HELPER Act of 2025

This bill would create a special FHA-backed mortgage program to help first responders and teachers buy a home. It lets eligible buyers finance up to 100% of a home’s appraised value, so no down payment is required, and it removes monthly mortgage insurance; instead, there’s a one-time upfront insurance fee that HUD can adjust over time based on how the loans perform and market conditions . Loans can be used to buy or repair a one-family home or condo used as a primary residence, including manufactured homes that are permanently affixed and titled as real property .

To qualify, the buyer must be a first-time homebuyer, complete HUD-approved housing counseling, and be a full-time first responder or a full-time teacher in grades pre-K through 12. Covered first responders include law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs. The applicant must have worked in one of these roles for at least 4 of the past 5 years (or left due to a duty-related disability), be in good standing, intend to continue for at least one more year, and meet HUD’s underwriting and risk standards . The program would start with set funding and would need to be renewed five years after it first becomes available .

Key points

• Who is eligible: First-time homebuyer who is a full-time law enforcement officer, firefighter, paramedic, EMT, or full-time teacher (pre-K–12), meeting service and good-standing requirements, and completing housing counseling .
• What changes: 0% down payment allowed up to 100% of appraised value; no monthly mortgage insurance, but an upfront insurance fee applies; homes must be primary residences and can include certain manufactured homes .
• When: Program funded beginning in upcoming fiscal years, with authority to insure new loans ending five years after the program first becomes available unless reauthorized .