Status checked October 12, 2026: DHCD's HPAP dashboard shows FY2026 funds Available $0.0M (data as of 5/4/2026), and DHCD's HPAP page has not posted FY2027 information. DHCD's FY2026 HPAP page required NTP holders to close by August 1, 2026. That date has passed, and DHCD had not posted FY2027 HPAP timing as of October 12, 2026. DCHFA's lender rate sheet (updated 10/9/2026 for DC Open Doors and DC4ME, 10/8/2026 for HomeAdvantage DC) shows rates with down payment assistance for most options; DC Open Doors FHA with 3.5% DPA and DC4ME VA with DPA show N/A. DCHFA says DPA pricing can be unavailable on some days. Confirm current status with DHCD, DCHFA or a DCHFA-approved lender.
How DC4ME works
DC4ME is the District's mortgage program for the people who keep the city running: full-time DC government employees, including employees of DC charter schools.
The program offers a reduced-rate first mortgage plus an optional down payment assistance loan of 3% at zero interest.
DC4ME can be combined with HPAP — which means eligible government employees may be able to stack a reduced-rate mortgage, 3% zero-interest assistance, and HPAP's gap financing together.
Key benefits
Built for DC government employees
Full-time District government employees qualify — including charter school employees.
Reduced-rate first mortgage
A below-standard rate on your primary loan lowers your monthly payment for the life of the loan.
Optional 3% zero-interest DPA loan
Add a 3% down payment assistance loan at zero interest when you need help with upfront cash.
Combine with HPAP
DC4ME can be stacked with HPAP, potentially combining reduced rates with significant gap financing.
The steps
Confirm your employment qualifies
DC4ME is for full-time District government employees, including charter school staff.
Check your full eligibility picture
Because DC4ME stacks with HPAP, evaluate both programs together.
Get pre-approved with a participating lender
Not every lender offers DC4ME — work with one that does.
Decide on the optional 3% DPA loan
Choose whether to add the zero-interest assistance based on your cash needs.
Shop for your home
Search with your reduced rate and assistance stack already arranged.
Close with your stacked benefits
Your first mortgage, DC4ME assistance, and any HPAP funds all come together at closing.
Watch out for
Assuming charter school employees don't qualify
They do — DC4ME explicitly includes full-time charter school employees.
Not exploring the HPAP combination
DC4ME can be combined with HPAP; skipping that check could leave significant assistance unclaimed.
Working with a lender who doesn't offer it
Program availability depends on the lender — confirm participation before you apply.
Source: DCHFA DC4ME page (dchfa.org). Program details checked September 1, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for DC4ME?
Full-time District of Columbia government employees — and that includes employees of DC charter schools.
What does DC4ME actually give me?
A reduced-rate first mortgage, plus the option of a 3% down payment assistance loan at zero interest.
Can I combine DC4ME with HPAP?
Yes — DC4ME can be combined with HPAP, which is one of the most powerful stacks available to DC government employees.
Is the 3% assistance loan free money?
It is a zero-interest loan, not a grant — but at zero interest, every dollar goes toward your home rather than loan costs.
Work for the District? Your job may be your down payment advantage
Check your eligibility to see whether DC4ME — possibly stacked with HPAP — fits your home purchase.
Check If You May Qualify
Find Programs I May Qualify ForProgram details change frequently — verify current guidelines with a licensed lender; this is not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of eligibility.
Funding status checked: October 12, 2026. Ronnie Gilmer · Samson Properties · Licensed in Washington DC and Maryland. Independently operated and not affiliated with any government agency, the DC Department of Housing and Community Development, or the DC Housing Finance Agency.