Kentucky Welcome Home Grant 2026: Up to $20,000 for Down Payment and Closing Costs

The Kentucky Welcome Home Grant, administered through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (FHLB Cincinnati), provides non-repayable grant funds to help eligible Kentucky homebuyers cover down payment and closing costs. Funding is limited, released once per year, and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. In practice, funds are often fully reserved shortly after the program opens.

2026 Program Snapshot

• Grant amount: $10,000 minimum up to $20,000 maximum
• Program opens: April 6, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time
• Income limit: Household income must be at or below 80% of MRB limits by county and household size
• First-time buyer requirement: Not required (homebuyer education required for first-time buyers)
• Credit score: Typically 620 or higher, depending on the mortgage program
• Buyer contribution: Minimum $500 from the buyer’s own verified funds (no gifts)
• Occupancy requirement: Five-year primary residence retention period
• Eligible properties: Owner-occupied primary residences, including 1–4 unit properties

Last updated: February 3, 2026

What Is the Kentucky Welcome Home Grant?

The Welcome Home Grant is a housing assistance initiative offered by FHLB Cincinnati through approved member lenders. The program is designed to reduce upfront costs for low- to moderate-income households purchasing a primary residence in Kentucky. Funds may be applied toward down payment, closing costs, or prepaid expenses.

How Much Assistance Is Available?

Eligible buyers may receive up to $20,000 in grant funds. Most transactions require a minimum grant request of $10,000. Funds do not have to be repaid as long as the borrower complies with the program’s five-year occupancy requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Total household income must not exceed 80% of the MRB income limit for the property’s county
2. Buyer must contribute at least $500 of their own funds
3. A fully executed purchase contract is required before funds can be reserved
4. The property must be occupied as a primary residence within 60 days of closing
5. First-time buyers must complete an approved homebuyer education course

2026 Income Limits by County (80% MRB)

Select your county to view estimated household income limits. Limits shown are based on MRB figures effective June 23, 2025 and are subject to confirmation at program opening.

Kentucky Welcome Home Grant 2026 – Income Limits by County (80% MRB)

Select your county to view the household income limits for the Welcome Home Program. These are the **80% MRB limits** (required for eligibility). Household income includes all adults living in the home and must be at or below these amounts for your family size.

Limits are from FHLB Cincinnati’s 2026 Income Limits (effective for the program opening April 6, 2026). Some counties have targeted census tracts with higher limits—check the official PDF for details.

