Updated 1/19/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.

Connect with a DPA team

How Down Payment Assistance Works

I need to give a quick overview of how down payment assistance works. After that, the programs are listed.

With down payment assistance, you'll run into two different types:

• A grant
• A loan

A Grant

If we meet the qualifications up front, then it's money that does not need to be repaid.

A Loan

If the down payment assistance comes in the form of a loan, then pay attention to the three different types:

• Repayable
• Deferred
• Forgivable

Repayable is just as most imagine. It charges interest over a certain amount of time, with monthly payments until it's paid off.

Deferred loans usually don't require a monthly payment, and typically don't charge interest. It's due in full when you refinance, sell the home, or when it ceases to be your primary residence.

Forgivable loans will disappear if you meet the criteria, which usually comes down to keeping the home as your primary residence for a specific amount of time.

Okay with that, here are the programs!

Indiana

Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) First Place Program

• What It Offers: Provides down payment assistance up to 6% of the home’s purchase price.
• Who Qualifies: First-time homebuyers and veterans with a minimum credit score of 640.
• Income Limits: Varies by county and household size.
• Repayment: Forgivable after a set period if the buyer remains in the home.
• Website: https://www.in.gov/ihcda/homebuyers/programs/

IHCDA First Step

• Status: Active
• Buyer Type: First-time buyers
• Assistance: Up to 6%
• Structure: Deferred second mortgage
• Repayment: Due on sale, refinance, or payoff
• Website: https://www.in.gov/ihcda/homebuyers/programs/

IHCDA Next Home

• Status: Active
• Buyer Type: Repeat buyers allowed
• Assistance: 3.5%
• Structure: Forgivable second mortgage
• Forgiveness: 3 years
• Website: https://www.in.gov/ihcda/homebuyers/programs/

Gary First-Time Buyer Program

• Assistance: Up to $10,000
• Income Limit: ≤80% AMI
• Website: https://www.gary.gov/hoosier-homes

Hammond Homebound Program

• Assistance:
  • Up to $5,000 (general)
  • Up to $10,000 (police, fire, educators)
• Forgiveness: 5-year stepped recapture
  • Years 1–2: 100% repay
  • Year 3: 60%
  • Year 4: 40%
  • Year 5: 20%
• Buyer Type: First-time or no ownership past 12 months
• Income: Typically ≤80% AMI
• https://www.gohammond.com/departments/planning-and-development/community-development/housing/

Inclusive Communities Fund (SSHC)

• Coverage: Gary, Hammond, East Chicago
• Assistance:
  • <60% AMI: $15,000
  • 60–80% AMI: $10,000
  • 80–120% AMI: $5,000
• Forgiveness: 5 years
• Restriction: No other real estate ownership
• https://southsuburbanhousingcenter.org/icf-northwest-indiana/

Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP)

• Status: Active
• Assistance: $7,500–$24,999
• Income Limit: ≤120% AMI
• Structure: Must use INHP as lender
• https://www.inhp.org/mortgages/down-payment-assistance

Hoosier Homes

• Assistance: Up to 5%
• Structure: Forgivable second mortgage
• Forgiveness: 3 years
• Income Limit: ~$155,000 (2025)
• Buyer Type: Repeat buyers allowed
• Website: https://fwha.org/hoosier-homes/

HomePower (My Edge Fund)

• Elkhart County
• Assistance: Covers 20% of purchase price
• Impact: Eliminates PMI, improves rate
• Credit: 600 minimum
• DTI: Max 43%
• Income: ≤80% AMI
• https://myedgefund.org/elkhart-county-products/

Evansville HOPE Program

• Assistance: Dollar-for-dollar match up to $15,000
• Buyer Contribution: Minimum $1,000
• Geography: Evansville city limits
• Property: Major systems must have 5+ years of life remaining
• https://www.hopeofevansville.org/first-time-home-help

Bloomington HAND Program

• Assistance: Up to $10,000
• Buyer Type: First-time only
• Income: ≤80% AMI
• Forgiveness: 20% per year over 5 years
• Requirement: Homebuyers Club completion
• https://bloomington.in.gov/housing/loans

South Bend Community Homebuyers Corporation (CHC)

• Assistance: 20% of purchase price
• Impact: Eliminates PMI, reduces LTV risk
• Forgiveness:
  • 5-year occupancy
  • Additional 5-year ratable forgiveness
• Price Cap: ~$175,000 (subject to adjustment)
• https://www.ahomeallmyown.org/

Vigo County United Way HDPA

• Assistance: 5% total (3% down + 2% closing)
• Hard Cap: $4,000
• Target Homes: ≤$80,000
• Coverage: Multiple IN counties + Clark County, IL
• https://uwwv.org/hdpap/

Updated 1/19/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.