2026 Kentucky Welcome Home Grant: What to Know

2026 Update: The Kentucky Welcome Home Grant program is expected to return in 2026. Official grant amounts, income limits, and program rules have not yet been released. Historically, funding details are announced early in the year, with funds becoming available in March on a first-come, first-served basis.

Kentucky Welcome Home Grant Program Guidelines

The Kentucky Welcome Home Grant program for 2025 officially closed on March 13 due to overwhelming statewide demand. This program consistently funds out quickly, and once allocated, no additional funds are released for that calendar year.

While the 2025 Welcome Home Grant is no longer available, this does not mean Kentucky homebuyers are out of options. In fact, several strong mortgage and assistance programs remain available—especially for first-time buyers and households under applicable income limits.

Current Homebuyer Assistance Options in Kentucky

FHA Mortgage Loans
FHA loans remain one of the most flexible financing options in Kentucky. Buyers can qualify with as little as 3.5% down, more forgiving credit standards, and competitive interest rates. This program is often ideal for buyers rebuilding credit or with limited savings.

Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) Down Payment Assistance
Eligible buyers may qualify for up to $12,500 in down payment assistance through KHC programs. These funds are typically structured as a low-interest second mortgage and can be combined with FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional loans, depending on eligibility.

USDA Rural Development Loans
USDA loans offer 100% financing with no down payment for eligible rural and suburban areas. Many locations across Kentucky qualify. Income limits apply, but credit requirements are often more flexible than conventional financing.

VA Home Loans
VA loans are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses. These loans require no down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, and offer some of the most favorable terms available in today’s market.

About the Welcome Home Grant Program

The Welcome Home Grant is administered through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (FHLB Cincinnati) and participating lenders. The program provides grant funds to income-eligible Kentucky homebuyers to assist with down payment and closing costs.

Grant Amounts:
Details for each year’s program—including grant amounts and income limits—are announced early in the year. Historically, funds are released in March and are subject to change annually.

Availability:
Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and typically reserve quickly once released.

Eligibility:
All programs are subject to income limits, underwriting guidelines, credit approval, and lender participation.

Planning Ahead for the Next Release

Because Welcome Home Grant funds move fast, preparation is critical. Buyers who are pre-approved, document-ready, and working with a participating lender are in the strongest position when funding opens.

If you are planning to buy in Kentucky and want to be positioned correctly for future grant releases—or explore zero-down and low-down options available now—it’s important to review your eligibility early and build a clear strategy.

Updated program details will be posted as soon as new funding announcements are released.

Kentucky Homebuyer Assistance Program Comparison

Program	Down Payment Required	Credit Flexibility	Income Limits	Best For
FHA Loan	3.5 percent minimum	Flexible; ideal for credit rebuilds	No income limit	First-time buyers, lower credit, limited savings
KHC Down Payment Assistance	As low as zero with assistance	Moderate; depends on paired loan	Yes, household income caps apply	Buyers needing help with cash to close
USDA Rural Development	Zero down	Flexible with stable income	Yes, USDA income limits	Rural and suburban Kentucky buyers
VA Loan	Zero down	Very flexible	No income limit	Veterans and active-duty service members

Explore Kentucky Home Loan Programs

Get Notified When Welcome Home Grant Funds Open

Welcome Home Grant funds move fast. Buyers who are prepared and alerted early are in the strongest position to secure funding.

If you would like to receive an email or text alert when 2026 Welcome Home Grant details are released, submit a request for a pre-approval or funding alert.

Click here to request a Welcome Home Grant alert and pre-approval

🚨 2026 Welcome Home Grant: Coming March 2026

Good news! The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (FHLBC) will be opening the Welcome Home Grant program again in March 2026. Details on grant amounts and income limits are still being finalized, but funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis—so early action will be key.

Stay tuned to this page for updates as soon as 2026 program details are announced. In the meantime, explore other down payment assistance options available now.

