What is Beyond Housing Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program?
Beyond Housing Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Missouri, administered by Beyond Housing (HUD-approved nonprofit housing counseling agency / NeighborWorks).
- Beyond Housing is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency and a leading provider of down payment assistance in the greater St. Louis region. It administers county/city-funded down payment and closing cost assistance loans for homebuyers in St. Louis County (including City of Florissant), Jefferson County, and St. Charles County (including City of O'Fallon). Assistance is a zero-interest, 5-year forgivable loan with no monthly payments.
- Zero-interest, 5-year forgivable loan with no monthly payment. Amounts by jurisdiction: up to $7,000 (Jefferson County), up to $8,000 (City of Florissant), up to $7,000 (St. Louis County), up to $10,000 (St. Charles County), up to $10,000 (City of O'Fallon). Eligible DPA amount is set on a sliding income scale.
- This is a federal program, so it is available beyond a single state or city.
- Funding comes from County and city HOME/down payment assistance funds administered by Beyond Housing (St. Louis County, Jefferson County, St. Charles County, City of Florissant, City of O'Fallon).
How much assistance does it provide?
Beyond Housing Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program offers between $7,000 and $10,000 in assistance.
- The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
- Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Beyond Housing (HUD-approved nonprofit housing counseling agency / NeighborWorks) determines any individual award.
Do you have to pay it back?
Beyond Housing Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.
- Repayment is triggered by 5-year forgivable loan; repayment owed if home ceases to be owner-occupied / conditions not met during forgiveness period.
- Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.
Who qualifies?
Beyond Housing Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.
The program requires
- ✓First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
- ✓The home is occupied as a primary residence
- ✓A completed homebuyer education course
- ✓Must complete HUD-certified Homebuyer Education and one-to-one homeownership counseling before applying; attendance at a free weekly virtual orientation is the first step. First-time homebuyer required in St. Louis County and Jefferson County (NOT required in St. Charles County, City of O'Fallon, or City of Florissant). Home must pass a first-time homebuyer inspection and cannot be in a flood plain. Closing must be at least 30 days from DPA application. Must use a fixed-rate mortgage. Beyond Housing does NOT offer DPA funds for the City of St. Louis. Income/price limits effective June 1, 2026.
These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.
What are the income limits?
Beyond Housing Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program sets its income limit as follows: Sliding-scale maximum gross household income (effective June 1, 2026). Example for 100% DPA eligibility: 1 person $39,750; 2 $45,400; 3 $51,100; 4 $56,750; 5 $61,300; 6 $65,850; 7 $70,400; 8 $74,950 (higher income tiers qualify for 95%/90% of the DPA amount).
- 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?
Beyond Housing Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program caps the purchase price as follows: Maximum sales price (existing / new construction): St. Louis County incl. Florissant $219,000 / $371,000; St. Charles County incl. O'Fallon $285,000 / $355,000; Jefferson County $226,000 / $329,000.
Where does it apply?
Beyond Housing Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program is a federal program, so it is not limited to Missouri.
- The program gives priority to designated target areas, so the address matters as well as the county.
How do you apply?
Applications for Beyond Housing Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program go through Beyond Housing (HUD-approved nonprofit housing counseling agency / NeighborWorks), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.
- 1
Take a homebuyer education course
Required by the program before funds are reserved.
- 2
Contact Beyond Housing (HUD-approved nonprofit housing counseling agency / NeighborWorks) to reserve funds
Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.
- 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.