Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP)

What is Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP)?

Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Washington, District of Columbia, administered by DC Dept. of Housing & Community Development (DHCD).

• A deferred 0% DPA loan plus matching grant for full-time DC Government employees buying a first home in DC; first responders and educators get an extra $10,000 grant forgiven after a 5-year service commitment.
• $20,000 deferred 0% loan for all DC gov employees.
• Up to $5,000 match ($15,000 first responders).
• +$10,000 recoverable grant (first responders & educators, forgiven after 5 yrs).
• No income cap.
• Funding comes from State.

How much assistance does it provide?

Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) offers up to $35,000 in assistance.

• Buyer contribution: No cash contribution. Matching grant: $1,000 per $2,500 of borrower savings (up to $5,000 standard / $15,000 first responders).
• The program can be combined with HPAP and DC4ME.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — DC Dept. of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

• Repayment is triggered by Sale/transfer, No longer primary residence, Cash-out refinance, and First-responder/educator grant: failure to meet 5-yr service/residency.
• The assistance is recorded in 2nd Lien position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) sets its income limit as follows: No income cap for EAHP applicants.

• Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Cooperative.

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) names educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and healthcare workers among the groups it serves.

• Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Where does it apply?

Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) serves buyers purchasing in Washington, District of Columbia.

How do you apply?

Applications for Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) go through DC Dept. of Housing & Community Development (DHCD), 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 DHCD-funded CBOs (orientation + 8-hr training).

2. 2

   Contact DC Dept. of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved with the provider 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.