Kentucky Welcome Home Grant: What You Need to Know

📅 2025 Program Status

As of March 13, 2025, the Welcome Home Program Grant officially closed for the year. The limited funding was quickly reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

What to Expect: 2026 Welcome Home Grant Details

Based on the 2025 program, the 2026 Welcome Home Grant will likely offer similar benefits, but we’re waiting for official confirmation on:

❓ Not Yet Confirmed for 2026

Grant amount (was $20,000 in 2025)
Income limits by county
Exact opening date in March
Any program changes or updates

✓ Expected to Remain the Same

Primary residence requirement
First-come, first-served distribution
Low-to-moderate income focus
Non-repayable grant (not a loan)
Available statewide in Kentucky

How to Stay Updated

We’ll update this page as soon as 2026 program details are announced by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati. To ensure you don’t miss the opening:

Contact us now to get on the pre-approval list—we’ll notify you the moment the grant opens
Follow our blog for real-time updates on grant availability
Check back in early March 2026 for official program details

Don’t Wait: Alternative Down Payment Assistance Available Now

While the Welcome Home Grant won’t be available again until March 2026, there are several down payment assistance programs you can access right now:

KHC Down Payment Assistance

Up to $10,000 in down payment help for first-time and repeat buyers. Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans.

VA Loans (For Veterans)

No down payment required. No monthly mortgage insurance. Competitive rates for veterans and active-duty service members.

USDA Loans (Rural Eligible Areas)

100% financing available in eligible rural areas. Many parts of Kentucky qualify, including suburban and rural counties.

FHA Loans with KHC Layering

As little as 3.5% down + up to $10,000 KHC assistance = minimal out-of-pocket costs for first-time buyers.

Conventional 3% Down + Grants

First-time buyer options with reduced PMI and potential grant layering for even lower upfront costs.

FHA Smart Down Payment Assistance

5% grant program paired with FHA financing for accessible homeownership.

The Smart Move: Get Pre-Approved Now

Don’t let 2026 grants pass you by again. Get pre-approved and be ready to move fast when the program opens.

Our free mortgage pre-approval with same-day approval gets you positioned to act immediately when grant funding becomes available. Plus, you’ll explore all available down payment assistance options right now.

Email Joel Now Call/Text (502) 905-3708

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I have helped over 1300 Kentucky families buy or refinance their home over the last 20 years. Realizing that this is one of the biggest, most important financial transactions a family makes during their lifetime, I always feel honored and respected when I am chosen to originate their personal home loan. You can count on me to deliver on what I say, and I will always give you honest, up-front personal attention you deserve during the loan process.

I have several advantages over the large banks in town. First, I can search and negotiate for your loan options through several different mortgage companies across the country to get you the best deal locally. Where most banks will offer offer you their one set of loan products. I have access to over 10 different mortgage companies to broker your loan through to get you the best pricing and loan products that may not fit into the bank’s program due to credit, income, or other underwriting issues.

You will not get lost in the shuffle like most borrowers do at the mega banks; you’re just not a number at our company, you are a person and we will treat you like one throughout the entire process.

Give us a try or let us compare your options on your next mortgage transaction. Call/text at 502-905-3708. Free Mortgage Pre-Qualifications same day on most applications.

Email me at kentuckyloan@gmail.com with your questions

I specialize in Kentucky FHA, VA ,USDA, KHC, Conventional and Jumbo mortgage loans. I am based out of Louisville Kentucky. For the first time buyer with little money down, we offer Kentucky Housing or KHC loans with down payment assistance.

This website is not an government agency, and does
not officially represent the HUD, VA, USDA or FHA or any other government agency.

NMLS# 57916 http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

Joel Lobb Senior Loan Officer/p>

call/text phone: (502) 905-3708 kentuckyloan@gmail.com Company ID #1738461
EQUAL HOUSING LENDER
http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

Thank you for visiting. I hope you find this website both informative and empowering as you explore your mortgage options. My goal is to help you feel confident in selecting the right home loan for your unique situation.

