IHDAccess Home is an Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) program that gives first-time buyers up to $15,000 for down payment and closing costs. The help comes as a 0% interest second mortgage. You repay it when you sell or refinance, or after 30 years.
Last reviewed October 6, 2026 · Chicago First Time Home Buyer editorial team
At a glance
| Administered by | Illinois Housing Development Authority |
| Assistance | Up to $15,000 for down payment and closing costs |
| Form | 0% interest second mortgage |
| Repayment | Deferred up to 30 years; due earlier if you sell or refinance |
| Who qualifies | First-time home buyers |
| Income limit, Cook County | Up to $137,885, depending on household size |
| First mortgage | IHDA 30-year fixed-rate mortgage |
| Counseling | Pre-purchase homeownership counseling required |
| Where to apply | Through one of more than 160 IHDA-approved lenders; list at ihdamortgage.org |
| Launched | March 11, 2026 |
| Purchase price and credit | Limits apply; your IHDA-approved lender confirms them |
How IHDAccess Home works
You apply through an IHDA-approved lender, not through IHDA directly. The lender pairs an IHDA 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage with the IHDAccess Home second mortgage, which covers part of your down payment and closing costs.
The second mortgage carries no interest and no monthly payment. The full amount comes due if you sell or refinance, or at the end of 30 years.
How to apply
- Find an IHDA-approved lender at ihdamortgage.org.
- Apply for the IHDA first mortgage and ask the lender to include IHDAccess Home.
- Complete pre-purchase homeownership counseling before closing.
Common questions
Is IHDAccess Home a grant?
No. It is a 0% interest second mortgage with repayment deferred up to 30 years, due earlier if you sell or refinance.
Can Chicago buyers use IHDAccess Home?
Yes. The program is statewide. In Cook County, the income limit is up to $137,885 depending on household size.
Can I combine IHDAccess Home with the City’s HomeGrown grant?
No. NHS Chicago, a HomeGrown administrator, says bond-funded programs cannot be layered with HomeGrown, and it names IHDA subsidy programs. IHDAccess Home is funded partly with bond proceeds, so plan on using one or the other.
Sources
- Office of the Governor and IHDA, IHDAccess Home announcement, March 11, 2026
- Illinois Housing Development Authority, ihdamortgage.org
- TRP Lending, HomeGrown Lender Requirements and Program FAQ
- NHS Chicago, HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program (layering rules)
Cite this page: Chicago First Time Home Buyer, “IHDAccess Home,” reviewed October 6, 2026, chicagofirsttimehomebuyer.com/programs/ihdaccess-home/.