— Select a Kentucky County — Adair – 1-2 Persons: $68,064 | 3+ Persons: $79,408 Allen – 1-2: $75,264 | 3+: $87,808 Anderson – 1-2: $78,379 | 3+: $90,136 Ballard – 1-2: $77,280 | 3+: $90,160 Barren – 1-2: $68,064 | 3+: $79,408 Bath – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Bell – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Boone – 1-2: $89,440 | 3+: $102,856 Bourbon – 1-2: $81,920 | 3+: $94,208 Boyd – 1-2: $74,688 | 3+: $87,136 Boyle – 1-2: $77,568 | 3+: $90,496 Bracken – 1-2: $89,440 | 3+: $102,856 Breathitt – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Breckinridge – 1-2: $73,440 | 3+: $85,680 Bullitt – 1-2: $77,771 | 3+: $89,437 Butler – 1-2: $69,600 | 3+: $81,200 Caldwell – 1-2: $70,080 | 3+: $81,760 Calloway – 1-2: $79,200 | 3+: $92,031 Campbell – 1-2: $89,440 | 3+: $102,856 Carlisle – 1-2: $73,632 | 3+: $85,904 Carroll – 1-2: $68,736 | 3+: $80,192 Carter – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Casey – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Christian – 1-2: $79,195 | 3+: $91,074 Clark – 1-2: $81,920 | 3+: $94,208 Clay – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Clinton – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Crittenden – 1-2: $79,008 | 3+: $92,068 Cumberland – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Daviess – 1-2: $79,435 | 3+: $91,350 Edmonson – 1-2: $79,584 | 3+: $91,958 Elliott – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Estill – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Fayette – 1-2: $81,920 | 3+: $94,208 Fleming – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Floyd – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Franklin – 1-2: $78,507 | 3+: $90,283 Fulton – 1-2: $68,064 | 3+: $79,408 Gallatin – 1-2: $89,440 | 3+: $102,856 Garrard – 1-2: $73,152 | 3+: $85,344 Grant – 1-2: $76,416 | 3+: $89,152 Graves – 1-2: $68,064 | 3+: $79,408 Grayson – 1-2: $68,064 | 3+: $79,408 Green – 1-2: $68,064 | 3+: $79,408 Greenup – 1-2: $74,688 | 3+: $87,136 Hancock – 1-2: $79,611 | 3+: $91,553 Hardin – 1-2: $76,992 | 3+: $89,824 Harlan – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Harrison – 1-2: $79,675 | 3+: $91,626 Hart – 1-2: $68,064 | 3+: $79,408 Henderson – 1-2: $77,664 | 3+: $90,608 Henry – 1-2: $77,771 | 3+: $89,437 Hickman – 1-2: $76,416 | 3+: $89,152 Hopkins – 1-2: $72,096 | 3+: $84,112 Jackson – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Jefferson – 1-2: $77,771 | 3+: $89,437 Jessamine – 1-2: $81,920 | 3+: $94,208 Johnson – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Kenton – 1-2: $89,440 | 3+: $102,856 Knott – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Knox – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Larue – 1-2: $76,992 | 3+: $89,824 Laurel – 1-2: $69,312 | 3+: $80,864 Lawrence – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Lee – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Leslie – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Letcher – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Lewis – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Lincoln – 1-2: $68,064 | 3+: $79,408 Livingston – 1-2: $70,848 | 3+: $82,656 Logan – 1-2: $77,568 | 3+: $90,496 Lyon – 1-2: $78,939 | 3+: $90,780 Madison – 1-2: $79,083 | 3+: $90,946 Magoffin – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Marion – 1-2: $70,944 | 3+: $82,768 Marshall – 1-2: $79,755 | 3+: $91,718 Martin – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Mason – 1-2: $68,736 | 3+: $80,192 McCracken – 1-2: $78,795 | 3+: $90,614 McCreary – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 McLean – 1-2: $79,435 | 3+: $91,350 Meade – 1-2: $79,339 | 3+: $91,240 Menifee – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Mercer – 1-2: $78,683 | 3+: $90,486 Metcalfe – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Monroe – 1-2: $68,064 | 3+: $79,408 Montgomery – 1-2: $75,072 | 3+: $87,584 Morgan – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Muhlenberg – 1-2: $72,768 | 3+: $84,896 Nelson – 1-2: $79,227 | 3+: $91,111 Nicholas – 1-2: $70,656 | 3+: $82,432 Ohio – 1-2: $68,064 | 3+: $79,408 Oldham – 1-2: $77,771 | 3+: $89,437 Owen – 1-2: $75,456 | 3+: $88,032 Owsley – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Pendleton – 1-2: $89,440 | 3+: $102,856 Perry – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Pike – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Powell – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Pulaski – 1-2: $68,736 | 3+: $80,192 Robertson – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Rockcastle – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Rowan – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Russell – 1-2: $69,408 | 3+: $80,976 Scott – 1-2: $81,920 | 3+: $94,208 Shelby – 1-2: $84,640 | 3+: $97,336 Simpson – 1-2: $74,496 | 3+: $86,912 Spencer – 1-2: $77,771 | 3+: $89,437 Taylor – 1-2: $74,016 | 3+: $86,352 Todd – 1-2: $73,824 | 3+: $86,128 Trigg – 1-2: $79,195 | 3+: $91,074 Trimble – 1-2: $79,296 | 3+: $92,013 Union – 1-2: $73,440 | 3+: $85,680 Warren – 1-2: $79,584 | 3+: $91,958 Washington – 1-2: $78,987 | 3+: $90,835 Wayne – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Webster – 1-2: $68,928 | 3+: $80,416 Whitley – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Wolfe – 1-2: $80,832 | 3+: $94,304 Woodford – 1-2: $81,920 | 3+: $94,208

Important Notes:

• These are the **80% limits** required for the Welcome Home Grant (not 100% limits, which are for other programs like Disaster Reconstruction).
• Some counties have **targeted census tracts** with higher limits—verify your specific property address via the official FHLB Cincinnati PDF or your lender.
• Source: FHLB Cincinnati 2026 Income Limits (for KY, OH, TN). Always confirm with a participating lender when reserving funds on April 6, 2026.
• Official link: FHLB Cincinnati 2026 Income Limits PDF

Important: Certain census tracts may qualify for higher income limits. Final eligibility is determined by the lender using FHLB Cincinnati guidelines based on 80% of Kentucky Housing Corporation MRB limits.

Eligible Property Types

• Single-family residences
• Townhomes
• Condominiums
• Owner-occupied 2–4 unit properties
• Permanently affixed manufactured homes

Five-Year Retention Requirement

The property must remain owner-occupied as the borrower’s primary residence for five years. Selling or refinancing the home before the end of the retention period may trigger partial repayment of the grant.

