HELPER Act of 2025

Key Points

• This bill creates a new FHA mortgage insurance program specifically for law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and K-12 teachers — collectively called "first responders." These workers could buy a home with zero money down, borrowing 100% of the home's appraised value.
• To qualify, buyers must be first-time homeowners, have worked in their qualifying job for at least 4 of the past 5 years, complete a housing counseling course, intend to keep working for at least one more year, and be in good standing at their job.
• The program eliminates the monthly mortgage insurance premiums that most low-down-payment FHA borrowers must pay, leaving only a one-time upfront premium. This could save qualifying homebuyers hundreds of dollars every month compared to a standard FHA loan.
• Eligible properties include single-family homes, condo units, and manufactured homes permanently attached to owned land. The home must serve as the buyer's primary residence.
• The program is authorized for a limited window: $660,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $160,000 per year through 2032 to cover administrative costs. The authority to issue new mortgage commitments expires 5 years after the program first becomes available.