In order to qualify for this benefit program, your property must be located in an eligible rural area. Applicants must have very low-, low- or moderate incomes. Very low-income is defined as below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI); low-income is between 50 and 80 percent of AMI; moderate income is below 115 percent of AMI. Families must be without adequate housing, but able to afford the housing payments, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI). Qualifying repayment ratios are 29 percent for PITI to 41 percent for total debt. In addition, applicants must be unable to obtain credit elsewhere, yet have an acceptable credit history. You must also be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Direct loans are repaid over 33 years or 38 years for applicants whose adjusted annual income does not exceed 60 percent of the area median income, if necessary to show repayment ability. Payment assistance is granted on direct loans to reduce the installment to an "effective interest rate" as low as one percent, depending on adjusted family income. Payment assistance is subject to recapture by the government when the customer no longer resides in the dwelling. There is no funding provided for deferred mortgage authority or loans for deferred mortgage assumptions.
Guaranteed loans are amortized over 30 years. The promissory note interest rate is set by the lender. There is no required down payment. The lender must also determine repayment feasibility, using ratios of repayment (gross) income to PITI and to total family debt.
33 years for Direct, 30 years for Guaranteed | |
Varies | |
Based on area loan limit | |
Monthly | |
No | |
Direct - 0, Guaranteed - 1.5% |
Interested applicants should contact their local USDA Rural Development field office for more information.
To apply for Direct loans obtain Application Form (RD 410-4) and Release Form (RD 3550-1).
For more information, please visit the Guaranteed Loan program.
For more information, please visit the Direct Loan program website.
For more information, contact your Rural Development office at: