attend homebuyer orientations annually
by the CHI’s certified homeownership counselors
down-payment grant assistance
information sessions and down payment grant assistance
First Time Homebuyer Grant Program
Community Housing Innovations, Inc., through the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation, is offering First-Time Homebuyers homeownership assistance to cover down payment and/or closing costs plus rehabilitation expenses.
Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, and Dutchess counties
Single-family homes, condominiums, and co-ops
Minimum 3% of purchase price required
Qualification Requirements
- First-Time Homebuyer Status. Meet the official definition requirements.
- Mortgage Qualification. From a CHI Participating Lender.
- 3% Contribution. Documented savings, 401K, or gifts.
- Homebuyer Orientation. Attend CHI’s free Grant Orientation.
- HUD Education Course. Complete approved education requirements.
- Income Requirements. Below NY State maximum levels.
| 2025-2026 Maximum Gross Household Income for Nassau & Suffolk Counties Based on Family Size | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Amount (Up To) | Income Limit | 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 5 Person | 6 Person |
| $60,000.00 | 60% AMI | $69,260.00 | $79,160.00 | $89,050.00 | $98,940.00 | $106,855.00 | $114,770.00 |
| $50,000.00 | 80% AMI | $92,400.00 | $105,600.00 | $118,800.00 | $131,900.00 | $142,500.00 | $153,000.00 |
| $40,000.00 | 90% AMI | $103,450.00 | $118,220.00 | $132,100.00 | $147,770.00 | $159,600.00 | $171,360.00 |
| $32,500.00 | 110% AMI | $126,600.00 | $144,700.00 | $162,765.00 | $180,850.00 | $195,320.00 | $209,800.00 |
| AMI: Area Median Income | |||||||
| 2025-2026 Maximum Gross Household Income for Westchester County Based on Family Size | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Amount (Up To) | Income Limit | 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 5 Person | 6 Person |
| $60,000.00 | 60% AMI | $71,400.00 | $81,600.00 | $91,800.00 | $102,000.00 | $110,150.00 | $118,300.00 |
| $50,000.00 | 80% AMI | $95,200.00 | $108,800.00 | $122,400.00 | $136,000.00 | $146,900.00 | $157,750.00 |
| $40,000.00 | 90% AMI | $106,650.00 | $121,900.00 | $137,100.00 | $152,320.00 | $164,550.00 | $176,700.00 |
| $32,500.00 | 110% AMI | $130,450.00 | $149,100.00 | $167,700.00 | $186,320.00 | $201,225.00 | $216,150.00 |
| AMI: Area Median Income | |||||||
| 2025-2026 Maximum Gross Household Income for Dutchess County Based on Family Size | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Amount (Up To) | Income Limit | 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 5 Person | 6 Person |
| $50,000.00 | 80% AMI | $68,900.00 | $78,750.00 | $88,600.00 | $98,400.00 | $106,300.00 | $114,200.00 |
| $40,000.00 | 90% AMI | $77,175.00 | $88,200.00 | $99,200.00 | $110,250.00 | $119,050.00 | $127,900.00 |
| $32,500.00 | 110% AMI | $94,400.00 | $107,875.00 | $121,350.00 | $134,850.00 | $145,725.00 | $146,500.00 |
| AMI: Area Median Income | |||||||
Incentive Programs
Financial assistance for families affected by Hurricane Ida
Renter Safe Housing Incentive (RSHI)
Hurricane Ida Relief Program
On September 1, 2021, Hurricane Ida struck New York, bringing record-breaking rainfall and catastrophic flooding across New York City, Long Island, and the Mid-Hudson region.
CHI created the RSHI Program to support affected renters with up to $50,000 in assistance
Westchester County
Dutchess County
Nassau County
Orange County
Rockland County
Suffolk County
Financial assistance to support individuals or families relocating into permanent, safe rental housing
Financial assistance including down payment assistance to purchase permanent safe housing
Financial assistance with moving costs into permanent and safe housing, either rental or homeownership
SMART MOVE NY
Low Interest Down Payment Assistance Loan
For NY first time homebuyers • Up to 20% of purchase price
Eligibility Criteria
First-Time Homebuyer Requirements
You have not owned a home in the last 3 years. The applicant, co-applicants, and non-borrowing spouses must also be first-time homebuyers
Additional Requirements Include
A Statement of 60 percent of the grant proceeds can be spent on acquisition items. These costs may include down payment and/or closing costs
A Statement of 40 percent of the grant proceeds must be spent on rehabilitation of the property. Proof of all rehab costs is electronically submitted by SONYMA
The grant assistance is in the form of a forgivable (silent) lien which will be placed on the property. After closing, the silent lien amount is a second mortgage lien
The forgiveness of the lien will occur at a rate of 20% per year. Therefore, at the end of year 5, the lien will be forgiven in its entirety
From the beginning, CHI has been dedicated to ensuring our clients are homebuyers encouraged and well-educated consumers ready for a lifetime of homeownership.
Once closing is complete, CHI offers comprehensive post-purchase education to empower homeowners with essential skills for long-term success and stability.
Our experienced counselors provide one-on-one guidance and support to help you navigate every step of the homebuying journey and maintain your home for life.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Contact our homeownership team today to learn more about our programs and get started on your path to homeownership