Government-backed home loans and mortgage assistance

If you want to buy a home, a government-backed home loan or a mortgage assistance program could help. Learn about the types of loans and how to qualify and apply.

Important

The federal government does not offer grants or "free money" to individuals to buy a home. Websites and ads claiming to offer "free money from the government" are often scams.

FHA loans

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) manages the FHA loan program. It helps homebuyers by insuring their loans so lenders can offer lower down payments and closing costs.

FHA loans offer assistance to:

• First-time homebuyers
• Seniors who partially or fully own their home
• People buying a manufactured or mobile home

Find out how FHA loans can help you.

FHA loan eligibility

To qualify for an FHA loan:

• You must have a credit score. FHA loans have a lower credit score requirement than most home loans.
• Find a home that falls within FHA loan limits. These limits depend on the home’s location.
• Apply for a loan with an FHA-approved lender.
• If you need help, contact the FHA Resource Center.

Find an FHA-approved lender

If you want to apply for an FHA loan, visit the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website to:

• Search for an FHA-approved lender
• Find out how to talk to a HUD housing counselor

Mortgage assistance programs

Find and contact your state housing finance agency (HFA) to learn about mortgage assistance programs.

American Indians and Alaska Natives

The Indian Housing (Home) Loan Guarantee Program (“Section 184”) is a home mortgage program designed for:

• American Indian and Alaska Native families
• Alaska villages, tribes, and Tribally Designated Entities

You can use this mortgage loan to:

• Buy an existing house
• Build a new house
• Improve your home’s air conditioning and energy efficiency
• Refinance your home

The Native American Direct Loan (NADL) program is for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans and veterans married to an American Indian or Alaska Native. It can help you purchase or build a home or improve your existing home.

Veterans and service members

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helps veterans, surviving spouses, and service members get home loans. These loans can help you purchase a home, refinance your mortgage, or finance home repairs.

Learn about home loan programs for veterans and active duty service members.

• Review the VA Home Buyer's Guide.
• Find contact information for specific VA home loan programs.

Rural homebuyers

If you live in a rural area, you may qualify for home loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) single-family housing programs. Each program has its own eligibility and application process.

Emergency personnel and teachers

HUD’s Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program offers large discounts on the listing prices of homes in revitalization areas.

To qualify, you must be a:

• Law enforcement officer
• Teacher
• Firefighter
• Emergency medical technician.

You also need to commit to living in a property for 36 months as your principal residence.

Energy-conscious homebuyers

Energy-efficient mortgages (EEMs) can help you buy a home designed to reduce energy use and have a lower environmental impact.

EEMs can be used to purchase or refinance an existing or new Energy Star-certified home. EEMs can also be used to finance energy-efficient home improvements.

Learn about EEM programs, if you qualify, and how to apply.

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