Kentucky Welcome Home Grant of $20,000 for Kentucky Home Buyers in 2026

2026 Kentucky Welcome Home Grant: Up to $20,000 for No Money Down Home Buying

2026 Kentucky Welcome Home Grant: Up to $20,000 for No Money Down Home Buying

What is the Kentucky Welcome Home Grant?

The Kentucky Welcome Home Grant is a powerful down payment assistance program administered by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati. For 2026, it's expected to provide up to $20,000 to eligible home buyers, making it easier to purchase a house with little to no money down. This grant is ideal for low-to-moderate income families in Kentucky looking to buy their first home or upgrade without the burden of large upfront costs.

Key benefits include:

  • Up to $20,000 in grant funds (based on 2025 amounts; 2026 to be confirmed)
  • No repayment required—it's free money for your home purchase
  • Can be combined with other programs like FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans for true no money down buying
  • Available statewide, with income limits varying by county
  • First-come, first-served—funds typically run out quickly

If you're a Kentucky home buyer searching for "Welcome Home Grant 2026 $20k no money down," this program could be your ticket to homeownership. With rising home prices in areas like Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green, this assistance is more valuable than ever.

2026 Welcome Home Grant Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the 2026 Kentucky Welcome Home Grant, you'll need to meet these criteria (based on previous years; official 2026 details coming soon):

  • Be a first-time or repeat home buyer (no ownership in the last 3 years for first-time status)
  • Household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for your county
  • Purchase a primary residence in Kentucky
  • Work with an approved lender (see dropdown below)
  • Complete homebuyer education if required
  • Minimum $500 borrower contribution (can come from gifts)

Income is calculated for all adults living in the home, not just the loan applicants. Check your county's limits below to see if you qualify.

2026 Income Limits for Kentucky Welcome Home Grant

The Welcome Home Grant uses 80% AMI limits, which vary by county and household size. Below is the complete table for all 120 Kentucky counties based on the latest FHLB Cincinnati guidelines (effective for 2026). Use the 1-2 Persons column for households of 1 or 2, and 3+ Persons for larger families.

These limits help determine if you're eligible for the $20,000 grant. If your household income is below these figures, you could buy a house with no money down in 2026.

No Money Down Home Buying Options in Kentucky

While waiting for the 2026 grant, consider these no money down or low down payment programs:

  • USDA Loans: 0% down for rural areas
  • VA Loans: 0% down for veterans
  • FHA Loans: 3.5% down, pair with grants
  • KHC Assistance: Up to $10,000 now

Get pre-approved today for 2026 grants and current options!

Email Joel Call/Text (502) 905-3708

FAQ: Kentucky Welcome Home Grant 2026

Is the grant really $20,000?

Based on 2025, yes—but confirm in March 2026.

Updated February 2026. Contact Joel Lobb for personalized advice.

Kentucky Welcome Home Grant Income Limits 2026

Kentucky Welcome Home Grant Income Limits for 2026

These are the income limits based on 80% of Kentucky Housing Corporation’s MRB limits (effective June 23, 2025; please confirm updates at program opening).

Household income includes all adults living in the home. Limits vary by county and household size:

  • 1-2 Persons: Lower limit shown
  • 3+ Persons: Higher limit shown

All 120 counties in Kentucky are listed below in alphabetical order.

Click on link below for Approved Lenders in Kentucky

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

Frequently Asked Questions: 2026 Kentucky Welcome Home Grant

When does the 2026 Welcome Home Grant program open in Kentucky?

The program opens at 8:00 a.m. ET on Monday, April 6, 2026. Funds are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis until depleted. Be ready with pre-approval to act quickly!

What is the grant amount for 2026?

Grants range from a minimum of $10,000 up to a maximum of $20,000 per eligible homebuyer (non-repayable). The exact amount depends on documented need for down payment and closing costs. This is consistent with recent years, but confirm upon official release.

Who is eligible for the Welcome Home Grant in Kentucky?

- Total household income (all occupants) ≤ 80% of the Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) limit for your Kentucky county.
- Purchasing or building a primary residence in Kentucky.
- Minimum $500 borrower contribution (can be gifted).
- No first-time buyer requirement—repeat buyers qualify.
- Must use an approved FHLB Cincinnati member lender.
- Complete required homebuyer education if applicable.

