Washington Down Payment Assistance Programs (2026)
Washington's help runs through WSHFC: a statewide Home Advantage DPA, a set of large local programs, and special routes for veterans, buyers with disabilities, and those affected by racial covenants. Here is the full menu.
The local programs (the biggest money)
Washington’s standout feature is the size of its local down payment programs. Clark County reaches up to $60,000, the largest in the state; Seattle and Pierce County up to $55,000; Bellingham up to $40,000; Tacoma and ARCH east King County up to $30,000. Each is a deferred second tied to a specific boundary and income limit. If you are buying in one of these areas, the local program is usually where the biggest help is. See the full menu and table on our local programs page.
The statewide Home Advantage DPA
Available anywhere in Washington, the WSHFC Home Advantage DPA gives up to 4% of the loan (5% on conventional or FHA) as a deferred second, plus a needs-based option worth up to $10,000 for lower-income buyers. It is the base most buyers start with, and it layers with the local programs. See our Home Advantage page.
The special programs
Three routes reach specific buyers. Opportunity DPA (up to $15,000) pairs with the House Key bond first mortgage. HomeChoice (up to $15,000) serves buyers with a disability or a disabled family member. And Covenant Homeownership (up to $150,000) is a distinct, transformational program for buyers affected by Washington’s history of racially restrictive covenants, see our Covenant page. Veterans adds up to $10,000.
Verified August 2026 against WSHFC program materials. Exact amounts, boundaries, funding status, and income/price limits are set by WSHFC and change, confirm at wshfc.org. This is not a commitment to lend.
Common questions
What down payment assistance programs are there in Washington?
WSHFC runs local programs (Clark County up to $60,000, Seattle and Pierce up to $55,000, Bellingham $40,000, Tacoma and east King $30,000), the statewide Home Advantage DPA (up to 4%–5% plus a $10,000 needs-based option), the Opportunity DPA ($15,000), Covenant Homeownership ($150,000), HomeChoice ($15,000), and Veterans ($10,000).
Which Washington program gives the most money?
For eligible buyers, the Covenant Homeownership program reaches up to $150,000, the largest. Among the local programs, Clark County's up to $60,000 leads, followed by Seattle and Pierce County at up to $55,000. Most of these can layer with the statewide Home Advantage DPA.
Can I combine Washington down payment programs?
Often yes. A local program is usually the base, and the statewide Home Advantage DPA, Veterans, or HomeChoice can stack on top where the rules allow. The specific combinations and income limits vary by program, so we map the strongest legal stack for your situation.
See which Washington program fits you
Tell us your county, credit range, and price target, and we’ll map your Washington path in a no-pressure 20-minute call. No obligation.