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Down Payment Assistance

See what you may qualify for.

Illinois has one of the strongest down payment assistance ecosystems in the country. Learn the major programs, then submit the eligibility questionnaire for a personalized match.

Illinois statewide programs

Major programs at a glance.

IHDA Access Forgivable

Illinois Housing Development Authority. 4% of the purchase price (up to $6,000) forgiven over 10 years. First-time and repeat buyers, income limits apply.

IHDA Access Deferred

5% of the purchase price (up to $7,500), interest-free, deferred until you sell or refinance. Broader flexibility than the forgivable option.

IHDA Access Repayable

10% of the purchase price (up to $10,000) as a 10-year repayable second mortgage. The largest IHDA assistance tier.

Chicago Home Buyer Assistance

City of Chicago program offering up to 7% of loan amount toward down payment and closing costs. Must purchase within city limits.

Cook County / Southland grants

Cook County HOME funds and select municipal programs (Ford Heights, Harvey, Chicago Heights, and others) offer targeted assistance for revitalization areas.

Federal loan programs

FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for eligible veterans), and USDA (0% in eligible rural tracts) pair with IHDA assistance for near-zero out-of-pocket purchases.

Eligibility basics

Do you qualify?

  • • Income limits — IHDA caps household income (varies by county and household size). Most Cook County families under ~$140K qualify for at least one tier.
  • • Credit score — most programs require 640+, though a few allow down to 620.
  • • Homebuyer education — a HUD-approved 8-hour course is required and can be completed online.
  • • Owner-occupancy — you must live in the home as your primary residence.
  • • Purchase price limits — vary by county; most Chicago-area homes qualify.

How to apply

Four steps to funded assistance.

  1. 1. Submit the questionnaire below. A Pure Radiance advisor reviews your profile against active Illinois and Cook County programs.
  2. 2. Complete homebuyer education. We provide a free HUD-approved online course link.
  3. 3. Get pre-approved with an IHDA-participating lender. Not every lender is approved — we introduce you to ones who are.
  4. 4. Lock the assistance with your purchase. Funds are disbursed at closing directly to your down payment and closing costs.

Eligibility questionnaire

Get matched to programs.