How the Application Process Works

1. Obtain a mortgage pre-approval with a participating FHLB Cincinnati member lender
2. Confirm household income eligibility
3. Execute a purchase contract
4. Your lender submits the grant reservation when the program opens on April 6, 2026
5. Close on the home within required timelines

Participating Lenders in Kentucky

Participating Lenders for Kentucky Welcome Home Grant 2026 – Banks, Credit Unions & Mortgage Providers

The Welcome Home Grant (up to $20,000 for down payment/closing costs) is available through any FHLB Cincinnati member institution in Kentucky that chooses to participate — including banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies/lenders. There is no separate “approved list”; all members are eligible, but availability varies by institution (some promote it heavily, others offer it upon request).

Funds open April 6, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. ET — first-come, first-served. Get pre-approved early!

For the **complete searchable directory** of all Kentucky FHLB Cincinnati members (filter by name, city, or type), visit the official source: → FHLB Cincinnati Member Directory (search for Kentucky institutions).

Below is a large, regional dropdown of many Kentucky banks, credit unions, and mortgage providers known to offer or participate in the Welcome Home Program (based on promotions, member info, and program references):

──── Select by Region – KY Banks, CUs & Lenders ───── L&N Federal Credit Union (Louisville + branches) Park Community Credit Union (Louisville + many locations) Transcend Credit Union (Louisville) Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company (Louisville) Republic Bank & Trust Company (Louisville) The First Capital Bank of Kentucky (Louisville) Class Act Federal Credit Union (Louisville) University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union (Lexington) Greater Kentucky Credit Union (Lexington area) Members Heritage Credit Union (Lexington) Commonwealth Credit Union (Frankfort + statewide) Central Bank & Trust Co. (Lexington) Whitaker Bank (Lexington) Forcht Bank (Lexington area) Independence Bank (Owensboro) Heritage Bank (Owensboro) South Central Bank (Glasgow + statewide Western/Central) Abound Credit Union (Radcliff/Fort Knox + Western KY) Paducah Bank and Trust Company (Paducah) Planters Bank (Hopkinsville) FNB Bank (Mayfield) American Bank & Trust Company (Bowling Green) Community Trust Bank (Pikeville + Eastern branches) Ashland Credit Union (Ashland) Cumberland Valley National Bank & Trust (London) Citizens National Bank (Somerset) Peoples Bank of Kentucky (Flemingsburg/Eastern) The First National Bank of Grayson (Grayson) Cumberland Security Bank (Somerset area) CINFED Credit Union (Northern KY / Cincinnati area) Cove Federal Credit Union (Edgewood/Northern KY) Liberty Federal Credit Union (Northern KY branches) The Cecilian Bank (Elizabethtown, statewide reach) Citizens Union Bank (Shelbyville, Central KY) First & Peoples Bank and Trust Company (Russell, multi-region) Citizens Bank of Kentucky (Paintsville/Southern) Kentucky Bank (Paris + multiple statewide) Education First Credit Union (multi-region) Sharefax Credit Union (multi-region) Midwest Community FCU (multi-region KY/OH border) United Southern Bank (Hopkinsville/Southern)

Quick Regional Tips:

• Louisville? L&N FCU, Park Community CU, or Republic Bank are frequently active in Welcome Home grants.
• Lexington/Central? UKFCU, Commonwealth CU, or Central Bank often participate.
• Western KY? Paducah Bank, Independence Bank, or Abound CU promote the program.
• Eastern/Southern KY? Citizens National Bank, Community Trust, or CVNB are strong options.

Next Step: Contact a lender from the list (or search the official directory) to confirm they are offering the 2026 program and get pre-approved now — before funds run out on opening day!

Need help finding the right lender or starting your pre-approval? Call/Text: 502-905-3708 Email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com Joel Lobb – Louisville KY Mortgage Expert

For a complete list of approved lenders, refer to the FHLB Cincinnati member directory.

Application Checklist

• Recent pay stubs and household income documentation
• Fully executed purchase contract
• Mortgage pre-approval letter
• Proof of $500 minimum borrower contribution
• Homebuyer education certificate, if applicable
• Government-issued identification and Social Security documentation

Other Kentucky Homebuyer Programs

• Kentucky FHA Loans
• Kentucky VA Loans
• Kentucky USDA Loans
• Kentucky Housing Corporation Down Payment Assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer?

No. Repeat buyers may qualify as long as income and occupancy requirements are met.

How quickly do funds run out?

Historically, funds are often reserved very quickly once the program opens. Preparation in advance is critical.

Contact Information

Call or text: 502-905-3708
Email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com
Website: www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com
NMLS #57916 | Company NMLS #1738461

Disclaimer: Information provided for educational purposes only. Program guidelines are subject to change. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Equal Housing Lender.