🚨 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:
Up to $10,000 in down payment help for first-time and repeat buyers. Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans.
No down payment required. No monthly mortgage insurance. Competitive rates for veterans and active-duty service members.
100% financing available in eligible rural areas. Many parts of Kentucky qualify, including suburban and rural counties.
As little as 3.5% down + up to $10,000 KHC assistance = minimal out-of-pocket costs for first-time buyers.
First-time buyer options with reduced PMI and potential grant layering for even lower upfront costs.
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.
Example 80% AMI Income Limits for Jefferson County, Kentucky (Louisville Metro)
Many Kentucky homebuyer assistance programs, including the Welcome Home Grant, use 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) to determine household eligibility. Because the 2026 income limits have not yet been released, the figures below are provided as an example based on the most recent published guidelines.
These income limits are for Jefferson County, Kentucky (Louisville Metro) and are shown for educational purposes only. Actual 2026 limits may change and will be updated once official numbers are released.
Jefferson County KY – Example 80% AMI Income Limits
| Household Size | Example 80% AMI Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | Approximately $54,000 |
| 2 Person Household | Approximately $61,700 |
| 3 Person Household | Approximately $69,400 |
Income limits are based on the total gross income of all occupants who will live in the home, not just the borrowers on the loan application.
Important Notes About Income Limits
- These figures reflect recent 80 percent AMI examples for Jefferson County and are not official 2026 limits.
- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati typically releases updated Welcome Home Grant income limits in March each year.
- Actual eligibility will depend on the final 2026 income chart published for Jefferson County.
If you are close to these income levels, planning ahead is critical. Once the 2026 Welcome Home Grant opens, funds are reserved quickly and eligibility is strictly verified.
Welcome Home Grant eligibility is determined by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati using official county-level 80 percent AMI income limits in effect at the time funds are released. Household income calculations and eligibility determinations are subject to final program guidelines.
Looking for Income Limits in Another Kentucky County?
Income limits for the Welcome Home Grant and other down payment assistance programs vary by county. This page currently provides an example for Jefferson County, Kentucky. Additional county-specific examples will be added over time.
- Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) – example shown above
- Fayette County (Lexington) – coming soon
- Warren County (Bowling Green) – coming soon
- Kenton County – coming soon
- Hardin County – coming soon
If you are buying in a different county, reach out directly and I can review the current income limits that apply to your specific location.
For additional down payment assistance programs that use income limits, including Kentucky Housing Corporation options, visit:
Kentucky Housing Corporation Income Limits and Down Payment Assistance Programs
Questions? We're Here to Help
Have questions about the 2026 Welcome Home Grant or want to explore down payment assistance options available now? Reach out—I'm here to guide you through every step of the homebuying process.
Joel Lobb
Mortgage Broker – FHA, VA, KHC, USDA
📞 Call/Text: 502-905-3708
📧 Email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com
🌐 Website: MyLouisvilleKentuckyMortgage.com
This page will be updated as soon as official 2026 Welcome Home Grant details are announced by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati. Bookmark this page for future reference.
