Down payment assistance in Illinois
Illinois's primary statewide down payment assistance program, run by Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). Numbers and eligibility reflect the program's published 2025 guidelines.
IHDAccess Forgivable
Forgivable second- Maximum assistance
- $6,000 forgivable over 10 years (or $7,500/$10,000 deferred options)
- Income limit
- Up to $135,720 (varies by household and county)
- Home price limit
- Up to $619,500 in Chicago metro; lower elsewhere
- First-time buyer
- Preferred (some products)
- Eligible loan types
- FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
- •Three flavors: Access Forgivable ($6k forgiven over 10 yrs), Deferred ($7.5k 0% deferred), Repayable ($10k second lien).
- •First-time buyer requirement waived in target areas and for veterans.
How Illinois DPA fits into your purchase
Down payment assistance reduces the cash you need at the closing table. Illinois's IHDAccess Forgivable pairs with the standard FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgage from a participating lender; the DPA flows through the same closing.
Two things to budget for: most state DPA requires a homebuyer-education course (typically online, 6-8 hours, ~$75) and you usually have to use a lender on the agency's approved list. The agency keeps the list public on its website.
Common questions
Illinois's primary statewide DPA is IHDAccess Forgivable from Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). $6,000 forgivable over 10 years (or $7,500/$10,000 deferred options). Many Illinois cities and counties also run additional DPA layered on top.
Some product variants are first-time-buyer only; others are open to repeat buyers. Check the agency page for the current matrix.
Yes. IHDAccess Forgivable works with these loan types: FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional. The DPA is layered behind your first mortgage as a separate lien (or grant), and both close together.
Usually no. Deferred and forgivable loans typically have no monthly payment, so most lenders do not include them in your DTI calculation.
If you sell or refinance before the forgiveness period ends, you typically have to repay the unforgiven portion.