FHLB Dallas Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP)

What is FHLB Dallas Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP)?

FHLB Dallas Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) is a grant for homebuyers in Statewide, Arkansas, administered by Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas.

• HELP provides down payment and/or closing cost grants for eligible first-time homebuyers, delivered exclusively through FHLB Dallas member financial institutions (FHLB Dallas does not fund consumers directly). For properties in Arkansas the grant is up to $20,000 per household. Homebuyers must be at or below 80% AMI, complete homebuyer counseling, contribute at least $500 of their own funds, and retain the home as their primary residence for five years.
• Up to $20,000 grant for AR homebuyers.
• No repayment if 5-year retention met.
• Applies to down payment and closing costs.
• No cash back at closing.
• Funding comes from FHLB Dallas Affordable Housing Program funds.

How much assistance does it provide?

FHLB Dallas Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) offers up to $20,000 in assistance.

• Award tiers: Properties in AR/LA/MS or outside the District: $20,000; New Mexico or Texas: $25,000.
• Buyer contribution: Homebuyer must contribute at least $500 of their own funds toward down payment or closing costs.
• The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

FHLB Dallas Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

• Repayment is triggered by Sale, transfer, or failure to occupy as primary residence during the 5-year retention period (AHP retention/recapture rules).
• The assistance is recorded in Secured by a 5-year homeowner retention agreement (AHP retention document) position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

FHLB Dallas Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

FHLB Dallas Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Household income at or below 80% of area median income (AMI) as defined by HUD.
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

Where does it apply?

FHLB Dallas Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) serves buyers purchasing in Statewide, Arkansas.

How do you apply?

Applications for FHLB Dallas Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) go through Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through Must complete a homebuyer counseling program.

2. 2

   Contact Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served through FHLB Dallas member institutions; 2026 released in five rounds until funds exhausted or Dec 31, 2026, and are subject to availability.

3. 3

   Work with a lender who handles the program

   Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.