Welcome Home Assistance (WHA)
Welcome Home Assistance (WHA) is a second mortgage for homebuyers in Nebraska, administered by Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA).
The program asks for
- The home is occupied as a primary residence
- A minimum 640 credit score
- A completed homebuyer education course
- Available to first-time AND repeat homebuyers (distinct from base Welcome Home loan, already in catalog). First-time buyers must complete homebuyer education before closing. Lender origination fee up to 0.50% may apply. Occupy as primary residence within 60 days. Purchase price limit $485,500 (one unit) eff. 7/7/25. Max DTI 45% (50% if credit 660+).
- A home in Nebraska
It doesn’t cover
- Households above $175,500
These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.
Income limit
$175,500 household income limit, as the program publishes it
The program states this limit itself. Its official site says how household size changes it.
Where it applies
Nebraska’s homesThe homes in Nebraska
- 71.3% single-familysingle-family
- 4.1% townhousetownhouse
- 4.3% 2–4 units2–4 units
- 17.4% 5+ unitscondo & apartment buildings (5+ units)
- 2.9% mobile & othermobile home & other
$238,600
Nebraska median home value
57.2%
built before 1980
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year.
How to apply
How to applyThree steps, in this order
Take a homebuyer education course
Required by the program before funds are reserved.
Contact Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) to reserve funds
Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.
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 homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Questions about this program
What is Welcome Home Assistance (WHA)?
Welcome Home Assistance (WHA) is a second mortgage for homebuyers in Nebraska, administered by Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA). NIFA's Welcome Home Assistance (WHA) program is for first-time and repeat homebuyers who need down payment and closing cost assistance. It pairs a first mortgage with a second mortgage that provides the assistance; the second loan carries a 1% interest rate. Income and purchase price limits apply. Down payment and closing cost assistance via a second mortgage. 1% interest rate on the second loan. Open to repeat homebuyers. Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA options.
Do you have to pay it back?
Welcome Home Assistance (WHA) is a second mortgage and is repaid under the terms set by Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA). The assistance is recorded in second position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.
Who qualifies?
Welcome Home Assistance (WHA) is open to homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. The program lists a minimum credit score of 640. A homebuyer education course is required. Available to first-time AND repeat homebuyers (distinct from base Welcome Home loan, already in catalog). First-time buyers must complete homebuyer education before closing. Lender origination fee up to 0.50% may apply. Occupy as primary residence within 60 days. Purchase price limit $485,500 (one unit) eff. 7/7/25. Max DTI 45% (50% if credit 660+).
What are the income limits?
Welcome Home Assistance (WHA) limits household income to $175,500. Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.
Where does it apply?
Welcome Home Assistance (WHA) serves homebuyers purchasing anywhere in Nebraska.
How do you apply?
Applications for Welcome Home Assistance (WHA) go through Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Also for Nebraska homebuyersOther programs open to Nebraska homebuyers
- NENEDD Direct Homebuyer Assistance ProgramUp to $30,000
- Purchase Resell Rehab Down Payment Assistance (NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska)Up to $20,000
- FHLBank Topeka Homeownership Set-aside Program (HSP)Up to $15,000
Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.
All 76 programs for NebraskaProgram terms are set by Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.