NHS Chicago / NLS Down Payment Assistance Grant

What is NHS Chicago / NLS Down Payment Assistance Grant?

NHS Chicago / NLS Down Payment Assistance Grant is a grant for homebuyers in Chicago, Illinois, administered by Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS Chicago) / Neighborhood Lending Services, Inc. (NLS).

• Up to $30,000 in down payment/closing cost grants.
• True grant — no repayment required.
• Stackable with City of Chicago HomeGrown, MMRP, CHA DPA, and 3C Chicago grants.
• CDFI-backed affordable mortgage products.
• 3 Chicago office locations.
• Funding comes from Multiple public and private funders; NHS Chicago institutional investors and philanthropic sources.

How much assistance does it provide?

NHS Chicago / NLS Down Payment Assistance Grant offers up to $30,000 in assistance.

• The program can be combined with City of Chicago HomeGrown Purchase Assistance; MMRP Purchase Assistance Grant; CHA DPA; 3C Chicago.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS Chicago) / Neighborhood Lending Services, Inc. (NLS) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

NHS Chicago / NLS Down Payment Assistance Grant is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

NHS Chicago / NLS Down Payment Assistance Grant is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

NHS Chicago / NLS Down Payment Assistance Grant sets its income limit as follows: Grant eligibility assessed by NLS loan originator based on borrower profile; income limits vary by funding source.

• 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?

NHS Chicago / NLS Down Payment Assistance Grant caps the purchase price as follows: Home must be within City of Chicago.

• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

NHS Chicago / NLS Down Payment Assistance Grant serves buyers purchasing in Chicago, Illinois.

How do you apply?

Applications for NHS Chicago / NLS Down Payment Assistance Grant go through Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS Chicago) / Neighborhood Lending Services, Inc. (NLS), 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 NHS Chicago homebuyer education; eHome America self-paced online option.

2. 2

   Contact Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS Chicago) / Neighborhood Lending Services, Inc. (NLS) 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.