Downpayment Assistance Program

What is Downpayment Assistance Program?

Downpayment Assistance Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Will County, Illinois.

• The Will County HOME Consortium Downpayment Assistance Program, administered by the Will County Center for Community Concerns (WCCCC) on behalf of the Will County Land Use Department - Community Development Division, provides up to $25,000 in down payment and closing-cost assistance to income-eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing a primary residence within the Will County HOME Consortium service area. Funded through HUD HOME Investment Partnerships, the assistance is structured as a 0%-interest deferred-payment forgivable second-mortgage loan with a HOME affordability period.
• Up to $25,000 in down payment and closing-cost assistance for income-eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing a primary residence within the Will County HOME Consortium service area (Will County, IL outside Joliet which administers its own City of Joliet DPA program). Structured as a 0%-interest, deferred-payment forgivable second mortgage with recapture agreement. Awarded first-come, first-served subject to fund availability.
• Funding comes from Federal HOME and Local Government.

How much assistance does it provide?

Downpayment Assistance Program offers up to $25,000 in assistance.

• Buyer contribution: Borrower must contribute at least $1,000 of own funds toward the purchase.
• The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Downpayment Assistance Program is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

• Repayment is triggered by Deferred 0%-interest second mortgage with HOME affordability period (typically 5 years for assistance up to $25,000) and pro-rata recapture of unforgiven balance on sale, transfer, cash-out refinance, or loss of owner-occupancy during the affordability period.
• The assistance is recorded in 2 position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Downpayment Assistance Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Downpayment Assistance Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Household income at or below 80% HUD AMI for the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin HMFA (Will County portion). 2025 approximate range: $62,800 (1-person) to $118,450 (8-person).
• 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.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Downpayment Assistance Program caps the purchase price as follows: No published Will County-specific maximum purchase price; subject to first-mortgage product limits and HUD HOME affordability rules.

• Eligible property types include Single-family detached, Townhome, and Condominium.
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Downpayment Assistance Program serves buyers purchasing in Will County, Illinois.

How do you apply?

Applications for Downpayment Assistance Program go through the administering agency, 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 HUD-approved housing counseling agency: Will County Center for Community Concerns (WCCCC) - 8-hour pre-purchase homeownership counseling required..

2. 2

   Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Application processed by Will County Center for Community Concerns (program administrator) in coordination with first-mortgage lender; awarded first-come, first-served subject to availability., 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.