How do I check if my income qualifies in my county?

Use the full 80% MRB income limits table on this page (scroll up). Limits vary by county and household size (1-2 persons vs. 3+ persons). For example, Jefferson County: $77,771 (1-2) / $89,437 (3+). These are the official 2026 limits from FHLB Cincinnati.

Can the grant be used with no money down loans?

Yes! Pair it with USDA (0% down rural), VA (0% down veterans), or FHA (3.5% down) loans for true minimal or no out-of-pocket costs. The grant covers down payment/closing costs, making homeownership accessible.

Is the grant a loan or do I have to repay it?

It's a non-repayable grant—no repayment required as long as you occupy the home as your primary residence (typically 5 years retention period applies).

What happens if funds run out quickly?

Funds are limited and often deplete fast. Get pre-approved now so you're ready to reserve funds immediately on opening day. Contact me to join the priority list for updates and fast action.

Where can I find approved lenders?

Use the dropdown selector on this page for approved Kentucky lenders. You must work with one to apply and reserve grant funds.

What if I'm over the income limit or in another state?

The program is income-restricted to 80% MRB limits. If ineligible, explore Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) options (up to $10,000+ assistance now) or other programs. The grant is Kentucky-specific through FHLB Cincinnati.

How do I get started for 2026?

Get pre-approved today! I'll monitor updates, notify you of opening, and help secure funds fast. Email or call/text now—don't miss out on this $20,000 opportunity.

Homebuyer Education Requirements for the 2026 Kentucky Welcome Home Grant

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (FHLB Cincinnati) requires **homebuyer education** for certain participants in the Welcome Home Program. This helps ensure buyers are prepared for homeownership responsibilities, including budgeting, credit management, and understanding mortgage terms.

Who Must Complete Homebuyer Education?

  • First-time homebuyers are required to complete an approved homebuyer counseling course prior to loan closing.
  • Definition of first-time buyer: Generally, anyone who has not owned a principal residence in the last three years.
  • Repeat buyers (those who have owned a home within the last three years) are not required to complete the course.

The FHLB Cincinnati will indicate in your reservation approval letter whether you are classified as a first-time buyer and if education is required.

Approved Homebuyer Education Options

The counseling program must be provided by (or based on one provided by) an organization recognized as experienced in homeownership counseling. Common approved providers include:

  • HUD-approved counseling agencies (search at hud.gov or ehomeamerica.org)
  • NeighborWorks America affiliated agencies
  • Online courses from providers like eHome America, Framework, or Money Management International (MMI)
  • Local non-profits or housing counseling agencies in Kentucky (often free or low-cost)

Many courses are available online (self-paced, 6-8 hours), in-person, or via phone/video. Upon completion, you'll receive a certificate to submit with your loan application.

Tip for Kentucky Buyers: While the Welcome Home Grant itself requires education only for first-timers, some paired mortgage programs (like FHA) may have their own education overlays. Your approved lender can confirm what's needed for your specific scenario.

Why Homebuyer Education Matters

Completing education not only satisfies program requirements but also equips you with tools to succeed as a homeowner. Topics typically covered include:

  • Budgeting and money management
  • Credit improvement and maintenance
  • Understanding loan types and mortgage terms
  • Closing process and home inspection tips
  • Avoiding common pitfalls

If you're unsure whether you qualify as a first-time buyer or need help finding a course, reach out—I'll guide you to free or low-cost options and confirm requirements based on your situation.

Joel Lobb Mortgage Broker – FHA, VA, USDA, KHC, Fannie Mae EVO Mortgage • Helping Kentucky Homebuyers Since 2001 Call/Text: 502-905-3708 Email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com Website: www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com Address: 911 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204 NMLS #57916 (Joel Lobb) | Company NMLS #1738461 Equal Housing Lender Free Info & Homebuyer Advice → Kentucky Mortgage Loan Expert FHA | VA | USDA | KHC Down Payment Assistance | Fannie Mae This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval and program requirements. Licensed in Kentucky Only.
Labels: , , , , ,