Down payment assistance income limits in Maryland
80 down payment assistance programs in Maryland publish an income limit, a purchase price cap, or both.
Every figure below is the limit the administering agency publishes. Limits are revised as area incomes and local prices move, so confirm current figures with the agency before relying on them.
Area median income by county
HUD's published four-person area median income for each Maryland county. A program that sets its limit at a percentage of area median income applies that percentage to the figure for the county where the home is, adjusted for household size.
| County | Published | 4-person median |
|---|---|---|
| Allegany | 2026 | $72,700 |
| Anne Arundel | 2026 | $134,000 |
| Baltimore | 2026 | $134,000 |
| Baltimore City | 2026 | $134,000 |
| Calvert | 2026 | $149,900 |
| Caroline | 2026 | $88,800 |
| Carroll | 2026 | $134,000 |
| Cecil | 2026 | $122,700 |
| Charles | 2026 | $166,100 |
| Dorchester | 2026 | $87,300 |
| Frederick | 2026 | $166,100 |
| Garrett | 2026 | $88,300 |
| Harford | 2026 | $134,000 |
| Howard | 2026 | $134,000 |
| Kent | 2026 | $112,000 |
| Montgomery | 2026 | $166,100 |
| Prince George's | 2026 | $166,100 |
| Queen Anne's | 2026 | $134,000 |
| Saint Mary's | 2026 | $154,400 |
| Somerset | 2026 | $89,800 |
| Talbot | 2026 | $117,500 |
| Washington | 2026 | $105,100 |
| Wicomico | 2026 | $104,700 |
| Worcester | 2026 | $111,100 |
Published limits by program
| Program | Income limit | Price cap |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Time Advantage 3% LoanStatewide · Statewide | $229,460MMP combined household income limits (gross qualifying income, all occupants 18+ contributing). Non-targeted: $131,700 (1-2 person) / $153,650 (3+ person). Targeted/higher-cost (Montgomery, PG, Calvert, Charles, Frederick + federal targeted tracts): $196,680 (1-2 person) / $229,460 (3+ person). Verify by county and household size on MMP limits page. | $1.5M |
| 1st Time Advantage 4% LoanStatewide · Statewide | $229,460MMP combined household income limits. Non-targeted $131,700 1-2 person / $153,650 3+. Targeted/higher-cost $196,680 1-2 / $229,460 3+. Verify by county. | $1.5M |
| 1st Time Advantage 5% LoanStatewide · Statewide | $229,460MMP combined household limits: $131,700 1-2 / $153,650 3+ non-targeted; $196,680 1-2 / $229,460 3+ targeted / high-cost. | $1.3M |
| 1st Time Advantage 6000Statewide · Statewide | $229,460MMP combined household limits: $131,700 1-2 / $153,650 3+ non-targeted; $196,680 1-2 / $229,460 3+ targeted / high-cost. | $1.5M |
| Baltimore Southwest Partnership Inc Down Payment Assistance ProgramBaltimore · Baltimore City | 100% of area median incomeHousehold income at or below 80% AMI for Baltimore HMFA (~$62,600 1-person to $118,050 8-person per seed; verify with SWP for current cycle). | — |
| Baybrook BoostBaltimore · Baltimore City | 100% of area median incomeHousehold income at or below 80% AMI for Baltimore HMFA. ~$68,450 (1-person) to $129,050 (8-person) per seed. | — |
| Buy Back the BlockBaltimore · Baltimore City | 120% of area median incomeHousehold income limit per Live Baltimore BBB guidelines, approximately $132,000 (household, all earners). Verify current eligibility on Live Baltimore eligibility quiz. | $731,400 |
| Buying Into Baltimore Down Payment and Closing Cost AssistanceBaltimore · Baltimore City | See programNO household income restriction for Buying Into Baltimore. (Income range $68,450-$129,050 in LendSquawk seed reflects the typical 80% AMI Baltimore HMFA range used for layered Baltimore City programs; Buying Into Baltimore itself has no cap.) | $731,400 |
| Central Baltimore Homebuying Incentive ProgramBaltimore · Baltimore City | 120% of area median incomeHousehold income at or below 100% of Central Baltimore neighborhoods' median income (~$73,600 individual / ~$105,100 family of four). LendSquawk seed range $81,300-$153,300 reflects scaled household-size limits up through 8-person. | — |
| CHAI Homebuyer Assistance LoanBaltimore · Baltimore City | 100% of area median incomeTotal household income at or below 100% AMI based on household size; includes all income from individuals aged 18 or over | $499,650 |
| CHAI Homebuyer Incentive GrantBaltimore · Baltimore City | 80% of area median incomeTotal household income (including all adults 18+) must not exceed 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) | $499,650 |
| Chase Homebuyer Grant | See programNo income limit on the grant itself; grant is property-location (eligible census tract) based. | — |
| City of Frederick Community Partners Incentive Program (CPIP)Frederick · Frederick | $196,680Must meet Maryland Mortgage Program (CDA) income limits for Frederick County (eff. May 19 2025): 1 or 2 persons = $196,680; 3 or more = $229,460. | $806,500 |
| City of Laurel Homebuyer Assistance ProgramLaurel · Prince George's | $100,000Household income of all owners must not exceed $100,000 at the time of settlement. | — |
| City of Rockville Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) Homeownership ProgramRockville · Montgomery | See programMaximum gross household income limits depend on home pricing and household size (City of Rockville figures range by tier, e.g. 1-person $57,400-$68,838, 4-person up to ~$131,120). All household members over 18 must submit proof of income; income must be within limits when the sales contract is signed. | — |
| Closing Cost and Downpayment GrantsSalisbury · Multiple | 80% of area median incomeHousehold income at or below 80% area median income (HUD), by household size. Per LendSquawk seed: $52,500 (1-person) to $98,950 (8-person). | — |
| Closing Cost LoansSalisbury · Multiple | 120% of area median incomeWITHIN Salisbury city limits: NO income restriction. OUTSIDE Salisbury but in Wicomico County (and SNHS-served Worcester/Somerset): household income at or below 120% area median income. Per LendSquawk seed: $71,400 (1-person) to $163,800 (8-person) reflects 120% AMI scaled by household size. | — |
| Critical Workforce (CWF) Second Mortgage Financing ProgramQueen Anne's | 120% of area median incomeHousehold income approximately $85,560 (1-person) to $161,310 (8-person) per Queen Anne's County CWF guidelines. | — |
| Cumberland Closing Cost Assistance GrantCumberland · Allegany | 80% of area median incomeSingle-family household income at or below 80% of AMI for Cumberland, MD under the HUD HOME Program | — |
| Direct Homeownership Assistance ProgramBaltimore · Baltimore City | 80% of area median incomeHousehold income at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) for Baltimore HMFA, by household size. Approximate 2026 limits: $68,450 (1-person) to $129,050 (8-person). Verify current at livebaltimore.com/annual-median-income-limits-for-baltimore-city. | — |
| Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance - City of HagerstownHagerstown · Washington | 80% of area median incomeHousehold income limits set by HUD, approximately $52,500 (1-person) to $98,950 (8-person) for the City of Hagerstown program (per Home Store City Grant flyer). | — |
| FHLBank Atlanta First-Time Homebuyer ProductBaltimore · Baltimore City | 80% of area median incomeHousehold income at or below 80% AMI (per HUD for property's MSA). Baltimore-Towson HMFA 2026 80% AMI: ~$68,450 (1-person) to $129,050 (8-person). | — |
| First Time Home Buyers Settlement Expense Loan Program (SELP)Charles | 120% of area median incomeHousehold income approximately $108,300 (1-person) to $204,300 (8-person), tracking Maryland DHCD MMP limits for Charles County (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria HMFA). | — |
| First-Time Homebuyers Incentive ProgramBaltimore · Baltimore City | 80% of area median incomeHousehold income at or below 80% AMI for Baltimore HMFA, by household size. Approximate 2026 80% AMI: $68,450 (1-person) to $129,050 (8-person). Verify current at livebaltimore.com/annual-median-income-limits-for-baltimore-city. | — |
| Frederick County Affordable Housing Land Trust Homeownership Program (Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County)Frederick · Frederick | 80% of area median incomeTargets Frederick County residents within roughly 30%-80% AMI who cannot qualify for a traditional mortgage. | — |
| Frederick County Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP)Frederick | 80% of area median incomeBased on HUD Washington MSA AMI by household size (May 2025). $12,000 loan (50% AMI): 1=$57,400; 2=$65,600; 3=$73,800; 4=$81,950; 5=$88,550; 6=$95,100. $10,000 loan (uncapped 80% AMI): 1=$91,800; 2=$104,900; 3=$118,000; 4=$131,100; 5=$141,600; 6=$152,100. | — |
| Frederick County House Keys 4 Employees (HK4E)Frederick | 150% of area median incomeTotal gross household income must be under 150% AMI (eff. May 2025): 1 or 2 persons = $196,680; 3 or more = $229,460. | — |
| Gaithersburg Homebuyer Assistance Loan Program (GHALP)Gaithersburg · Montgomery | 120% of area median incomeHousehold income at or below 120% AMI for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria HMFA; approx 120% limits $137,676 (1-person) to $259,618 (8-person). Up to $40,000 (<=80% AMI) or up to $25,000 (81-120% AMI). | — |
| Garrett County First-Time Homebuyer GrantOakland · Garrett | $126,700Maximum household income $108,600 for households of 1-2 people; $126,700 for households of 3 or more (Pathways to Homeownership Program) | — |
| Habitat for Humanity Choptank Homeownership ProgramCambridge · Talbot, Dorchester | See programIncome within program guidelines based on gross monthly household income (see July 2025 income table). | — |
| Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland Home Purchase ProgramMontgomery|Prince George's | 80% of area median incomeAnnual household income between 30% and 80% AMI (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area). Each project may have different limits based on home sales price. | — |
| Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake Homeownership ProgramBaltimore City|Baltimore|Anne Arundel|Howard | 80% of area median income30%-80% AMI; April 2025 HUD Baltimore-Columbia-Towson 4-person min $40,200 max $106,800 | — |
| Habitat for Humanity of Washington County Homeownership ProgramWashington | 80% of area median incomeGenerally 50%-80% AMI; current McCleary Hill project 5-person min $46,850 max $80,960; check specific project application for current limits | — |
| Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County Homeownership ProgramWicomico | 80% of area median income30%-60% AMI (up to 80% in some cases); minimum household income $40,000/year; FY2024 HUD Wicomico County 4-person max $56,220 at 60% AMI | — |
| Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna Homeownership ProgramHarford|Cecil | 80% of area median incomeMinimum $40,000/year; effective 6/15/2025 — Cecil County 4-person max $95,500; Harford County 4-person max $104,200 | — |
| Hagerstown Homeownership InitiativeHagerstown · Washington | See programIncome limits per City of Hagerstown annual program guidelines (typically 80% AMI for the Hagerstown-Martinsburg MSA). | — |
| HIP Homes Single-Family Homeownership ProgramPrince George's County | 80% of area median incomeHouseholds must earn 80% or less of AMI based on household size. 4-person limit $131,000 (effective June 1, 2025). | — |
| HomeAbilityStatewide · Statewide | 80% of area median incomeHomeAbility household income limits $71,920 (low end) to $129,600 (high end) per MMP HomeAbility fact sheet (county-specific tiers). Designed for moderate-income households with a disabled member. | $1.5M |
| Homestart 6% DPA LoanStatewide · Statewide | 50% of area median incomeHomestart low-income tier: $44,950 (1-person low end) to $81,000 (3+ person high-cost county cap). At or below 50% AMI per DHCD Homestart fact sheet. Verify county-specific limits on MMP limits page. | $1.5M |
| Interfaith Housing Alliance Purchase-Repair Homeownership ProgramCarroll|Frederick|Washington | See programIncome limits set by USDA Rural Development by county and household size. Frederick County 1-4 person $97,800 / 5-8 person $129,100; Carroll County 1-4 person $97,750 / 5-8 person $129,050; Washington County 1-4 person $73,100 / 5-8 person $96,500. | — |
| Kennedy Krieger Institute Live Near Your Work ProgramBaltimore · Baltimore City | See programNo income limit published; some employers place restrictions (employment length, job title, purchase location). | — |
| LEDC Down Payment Assistance Program | 120% of area median incomeHousehold income approximately $66,750 (1-person) to $125,800 (8-person) - 80% HUD AMI for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria HMFA. | — |
| LifeBridge Health Live Near Your Work ProgramBaltimore · Baltimore County | See programHousehold income limits apply for Baltimore County LNYW funds. Specific dollar limits not published on page reviewed. | — |
| Live+Work College Park ProgramCollege Park · Prince George's County | See programNo income limit stated in program materials | — |
