San Bernardino Down Payment Assistance: Up to $55K for First-Time Buyers (2026)
Access up to $55,000+ through NHSIE, IEDPA, and regional programs serving the Inland Empire
Looking for down payment help in San Bernardino County? You're not alone. With median home prices exceeding $550,000 and only 30% of Inland Empire families able to afford a home purchase (down from nearly 50% a decade ago), down payment assistance has become essential for many buyers in the region.
The good news: multiple programs serve San Bernardino County residents, even though the county itself no longer directly offers DPA. Through partnerships with nonprofit housing agencies, you can access tens of thousands of dollars in assistance—often with zero monthly payments for decades.
Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for San Bernardino County
Unlike Los Angeles County's HOP programs or Riverside's county-administered options, San Bernardino County works through nonprofit partners to deliver homebuyer assistance. Here are the top programs currently available:
NHSIE CalHome Program Highest Amount
- Assistance Amount: Up to $55,000
- Interest Rate: 3% simple interest
- Repayment: Deferred 30 years (no monthly payments)
- Income Limit: 80% AMI ($89,500 for family of 4)
- First-Time Buyer: Required
- HUD Education: 8-hour course required
- Contact: NHSIE at 909-884-6891 or nhsie.org
Inland Empire DPA Program (IEDPA) New 2025
- Assistance Amount: Up to $40,000
- Interest Rate: 0% (zero percent)
- Repayment: Deferred 30 years (no monthly payments)
- Income Limit: Low to moderate income
- First-Time Buyer: Required
- Coverage: San Bernardino and Riverside counties
- Apply: nphsinc.org/iedpa
NeighborhoodLIFT No First-Time Requirement
- Assistance Amount: $7,500
- Type: Forgivable grant after 5 years
- Credit Score: Minimum 640
- First-Time Buyer: NOT required
- Coverage: San Bernardino and Riverside counties
- Funding: Limited—first come, first served
East West Bank REACH Program
- Assistance Amount: 1-2% of purchase price
- Type: Forgivable grant
- Income Limit: No limit in low-income census tracts
- Loan Requirement: Must qualify for HomeReady loan
- Coverage: San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego counties
Search DPA-Eligible Homes in San Bernardino County
Find properties within program price limits across the Inland Empire
Browse San Bernardino County Homes Under $700K →2025 Income Limits: San Bernardino County
Most down payment assistance programs in San Bernardino County require household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). Here are the 2025 limits, effective April 23, 2025:
| Household Size | Low Income (80% AMI) | Moderate (120% AMI) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $62,650 | $87,300 |
| 2 Persons | $71,600 | $99,750 |
| 3 Persons | $80,550 | $112,250 |
| 4 Persons | $89,500 | $124,700 |
| 5 Persons | $96,700 | $134,700 |
| 6 Persons | $103,850 | $144,650 |
| 7 Persons | $111,000 | $154,650 |
| 8 Persons | $118,150 | $164,600 |
Source: California HCD, effective April 23, 2025. San Bernardino and Riverside counties share identical income limits.
Program Comparison: Which DPA Is Right for You?
| Program | Max Amount | Terms | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHSIE CalHome | $55,000 | 3%, 30-yr deferred | Maximum assistance seekers |
| IEDPA | $40,000 | 0%, 30-yr deferred | Zero-interest priority |
| NeighborhoodLIFT | $7,500 | Forgiven in 5 years | Repeat buyers, fast forgiveness |
| East West REACH | 1-2% of price | Forgivable grant | Low-income census tract buyers |
| GSFA Platinum | 5.5% of loan | Forgiven in 3 years | Stacking with local programs |
Stacking Strategy: Combine Programs for Maximum Benefit
San Bernardino County buyers can often combine multiple assistance programs. Here's an example stacking scenario:
• IEDPA: $40,000 (0% deferred 30 years)
• GSFA Platinum: $33,000 (5.5% of loan, forgiven in 3 years)
• Total Assistance: $73,000
Result: Buyer needs minimal cash to close on a home typically requiring $120,000 down payment with a conventional loan.
