Suffolk County HOME Down Payment Assistance Program
How much assistance
Up to $30,000 (Deferred Loan)
Zero-interest deferred loan forgiven after 10 years of owner-occupancy. If the home is sold, transferred, or ceases to be the primary residence before 10 years, the loan must be repaid.
Eligibility
- Income limits: At or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) as determined by HUD, adjusted for family size. Minimum documented income of $40,000.
- Purchase price limit: $551,000
- First-time buyer required: Yes — Must not have owned a home during the three years immediately prior to purchase.
- Geographic restrictions: Available in the Suffolk County HOME Consortium area, which includes the five eastern towns (East Hampton, Riverhead, Shelter Island, Southampton, Southold), plus Smithtown and Huntington.
- Homebuyer education required: Yes
How to Apply for Suffolk County HOME Down Payment Assistance Program
Step 1: Complete homebuyer counseling at a HUD-certified not-for-profit housing agency.
Step 2: Download the application and guidelines from SCDownpayment.com.
Step 3: Ensure you have at least $3,000 in savings, checking, or investment accounts at the time of application.
Step 4: Mail your completed application to the Suffolk County Office of Community Development, 100 Veterans Memorial Highway, 2nd Floor, Hauppauge, NY 11788.
Step 5: Applications are reviewed in the order received. For questions, call 631-853-5705.
Notes
Program originally launched in 1993. Huntington is an eligible town within the Suffolk County HOME Consortium. Funding is limited and applications are accepted on a periodic basis.