| M&T Bank First-Time Homebuyer Grant | 80% of area median incomeProperty in an LMI census tract AND borrower income <= 80% of HUD Median Area Income in eligible counties. | — |
| Maryland Mortgage Program | 100% of area median income | — |
| Maryland SmartBuy 3.0Statewide · Statewide | $129,600SmartBuy household income limits $44,950 (low end) to $129,600 (3+ person high-cost county). Income range spans low-moderate to moderate-income tiers. Verify by county. | $1.5M |
| MMP Flex 3% LoanStatewide · Statewide | $229,460MMP Flex household income limits same as MMP bond programs: $131,700 1-2 / $153,650 3+ non-targeted; $196,680 1-2 / $229,460 3+ high-cost. Verify by county. | $1.5M |
| MMP Flex 6000Statewide · Statewide | $229,460MMP Flex household income limits: $131,700 1-2 / $153,650 3+ non-targeted; $196,680 1-2 / $229,460 3+ high-cost. Verify by county. | $1.5M |
| Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) Second Mortgage Financing ProgramQueen Anne's | 80% of area median incomeHousehold income approximately $68,450 (1-person) to $129,050 (8-person) - 80% HUD AMI for the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson MSA. | — |
| Montgomery Employee Down Payment Assistance Loan (MEDPAL)Statewide · Montgomery | $228,000MEDPAL income limits $157,500 - $228,000 (Montgomery County high-cost tier per MEDPAL fact sheet). Verify current numbers on MMP MEDPAL page. | $1.5M |
| Montgomery Homeownership ProgramStatewide · Montgomery | $229,460Montgomery Homeownership Program income limits per Montgomery County high-cost tier: $196,680 (1-2 person) - $229,460 (3+ person). Verify by household size. | $1.5M |
| Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP)Anne Arundel | 80% of area median incomeHousehold income at or below 80% Baltimore-Columbia-Towson MSA AMI: 1-person ~$85,563; 4-person ~$122,150; 8-person ~$141,750. Limits updated annually by HUD. | $500,000 |
| My HOME II Program (Mortgage Settlement Program)Prince George's | See programIncome-eligible first-time homebuyers per HOME program limits (HUD-set); qualify through a participating lender. | — |
| New Neighbors Homeownership Grant ProgramCollege Park · Prince George's | See programIncome limits per City-University Partnership annual guidelines (typically 80%-120% AMI for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria HMFA). | — |
| NHS of Baltimore Down Payment Assistance ProgramBaltimore · Baltimore City | See programBased on total household income for all persons 18 and older living in the home; maximum income depends on the county/city of purchase | — |
| ONE+ by Rocket MortgageStatewide | 80% of area median incomeQualifying income <= 80% of county AMI. | — |
| Option 2 of the MPPMontgomery | $199,220Household income approximately $119,532 (1-person) to $199,220 (8-person) per HOC MPP guidelines. | $806,598 |
| Option 3 "MCHAF" Montgomery County Housing Assistance FundMontgomery | $199,220Household income approximately $119,532 (1-person) to $199,220 (8-person) for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria HMFA per HOC MPP guidelines. | $806,598 |
| Partner Match ProgramsStatewide · Statewide | $229,460MMP combined household income limits apply. Specific Partner Match overlays may apply per partner agreement (e.g., employer-sponsored partner programs may have additional income / employer requirements). | $1.5M |
| Pathway to Purchase First Time Homebuyer Assistance ProgramPrince George's | 120% of area median incomeHousehold income approximately $86,650 (1-person) to $163,350 (8-person) per Prince George's County Pathway to Purchase guidelines. | $485,000 |
| Patuxent Habitat for Humanity Homeownership ProgramCalvert|St. Mary's | 50% of area median incomeHousehold income between 30%-50% of area median income for Calvert and St. Mary's Counties | — |
| PNC Bank Home Loan Grant | 80% of area median incomeGenerally <= 80% AMI by property location; eligibility/amount vary by location. | — |
| Project Reinvest ProgramBaltimore · Baltimore City | 80% of area median incomeHousehold income at or below 80% AMI for Baltimore HMFA. Per LendSquawk seed: $62,600 (1-person) to $118,050 (8-person). Verify at nhsbaltimore.org/dpa/household-income-eligibility. | $266,000 |
| Revolving Closing Cost Assistance Program (RCCAP)Montgomery | $199,220Household income approximately $119,532 (1-person) to $199,220 (8-person) per HOC MPP guidelines. | $806,598 |
