Photo: Shixart1985, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) offers four main “Access” down payment programs in 2026: Access Home (6% of the price up to $15,000), Access Forgivable (4% up to $6,000), Access Deferred (5% up to $7,500) and Access Repayable (10% up to $10,000). Each one pairs with a 30-year fixed-rate IHDA mortgage, and three of the four are open to repeat buyers too.
I’m Dana Gallagher, a Broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate. I’m an ABR®, Accredited Buyer’s Representative, and helping first-time buyers get their keys is one of my favorite parts of this job. Here’s a plain-English breakdown of IHDA’s programs.
IHDA’s Access Programs at a Glance
| Program | Assistance | How it works | Who can use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access Home | 6% of the purchase price, up to $15,000 | Interest-free loan, deferred until you sell, refinance or pay off the mortgage | First-time buyers, or “exempt” buyers (eligible veterans, or buying in a targeted area) |
| Access Forgivable | 4% of the purchase price, up to $6,000 | Forgiven monthly over 10 years | First-time and repeat buyers |
| Access Deferred | 5% of the purchase price, up to $7,500 | Interest-free loan, deferred until you sell, refinance or pay off the mortgage | First-time and repeat buyers |
| Access Repayable | 10% of the purchase price, up to $10,000 | Interest-free loan, repaid monthly over 10 years | First-time and repeat buyers |
Source: IHDA Lending Programs page, October 2026. Programs and terms can change, so confirm with an IHDA-approved lender.
Who Qualifies?
According to IHDA, the Access programs generally require you to:
- Meet household income and purchase price limits for the county where you’re buying
- Have a minimum credit score of 640
- Contribute $1,000 or 1% of the purchase price, whichever is greater
- Live in the home as your primary residence
- Complete homeownership counseling before closing (online and in-person options)
Both new construction and existing homes are eligible, and all Illinois counties are eligible. So whether you’re buying in McHenry, Kane, Lake or Cook County, these programs can work.
The Access programs can be used with FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae HFA Preferred and Freddie Mac HFA Advantage loans.
A Few Details People Miss
From IHDA’s Access Forgivable fact sheet:
- The assistance is recorded as a second mortgage with 0% interest.
- Cash back to you at closing generally can’t exceed $250 plus any amount over your required investment.
- The maximum debt-to-income ratio is up to 50%, and some higher-DTI loans need a 680 credit score and extra education.
- Eligible properties include single-family homes, condos, townhomes and some 2-unit homes used as your primary residence. Manufactured homes are not permitted.
Which Program Is Best for You?
- Want the most help and plan to stay a long time? Access Home offers the largest amount for first-time buyers.
- Want help you never have to pay back? Access Forgivable is forgiven over 10 years if you keep the loan and live there.
- Not a first-time buyer? Forgivable, Deferred and Repayable are open to repeat buyers too.
A lender who works with IHDA can run your numbers side by side. I’m happy to help you find one.
How to Get Started
- Talk to an IHDA-approved lender and get pre-approved. Here’s why you need a pre-approval before you buy.
- Take the homebuyer education course early so it doesn’t hold up closing.
- Pick your price range and towns. Check my guides to Huntley, Elgin, McHenry, and Pingree Grove and Hampshire.
- Understand your full monthly payment, including taxes and mortgage insurance. My posts on PMI and property taxes explain both.
- Call me, and we’ll start touring homes that fit the program limits.
Before you start, watch my video The Home Buying Process: Northwest Suburbs of Illinois Guide, and read the biggest mistakes home buyers make.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment help can I get from IHDA in 2026?
IHDA’s Access Home program offers 6% of the purchase price up to $15,000 for first-time or exempt buyers. Access Repayable offers 10% up to $10,000, Access Deferred 5% up to $7,500 and Access Forgivable 4% up to $6,000.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to use IHDA?
Not always. Access Forgivable, Access Deferred and Access Repayable are open to first-time and repeat buyers. Access Home requires first-time buyers or exempt buyers, such as eligible veterans or buyers in a targeted area.
What credit score do I need for IHDA?
IHDA lists a minimum credit score of 640. Some higher debt-to-income loans require 680.
How much do I have to put in myself?
IHDA requires a contribution of $1,000 or 1% of the purchase price, whichever is greater.
Does IHDA require a homebuyer class?
Yes. IHDA requires homeownership counseling before closing, with online and in-person options.
Ready to Buy Your First Home?
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Call or text me at 224-858-0022, or contact me here, and we’ll make a plan. You can also search homes for sale.
Dana Gallagher, Broker (SRES®, CBR, CSR, ABR®, SRS®, Certified Luxury Home agent, BHHS Luxury Collection Specialist) | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate | ★★★★★ 5.0 on Google (40 reviews)
Program details come from IHDA and can change. Confirm current terms with an IHDA-approved lender. Last updated October 2026.