I proudly serve all 120 counties in Kentucky, offering a full range of mortgage loan programs, including:

FHA Loans
VA Loans
USDA Rural Housing Loans
Fannie Mae Conventional Loans
KHC Down Payment Assistance Programs

With over 20 years of lending experience, I’ve had the privilege of helping more than 1,300 Kentucky families achieve their homeownership goals. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or seeking a second opinion, I’m here to offer honest, no-pressure advice—always free of charge.

I am dedicated to:

Attending as many closings as possible
Providing responsive, personalized service
Ensuring quick, efficient, and accurate loan processing
Making myself accessible every step of the way

I’ve been consistently recognized as a top mortgage loan officer in Kentucky for VA, FHA, USDA, and KHC programs. I take pride in being thorough, transparent, and attentive with each and every client.

Please take a moment to read my reviews below. If you have questions or need guidance, feel free to call or text me directly.

Customer Testimonials

We just moved here the first of January in 2017 from Ohio to the Louisville, KY area and we found Joel’s website online. He was quick to respond to us and got back the same day on our loan approval. He was very knowledgeable about the local market and kept us up-to date throughout the loan process and was a pleasure to meet at closing. Would recommend his services.

Angela Forsythe

“We were searching online for mortgage companies in Louisville, Ky locally to deal with and found Joel’s website, and it was a godsend. He was great to work with, and delivered on everything he said he would do. I ended up referring my co-worker at UPS, and she was very pleased with his service and rates too. Would definitely vouch for him.” September 2016

Monica Leinhardt

“We contacted Joel back in July 2011 to refinance our Mortgage and he was great to work with. We contacted several lenders locally and online, and most where taking almost 60 days to close a refinance, Joel got it done in 23 days start to finish,I would definetly recommmend him. He got us 3.75% with just $900 in closing costs on our FHA Streamline loan.

Kayle Griffin

“Joel is one of the best Mortgage Brokers I have ever worked with in my sixteen years in the real estate and mortgage business.” May 25, 2010

Tim Beck

“Joel has always worked very hard to keep his word and to work out seasonable solutions to difficult problems. He is truly an expert in FHA and other type loans.” September 1, 2010

Nancy Nalley

“I have worked with Joel since 1998. He is a great loan professional.” I refer most of my Louisville, Kentucky area home buyers to him and he always take special care of them. August 23, 2012

Jon ClarK
“Joel Lobb is a real professional in the lending industry, with many years of experience, he is the one to go to for any mortgage lending needs.” August 22, 2011

RICHARD VOLZ , Residential Sales , Remax Foursquare Realty

“When looking to purchase our new home in 2006, I had the pleasure of meeting Joel Lobb. Not only was he personable and easy to reach, he was extremely knowledgable in his field and made sure to find us the best rate and a top notch mortgage company. We were able to complete the process in less than 3 weeks with his expertise. I find Joel to have the utmost high integrity and I recommend him to anyone who say’s they are need of mortgage assistance. He is also fantastic and keeping everyone up to date on the latest in the housing industry through his twitter posts. He provided great results for our family and we still communicate to this day!” August 21, 2010

Stacie Drake

“We first use Joel on our new home purchase in 2007 in St Matthews, Kentucky area and he was great to work with. We have since refinanced our home with him in 2010 when rates got really low and he has always delivered on what he says. I could not imagine using anyone else.”

Melody Glasscock March 2014

Absolutely Amazing!! I emailed Joel after I had just got a denial from a bank and just thought i would try to get some advice on what my next steps would be to get a house. I honestly didn’t expect to even get a reply because my credit is not great. That was about a week and a half ago. I just signed a contract on a house last night. ONLY because of Joel Lobb. He even worked with us throughout the weekend, which shocked me. Best decision I have ever made. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WORKING WITH US THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS.

Cee Bellisle August 2017

Contacted him about buying a home and he was great to work with. I was moving to Louisville Ky to take a new job and he walked me through the entire process. He explained to me all the different options for FHA, VA, USDA mortgage loans and credit score requirements versus Fannie Mae. Since I was a first time home buyer I needed alot of help and guidance. I would definitely recommend him. Fast to respond and available to answer questions that I or my realtor had after hours.

