USDA direct home loans for rural areas
Low-interest home loans with no down payment for families with low income in eligible rural areas.
This is a loan and must be repaid.
Apply on the official site ↗Goes to USDA Rural Development. Applying is free.
Who generally qualifies
Families with low income buying a home in an eligible rural area who can't get a regular mortgage.
Exact income limits and rules are set by USDA Rural Development and can change. Check the official site for current details.
How to apply
- Check whether the address is in an eligible area on the USDA website.
- Contact your local USDA Rural Development office.
- Submit the loan application and income documents.
What to have ready
- Pay stubs and tax returns
- Bank statements
- Credit history
Common questions
- Does it cost anything to apply?
- No. Applying through the official site is free. Be wary of anyone who charges a fee to apply for you.
- Do I have to pay it back?
- Yes. This is a loan and must be repaid, usually on better terms than a regular loan.
- Who decides if I qualify?
- USDA Rural Development makes the final decision. This page explains the program in general terms only.
- Where can I find current income limits and amounts?
- Income limits, benefit amounts and deadlines change, so check USDA Rural Development for the latest details.
Link checked October 22, 2026. BenefitSearch is not affiliated with USDA Rural Development.