Not all programs can be combined—check with each administrator for stacking rules. GSFA programs are specifically designed to layer with local and state assistance.
Questions About IE Down Payment Programs?
Get personalized guidance on stacking strategies, city eligibility, and application timing.
City of Ontario: The $160K Exception
While most San Bernardino County cities rely on regional programs, Ontario stands out with the highest combined DPA in Southern California through its Keys to Community initiative:
- First-Time Homebuyer Program: Up to $120,000 (30-year deferred with equity share)
- Housing Rehabilitation Loan: Up to $30,000 for interior repairs
- Exterior Beautification Grant: $10,000 outright grant (no repayment)
Combined Total: Up to $160,000 for Ontario residents, employees, or former residents. Read our complete Ontario DPA guide →
Explore Homes in Ontario
Browse properties eligible for Ontario's $160K stacking strategy
Search Ontario Homes Under $700K →How to Apply for San Bernardino County DPA
- Get Pre-Qualified with a Lender: Contact an approved lender who participates in your target DPA program. They'll assess your income, credit, and borrowing capacity.
- Complete Homebuyer Education: Most programs require an 8-hour HUD-approved course. NHSIE and NPHS both offer in-person and online options.
- Apply to the Program: Submit your application through the program administrator (NHSIE, NPHS, or your lender for GSFA).
- Find a Home: Work with a real estate agent to locate a property within program price limits and eligible areas.
- Complete the Transaction: Your lender coordinates the DPA funding with your first mortgage at closing.
Key Contacts
NHSIE (Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire)
1390 North D Street, San Bernardino, CA 92405
Phone: 909-884-6891 | Website: nhsie.org
NPHS (Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services)
Phone: 909-988-5979 | Website: nphsinc.org
San Bernardino County CDH (Referrals Only)
Phone: 909-387-4389 | Website: cdh.sbcounty.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum down payment assistance available in San Bernardino County?
Through NHSIE's CalHome program, eligible first-time homebuyers can receive up to $55,000 as a 30-year deferred loan at 3% simple interest. Combined with GSFA Platinum (5.5% of loan amount), total assistance can exceed $80,000 on a typical purchase.
What are the 2025 income limits for San Bernardino County DPA programs?
For 2025 (effective April 23, 2025), Low Income (80% AMI) limits are: 1 person $62,650; 2 persons $71,600; 3 persons $80,550; 4 persons $89,500; 5 persons $96,700. Most DPA programs require income at or below these limits.
Does San Bernardino County directly offer down payment assistance?
No. San Bernardino County's Community Development & Housing Department no longer directly administers DPA programs. They partner with nonprofit agencies including NHSIE and NPHS who deliver multiple programs for county residents.
Can I get down payment assistance without being a first-time homebuyer?
Yes. NeighborhoodLIFT offers $7,500 in forgivable assistance without requiring first-time buyer status. GSFA Platinum and Golden Opportunities programs also allow repeat buyers to qualify.
What is the new IEDPA program?
The Inland Empire Down Payment Assistance Program launched in February 2025 with $1 million in funding from U.S. Bank. It offers up to $40,000 for first-time homebuyers in San Bernardino and Riverside counties as a 0% interest loan deferred for 30 years.
Which San Bernardino County cities have their own DPA programs?
Ontario offers the most substantial city program with up to $160,000 through stacked assistance. Most other San Bernardino County cities rely on regional programs through NHSIE, NPHS, and CalHFA rather than city-specific programs.
Next Steps: Find DPA-Eligible Homes
Ready to start your home search in San Bernardino County? We specialize in helping buyers navigate down payment assistance programs throughout the Inland Empire. Our team can:
- Connect you with DPA-experienced lenders
- Identify homes within program price limits
- Coordinate program requirements through closing
- Explore stacking opportunities for maximum assistance
Start Your DPA-Assisted Home Search
Browse homes in San Bernardino County within down payment assistance program limits
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