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Illinois down payment assistance programs

Quick answer

Illinois buyers can get down payment help from Cook County Bureau of Economic Development (with Club 720 Solutions LLC). We verified 3 statewide programs, including Cook County Down Payment Assistance Program (5 percent of the home's final first loan amount, up to $25,000). Most programs require using the agency's first mortgage, meeting income limits and completing homebuyer education. Details below come from the official agency site.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsPrograms last verified

What down payment assistance does Illinois offer?

ProgramAmountTypeMin. creditFirst-time only?
Cook County Down Payment Assistance Program5 percent of the home's final first loan amount, up to $25,000Deferred-payment loanNot statedNo
HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program$70,000 (Zone A, 80% AMI and below); up to $50,000 in Zone B; grant may not exceed 25% of purchase priceGrant (no repayment)Not statedSee program
IHDA Access Home6% of the purchase price up to $15,000Deferred-payment loan640Yes

How do I apply for Illinois down payment assistance?

  1. Find a participating lender approved by Cook County Bureau of Economic Development (with Club 720 Solutions LLC).
  2. Get pre-approved for the agency's first mortgage and confirm you meet income and price limits.
  3. Complete the required homebuyer education course.
  4. Your lender reserves the assistance when you go under contract.

Cities in Illinois

ChicagoAuroraJolietNapervilleRockfordElginSpringfieldPeoriaWaukeganChampaign

Other states with verified programs

AlabamaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict Of ColumbiaFloridaIdahoIowa

Frequently asked questions

Cook County Down Payment Assistance Program: 5 percent of the home's final first loan amount, up to $25,000; HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program: $70,000 (Zone A, 80% AMI and below); up to $50,000 in Zone B; grant may not exceed 25% of purchase price; IHDA Access Home: 6% of the purchase price up to $15,000.

Not always — Cook County Down Payment Assistance Program is open to repeat buyers too.

Published minimums range from 640 to 640 among the programs we verified.

Sources

Data last updated October 25, 2026.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.