IFA Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program (ECICOG)

What is IFA Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program (ECICOG)?

IFA Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program (ECICOG) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Washington County, Iowa, administered by East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG), with IFA and local housing trust funds.

• ECICOG, in partnership with the Iowa Finance Authority and three local housing trust funds, offers the IFA Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program providing up to $35,000 in forgivable down payment assistance plus minor rehabilitation to low-to-moderate-income first-time homebuyers in Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington Counties. The forgivable loan is fully forgiven after a 5-year (under $25,000) or 10-year ($25,000+) owner-occupancy retention period. As of 2026, several counties are waitlisted while Linn County is still accepting applications.
• Up to $35,000 forgivable down payment assistance.
• Minor rehabilitation included.
• 0% interest, no payments.
• Fully forgiven after 5-10 year retention.
• Multi-county coverage.
• This is a federal program, so it is available beyond a single state or city.
• Funding comes from IFA HOME funds plus local housing trust funds (East Central Iowa HTF, Johnson County HTF, Housing Fund for Linn County).

How much assistance does it provide?

IFA Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program (ECICOG) offers up to $35,000 in assistance.

• Award tiers: Retention period 5 years (<$25,000) or 10 years ($25,000+).
• The program can be combined with Other down payment assistance sources (disclosure required).
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG), with IFA and local housing trust funds determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

IFA Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program (ECICOG) is a forgivable loan, so the balance is forgiven once the program's conditions are met.

• Repayment is triggered by Must own and occupy as primary residence for 5 years (<$25,000) or 10 years ($25,000+); repayment triggered by failure to occupy during the retention period.
• The assistance is recorded in Second position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

IFA Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program (ECICOG) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

IFA Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program (ECICOG) limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• At/below 80% AMI for household size, varies by county; effective 5/1/2026 (e.g., Benton/Iowa/Jones/Linn/Washington 4-person $75,300; higher in Johnson County).
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower&rsquo;s.
• The program lists a maximum household size of 8.
• 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?

IFA Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program (ECICOG) caps the purchase price at $324,000.

• Eligible property types include Single-family residence (primary residence).
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

IFA Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program (ECICOG) is a federal program, so it is not limited to Iowa.

• The program targets specific areas: Eligible targeted communities across Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington Counties; excludes Iowa City, Hills, Cedar Rapids, Marion, Fairfax.

How do you apply?

Applications for IFA Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program (ECICOG) go through East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG), with IFA and local housing trust funds, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Contact East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG), with IFA and local housing trust funds to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Application with income documentation; Benton/Iowa/Johnson/Jones counties on waitlist; Linn County still accepting., and are subject to availability.

2. 2

   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.