Anderson Johnson June 2018

We moved from Michigan to Northern Kentucky area and we were really impressed. We got a USDA loan no money down and closed in less than 3.5 weeks. We shopped around online with other lenders but Joel was always first to respond and his rates were just a little better than other lenders. He kept us informed through the process along with our realtor and there was absolutely no surprises like we heard from other co-workers and friends that they experienced in their loan process. We have already referred another co-worker to Joel . He’s AWESOME!

July 2018

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The content provided on this website is presented or compiled by Joel Lobb and is provided for informational purposes only. It does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of his employer.

Joel Lobb or his employer assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights.

The mortgage or financial services or strategies mentioned in this website may not be not suitable for you.

Joel Lobb is a Licensed Mortgage Originator: NMLS #57916.
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This web site is not the FHA, VA, USDA, HUD or any other government organization responsible for managing, insuring, regulating or issuing residential mortgage loans.

**Download Fair Housing Booklet – CLICK HERE

All approvals and rates are not guaranteed, and are only issued based on standard mortgage qualifying guidelines.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation, or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for a loan, please contact us at 502-905-3708.

Disclaimer: No statement on this site is a commitment to make a loan. Loans are subject to borrower qualifications, including income, property evaluation, sufficient equity in the home to meet Loan-to-Value requirements, and final credit approval. Approvals are subject to underwriting guidelines, interest rates, and program guidelines and are subject to change without notice based on applicant’s eligibility and market conditions. Refinancing an existing loan may result in total finance charges being higher over the life of a loan. Reduction in payments may reflect a longer loan term. Terms of any loan may be subject to payment of points and fees by the applicant Equal Opportunity Lender. NMLS#57916http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

— Some products and services may not be available in all states. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. The content in this marketing advertisement has not been approved, reviewed, sponsored or endorsed by any department or government agency. Rates are subject to change and are subject to borrower(s) qualification.

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This does not constitute an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. Some products may not be available in all states. Restrictions apply and terms are subject to change without notice. All loans subject to credit approval. Guidelines subject to change without prior notice. This information is provided to assist business professionals only and is not an advertisement extended to the consumer as defined by Section 226.2 Regulation Z. Equal Housing Lender.

Senior Loan Officer

Individual NMLS 57916
Company NMLS 1738461

Text/call 502-905-3708

kentuckyloan@gmail.com

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation, or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for a loan, please contact us at 502-905-3708.

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Legal Information

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation, or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for a loan, please contact us at 502-905-3708. Disclaimer: No statement on this site is a commitment to make a loan. Loans are subject to borrower qualifications, including income, property evaluation, sufficient equity in the home to meet Loan-to-Value requirements, and final credit approval. Approvals are subject to underwriting guidelines, interest rates, and program guidelines and are subject to change without notice based on applicant’s eligibility and market conditions. Refinancing an existing loan may result in total finance charges being higher over the life of a loan. Reduction in payments may reflect a longer loan term. Terms of any loan may be subject to payment of points and fees by the applicant Equal Opportunity Lender. NMLS#57916http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

This content is not intended to provide legal, tax, accounting, financial or investment advice or indicate the suitability of any product or service for your unique circumstances. You are encouraged to consult with a qualified legal, tax, accounting, financial or investment professional based on your specific circumstances. We do not make any warranties as to accuracy or completeness of this information, do not endorse any third-party companies, products, or services described here, and take no liability for your use of this information.

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The Commonwealth of Kentucky provides, upon request, reasonable accommodations including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in all services, programs and activities. To request materials in an alternative format, each agency web site provides information for contacting the person or persons responsible for providing the service within the agency. Persons with hearing and speech impairments can contact each agency by using the Kentucky Relay Service, a toll-free telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD). For voice to TDD, call 800-648-6057. For TDD to voice, call 800-648-6056

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2026 Kentucky Welcome Home Grant: What to Know

Kentucky Welcome Home Grant Program Guidelines