebuyers and eligible veterans achieve affordable homeownership with minimal upfront cash.

New in 2026: IHDAccess Home launches March 2, 2026 – offering the highest assistance level yet: up to $15,000 (6% of purchase price) as a deferred, 0% interest second mortgage. All IHDA programs require a 640+ credit score, household income and purchase price limits (check current limits at ihda.org), a minimum borrower contribution ($1,000 or 1% of purchase price, whichever greater), primary residence only, and HUD-approved homebuyer education (veterans often exempt).

Compare IHDA's 4 Main Down Payment Assistance Programs

Program	Assistance Amount	Terms & Repayment	Best For
IHDAccess Home (New – Launches March 2, 2026)	6% of purchase price, up to $15,000	0% interest second mortgage – deferred until sale, refinance, or payoff. No monthly payments.	First-time buyers, eligible Veterans, or purchase in targeted area.
Access Deferred	5% of purchase price, up to $7,500	0% interest second mortgage – deferred until sale/refinance/payoff. No monthly payments.	Buyers wanting flexible, no-payment help in any Illinois county.
Access Forgivable	4% of purchase price, up to $6,000	Forgiven monthly over 10 years – becomes a gift if you stay in the home.	Buyers seeking "free" assistance over time (first-time & repeat buyers statewide).
Access Repayable	10% of purchase price, up to $10,000	0% interest second mortgage – repaid monthly over 10 years.	Buyers comfortable with small monthly payments for the highest percentage help statewide.

Frequently Asked Questions About IHDA Down Payment Assistance

What is the new IHDA-access Home program launching in 2026?

IHDA-access Home launches March 2, 2026, providing up to $15,000 (6% of purchase price) in deferred 0% interest second mortgage assistance for down payment and closing costs. Repayable only upon sale, refinance, or 30 years from closing. Available statewide in all Illinois counties for first-time buyers and eligible veterans.

How much down payment assistance does IHDA offer in Illinois?

IHDA offers four programs: IHDA-access Home up to $15,000 (6%), Access Deferred up to $7,500 (5%), Access Forgivable up to $6,000 (4% forgiven over 10 years), Access Repayable up to $10,000 (10% repaid monthly over 10 years). All available statewide.

Is IHDA down payment assistance available in all Illinois counties?

Yes – IHDA programs are available in all 67 counties statewide, including Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Rockford, Springfield, Peoria, Elgin, Waukegan, Champaign-Urbana, Bloomington-Normal, Decatur, Alton, Edwardsville, Roxana, O'Fallon near Scott Air Force Base, and every other area in Illinois.

Can non-first-time homebuyers use IHDA programs?

Yes for Access Deferred, Forgivable, and Repayable programs (open to current homeowners if primary residence occupied within 60 days). IHDA-access Home is generally for first-time buyers, but waived for qualified veterans or non-first-time buyers in targeted areas.

What happens if I sell or refinance early with IHDA assistance?

Deferred programs (IHDAccess Home, Deferred): Full balance due at sale/refinance. Forgivable: Repay remaining unforgiven amount (pro-rated over 10 years). Repayable: Repay remaining balance on second mortgage.

Can veterans use IHDA programs with VA loans in Illinois?

Yes – veterans qualify with exemptions (e.g., first-time buyer status, education) and can pair IHDA assistance with VA loans for zero-down statewide, including near Scott Air Force Base in Edwardsville/Roxana.

Ready to Get Started with IHDA Assistance in Illinois?

Whether you're in Chicago, Edwardsville near Scott Air Force Base, Roxana, Alton, Peoria, Springfield, or any other part of the state, we're here to help you claim up to $15,000 in IHDA down payment assistance. Get your free eligibility check and personalized quote today – no obligation.

Get Your Free IHDA Quote & Eligibility Check Now

National No Income Limits Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance Program

Our national down payment assistance home loan program combines a USDA or FHA-insured 30-year fixed rate first mortgage with either a second loan that is fully forgivable after 5 years OR a 10-year repayable second loan. Funds can be used towards a down payment, closing costs, and/or temporary interest rate buydowns.  Open to all eligible borrowers, in other words this program is not restricted to first-time homebuyers or a specific occupaction.

NO INCOME LIMITS - NATIONWIDE PROGRAM

• DPA Advantage has two grant options available: a 3.5% grant and a 2% grant
• The 3.5% grant offers a true “no money down solution” with up to an additional 3% toward closing costs
• If you do not need the “no money down” solution, you can opt for a lower interest rate
• No repayment required
• No need for a second lien on the property
• May be combined with up to 6% seller concession for closing costs
• Minimum qualifying credit score: 620
• Can be used with the FHA 203(b) program or any of our FHA renovation programs, as well as the FHA One-Time Close program (the 3.5% grant is not currently available for the FHA OTC program)
• Program has expanded to include eligible properties located in an underserved census tract.