| SDLP - DreamMaker LoanHoward | 100% of area median incomeDreamMaker tier: household income approximately $90,684 (1-person) to $171,005 (8-person) - moderate-income tier of SDLP. | $644,756 |
| SDLP - HomeStarter LoanHoward | 80% of area median incomeHomeStarter tier: household income approximately $66,300 (1-person) to $124,950 (8-person) - 80% HUD AMI for the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson MSA. | $644,756 |
| SDLP - HomeSteader LoanHoward | 80% of area median incomeHomeSteader tier: household income approximately $72,547 (1-person) to $136,804 (8-person). | $644,756 |
| SDLP - Workforce Initiative LoanHoward | 120% of area median incomeWorkforce Initiative tier: household income approximately $99,752 (1-person) to $188,106 (8-person). | $644,756 |
| Settlement Expense Loan ProgramHarford | 120% of area median incomeHousehold income approximately $72,950 (1-person) to $137,550 (8-person) per Harford County SELP guidelines. | $444,000 |
| Settlement Expense Loan Program (SELP)/Closing Cost ProgramBaltimore | 80% of area median incomeHousehold income at or below 80% area median income (HUD), adjusted for household size. Baltimore County uses Baltimore-Towson HMFA limits. | — |
| Settlement Expense Loan Program Plus (SELP+)Charles | 120% of area median incomeHousehold income approximately $108,300 (1-person) to $204,300 (8-person), tracking Maryland DHCD MMP limits for Charles County. | — |
| SNHS Closing Cost Loan - Somerset CountySomerset | 120% of area median incomeSomerset County 120% AMI 2025: 1p $77,950; 2p $89,100; 3p $100,200; 4p $111,350; 5p $120,250; 6p $129,200; 7p $138,100; 8p $147,000. | — |
| South Baltimore Community Land Trust Homeownership ProgramBaltimore · Baltimore City | 50% of area median incomeAll homes available for individuals and families at 50% AMI and below (Baltimore City AMI) | $160,000 |
| TD Bank HomeReady GrantStatewide | 50% of area median incomeQualifying income <= 50% of applicable AMI of the property location. | — |
| University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Live Near Your Work ProgramBaltimore · Baltimore City | See programNo income limit published for the UMB LNYW grant itself. | — |
| Vacants to Value (V2V) BoosterBaltimore · Baltimore City | See programNo household income restriction | — |
| Wells Fargo Homebuyer Access Grant | 120% of area median incomeTotal qualifying income of all borrowers <= 120% of county AMI. | — |
| Wicomico County Closing Cost / Down Payment Assistance Loan (Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services)Salisbury · Wicomico | 120% of area median incomeNo income restriction within Salisbury city limits. For all other areas of Wicomico County, max income is 120% AMI. 2026 Salisbury-area 120% AMI: 1p $86,500; 2p $98,900; 3p $111,250; 4p $123,600; 5p $133,500; 6p $143,400; 7p $153,250; 8p $163,150. | — |
| Worcester County Closing Cost / Down Payment Assistance LoanWorcester | 120% of area median incomeMaximum income is 120% of the area median income for Worcester County | — |
Questions, answered
What are the income limits for down payment assistance in Maryland?
80 down payment assistance programs in Maryland publish an income limit, a purchase price cap, or both. 50 express the limit as a percentage of the area median income for the county where the home is, and 47 publish a flat dollar figure instead.
Why does the same program have different income limits in different counties?
Because most limits are set as a percentage of area median income, which HUD publishes per county and revises annually. A program with one published percentage therefore admits a different dollar figure in each county, and the figure is further adjusted for household size.
Is a published limit the same as being approved?
No. An income limit is one eligibility rule among several — credit requirements, purchase price caps, occupancy rules and homebuyer education all apply separately, and the first-mortgage lender underwrites on its own terms. Always confirm current figures with the administering agency.
Is Hey Prescott a lender?
No. Hey Prescott is an educational directory of down payment assistance programs. We list programs and link to official sources; we do not make loans or give individualized lending advice.
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