WORTH Down Payment Assistance Program (Community Development Alliance)

What is WORTH Down Payment Assistance Program (Community Development Alliance)?

WORTH Down Payment Assistance Program (Community Development Alliance) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, administered by Community Development Alliance (CDA) / Milwaukee County.

• The WORTH Down Payment Assistance Program (Community Development Alliance) provides forgivable grants up to $8,000 to income-qualified first-time homebuyers purchasing in Milwaukee County. Two funding tiers serve households at or below 60% and 100% AMI. Funds are forgiven over three years of owner-occupancy. Borrowers complete 8 hours of counseling with a Milwaukee HUD-certified HBCA.
• Up to $8,000 forgivable grant.
• Forgiven over 3 years.
• Two income tiers (60% and 100% AMI).
• Stackable with other Milwaukee programs.
• Funding comes from Milwaukee County; private/philanthropic funders via CDA.

How much assistance does it provide?

WORTH Down Payment Assistance Program (Community Development Alliance) offers up to $8,000 in assistance.

• Award tiers: Two tiers: up to $8,000 for households <=60% AMI; lower tier for households <=100% AMI.
• The program can be combined with Milwaukee Home DPA, HCRI, Downpayment Plus, WHEDA programs.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Community Development Alliance (CDA) / Milwaukee County determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

WORTH Down Payment Assistance Program (Community Development Alliance) is forgiven after 3 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

• Repayment is triggered by Property no longer primary residence or sold before 3 years.
• 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?

WORTH Down Payment Assistance Program (Community Development Alliance) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

WORTH Down Payment Assistance Program (Community Development Alliance) limits household income to 100% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Two tiers: at or below 60% AMI and at or below 100% AMI.
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower&rsquo;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?

WORTH Down Payment Assistance Program (Community Development Alliance) can be used for Single Family, 2-4 Unit, and Condo.

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

Where does it apply?

WORTH Down Payment Assistance Program (Community Development Alliance) serves buyers purchasing in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.

• The program targets specific areas: Home within Milwaukee County; first-time = not owning within last 3 years.

How do you apply?

Applications for WORTH Down Payment Assistance Program (Community Development Alliance) go through Community Development Alliance (CDA) / Milwaukee County, 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 8 hours counseling with a Milwaukee HUD-Certified HBCA (Acts Housing, HRI, United Community Center).

2. 2

   Contact Community Development Alliance (CDA) / Milwaukee County 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.