2026 Kentucky Welcome Home Grant – Up to $20,000 | Joel Lobb
Program Opens April 6, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. ET

2026 Kentucky
Welcome Home Grant

Non-repayable grant funds up to $20,000 for down payment and closing costs — administered through FHLB Cincinnati.

$20,000Max Grant
$10,000Min Grant
$500Buyer Contribution
5 YearsRetention Period
⚠ FUNDS ARE LIMITED & FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED — Historically reserved within hours of opening. Get pre-approved NOW before April 6th.
2026 Program Snapshot
Grant Range
$10,000 – $20,000
Opens
April 6, 2026 — 8:00 a.m. ET
Income Limit
80% MRB by county
First-Time Buyer?
Not required
Buyer Contribution
Min $500 own funds
Occupancy
Within 60 days of closing
Repayment
Non-repayable (5-yr rule)
Income Limits by County

Select your county below to see the maximum household income allowed. These are the 80% MRB limits required for eligibility, effective for the April 6, 2026 program opening.

1–2 Person Household — Max Income
—
3+ Person Household — Max Income
—

Limits based on 80% MRB figures effective June 23, 2025. Some census tracts may qualify for higher limits. Confirm final eligibility with your lender before reserving funds on April 6, 2026.

Official Source: FHLB Cincinnati 2026 Income Limits PDF — Always verify with a participating lender when reserving funds on April 6, 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Total household income must not exceed 80% of the MRB income limit for the property’s county (all adults living in the home are counted)
  • Buyer must contribute a minimum of $500 from their own verified funds — gift funds are not permitted for this contribution
  • A fully executed purchase contract is required before grant funds can be reserved
  • The property must be occupied as a primary residence within 60 days of closing
  • First-time homebuyers must complete an approved homebuyer education course before closing
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 your primary residence for five years. Selling or refinancing before that period may trigger partial repayment of the grant.
How to Apply
1

Get Pre-Approved — Obtain a mortgage pre-approval with a participating FHLB Cincinnati member lender in Kentucky.

2

Verify Income Eligibility — Confirm your total household income is at or below 80% of MRB limits for your county using the lookup tool above.

3

Execute a Purchase Contract — A fully signed purchase contract is required before your lender can reserve grant funds.

4

Reserve Funds on April 6, 2026 — Your lender submits the reservation starting at 8:00 a.m. ET. Funds are first-come, first-served — act immediately.

5

Close on Your Home — Complete the purchase within the required timeline and move in within 60 days of closing.

Participating Lenders in Kentucky

Select a lender below to see their contact information. All FHLB Cincinnati member institutions in Kentucky are eligible to participate — contact your preferred lender to confirm they are offering the 2026 program.

Complete Directory: Search all Kentucky FHLB Cincinnati member lenders at the official FHLB Cincinnati Member Directory. Contact any lender to confirm they are offering the 2026 program before April 6th.
Participating Lenders in Kentucky

Select a lender below to see their contact information. All FHLB Cincinnati member institutions in Kentucky are eligible to participate — contact your preferred lender to confirm they are offering the 2026 program.

Complete Directory: Search all Kentucky FHLB Cincinnati member lenders at the official FHLB Cincinnati Member Directory. Contact any lender to confirm they are offering the 2026 program before April 6th.
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 (first-time buyers)
  • Government-issued ID and Social Security documentation
Kentucky Homebuyer Program Comparison
Program Down Payment Income Limits Best For
Welcome Home Grant Up to $20,000 in grant funds Yes — 80% MRB by county Buyers needing down payment and closing cost help
FHA Loan 3.5% minimum No income limit First-time buyers, lower credit, limited savings
KHC Down Payment Assistance As low as $0 with assistance Yes — household income caps Buyers needing help with cash to close
USDA Rural Development Zero down Yes — USDA income limits Rural and suburban Kentucky buyers
VA Loan Zero down No income limit Veterans and active-duty service members
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer? ▼
No. Repeat buyers may qualify as long as household income and occupancy requirements are met. First-time buyers must complete an approved homebuyer education course before closing.
How quickly do funds run out? ▼
Historically, Welcome Home grant funds have been fully reserved within hours of the program opening. It is critical to have your pre-approval letter and signed purchase contract ready before April 6, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. ET.
Do I have to repay the grant? ▼
No — funds do not have to be repaid as long as you comply with the five-year owner-occupancy requirement. If you sell or refinance before five years, partial repayment may be triggered.
Can I use a gift for my $500 buyer contribution? ▼
No. The minimum $500 must come from the buyer’s own verified funds. Gift funds are not permitted to satisfy this requirement.
Can the grant be combined with other programs? ▼
This depends on the specific programs and your lender’s guidelines. Contact a participating lender to confirm what combinations are permitted for your situation.

Questions about the Kentucky Welcome Home Grant

Funds open April 6, 2026 Contact Joel Lobb today with your questions.

Call/Text: 502-905-3708 kentuckyloan@gmail.com

Joel Lobb · NMLS #57916 · Company NMLS #1738461 · Equal Housing Lender

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

Please watch video below about the Welcome Home Grant info for 2026👇🙂


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