South Suburban Housing Center Hazel Crest Down Payment Assistance Program

What is South Suburban Housing Center Hazel Crest Down Payment Assistance Program?

South Suburban Housing Center Hazel Crest Down Payment Assistance Program is a grant for homebuyers in Hazel Crest, Illinois, administered by South Suburban Housing Center (SSHC) on behalf of Village of Hazel Crest.

• The Village of Hazel Crest, administered by the South Suburban Housing Center, provides tiered down payment assistance grants up to $10,000 for first-time homebuyers purchasing in Hazel Crest. Grant amounts are based on household income relative to AMI: up to $10,000 for households below 60% AMI, $7,500 for 60–80% AMI, and $5,000 for 80–120% AMI. The 5-year forgivable grant requires completion of SSHC homebuyer education and counseling and use of a participating lender.
• Up to $10,000 down payment assistance grant.
• 5-year forgiveness schedule.
• Tiered by AMI income level.
• Covers up to 120% AMI.
• SSHC homebuyer education and counseling provided.
• Funding comes from Village of Hazel Crest.

How much assistance does it provide?

South Suburban Housing Center Hazel Crest Down Payment Assistance Program offers between $5,000 and $10,000 in assistance.

• Award tiers: Less than 60% AMI: $10,000; 60–80% AMI: $7,500; 80–120% AMI: $5,000.
• Buyer contribution: Cannot own other residential real estate at closing; no stated buyer minimum cash contribution.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — South Suburban Housing Center (SSHC) on behalf of Village of Hazel Crest determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

South Suburban Housing Center Hazel Crest Down Payment Assistance Program is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

• Repayment is triggered by Sale, transfer of title, or non-primary residence within 5 years.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

South Suburban Housing Center Hazel Crest Down Payment 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?

South Suburban Housing Center Hazel Crest Down Payment Assistance Program limits household income to 120% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Tiered by AMI using 2024 Chicago-Naperville-Joliet HUD Metro Area limits. 4-person: <60% AMI = $67,260; <80% AMI = $89,700; <120% AMI = $134,520.
• 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?

South Suburban Housing Center Hazel Crest Down Payment Assistance Program caps the purchase price as follows: 1-unit properties only; no stated max purchase price in reviewed materials.

• Eligible property types include Single Family.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

South Suburban Housing Center Hazel Crest Down Payment Assistance Program serves buyers purchasing in Hazel Crest, Illinois.

• The program targets specific areas: Village of Hazel Crest, IL only.
• Targeted neighborhoods: Hazel Crest.

How do you apply?

Applications for South Suburban Housing Center Hazel Crest Down Payment Assistance Program go through South Suburban Housing Center (SSHC) on behalf of Village of Hazel Crest, 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 SSHC Homebuyer Education Course and Home Purchase Counseling required.

2. 2

   Contact South Suburban Housing Center (SSHC) on behalf of Village of Hazel Crest to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served; contact SSHC to begin intake, 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.