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Connecticut first responders get up to $25,000 DPA Nov. 16

Published · Homebuyer update · By the DPA Finder editorial team

CHFA's new First Responders' Time to Own program offers police, firefighters and EMS staff up to $25,000 in forgivable down payment and closing cost help.

Connecticut is launching a homebuying program for first responders. Governor Ned Lamont announced on November 10, 2026 that the First Responders' Time to Own program, run by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) with the state Department of Housing, officially launches on November 16, 2026. It offers eligible state and local police officers, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel up to $25,000 in forgivable down payment and closing cost assistance.

The assistance is a second loan paired with a CHFA first mortgage. CHFA says it carries a 0% interest rate with no monthly payment, and 10% of the balance is forgiven on each closing anniversary until it is fully forgiven after ten years. It can cover up to 20% down payment and up to 5% closing costs. Borrowers also get a 0.125 percentage point cut on their CHFA first mortgage rate.

Eligibility is looser than the standard Time to Own loan. Buyers must be certified or licensed law enforcement, fire service or EMS workers with at least two years of service, including volunteer firefighters, and must buy a primary residence in the community they serve. The three-year Connecticut residency rule and minimum housing debt-to-income ratio are dropped, and instead of the 100% of area median income cap, buyers can earn up to CHFA's regular mortgage income limits, with the full $25,000 available regardless of income. Buyers must still be first-time buyers or not have owned a home in three years unless buying in a targeted area, stay within CHFA sales price limits, take a homebuyer education class and complete a First Responder Certification Form.

To apply, buyers work with a CHFA participating lender. See our Connecticut page, CHFA's Down Payment Assistance Program loan, how forgivable down payment loans work, or our how to apply guide.

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