Workforce Housing Plus+: Could You Really Get $15,000 Toward Your Hampton Roads Home?
Hello Hampton Roads,
Could the Workforce Housing Plus+ Grant really put $15,000 toward your Hampton Roads home?
Quick Answer:
Yes — if your household income falls between 80.01% and 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), you may qualify for a $15,000 grant through the Workforce Housing Plus+ Program. This grant can be used toward your down payment and closing costs for the purchase of your primary residence in Hampton Roads.
This program is designed for moderate-income buyers who often earn too much for traditional assistance but still face affordability challenges. And because funds are limited — with each participating lender capped at $500,000 per year — early preparation is key. Funds are first-come, first-served.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Grant Amount: Up to $15,000 per eligible household
- Eligibility: Household income between 80.01% and 120% of AMI, adjusted for family size
- Who Qualifies: First-time and repeat buyers purchasing a primary residence
- Geographic Footprint: Available in AL, DC, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, and VA — Allowing buyers in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake and greater Hampton Roads to benefit
- Urgency: Funds are first-come, first-served and lender allocations are limited
What Is the Workforce Housing Plus+ Program?
The Workforce Housing Plus+ Program is offered by FHLBank Atlanta, one of 11 regional banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank system. These banks were created by Congress to support housing finance and community development across the U.S.
FHLBank Atlanta serves a footprint that includes Virginia, which means buyers in Hampton Roads are eligible to benefit. The program provides grant funds to lenders, who then pass them directly to qualifying buyers.
Funds can be used for:
Down payment assistance
Closing costs
Counseling fees
Purchase-rehab scenarios (similar to a 203(k))
Who Qualifies in Hampton Roads?
To qualify, your household income must fall between 80.01% and 120% of AMI (area median income), adjusted for family size. The program allows you to use whichever is higher — the state or county income limit — which can make a big difference in eligibility.
You can check your eligibility using the official FHLBank Atlanta Income Calculator.
As of the time of this blog the table below shows the AMI income limits for the Hampton Roads area.
Other requirements:
Must be purchasing a primary residence
Must complete homebuyer counseling through an approved provider
Must contribute at least $1,000 toward the purchase
Can receive no more than $250 cash back at closing
Program is available to both first-time and non-first-time buyers
| AMI Income Limits |
1 Person Household |
2 Person Household |
3 Person Household |
4 Person Household |
5 Person Household |
6 Person Household |
7 Person Household |
8 Person Household |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120% | $99,825.00 | $114,075.00 | $128,325.00 | $142,575.00 | $154,050.00 | $165,450.00 | $176,850.00 | $188,250.00 |
| 80% | $66,550.00 | $76,050.00 | $85,550.00 | $95,050.00 | $102,700.00 | $110,300.00 | $117,900.00 | $125,500.00 |
| 65% | $54,071.88 | $61,790.63 | $69,509.38 | $77,228.13 | $83,443.75 | $89,618.75 | $95,793.75 | $101,968.75 |
| 50% | $41,593.75 | $47,531.25 | $53,468.75 | $59,406.25 | $64,187.50 | $68,937.50 | $73,687.50 | $78,437.50 |
Why Timing Matters
Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Each participating lender is capped at $500,000 per year, and once those funds are gone, they’re gone — unless the cap is lifted after June 30.
Once approved:
Funds are reserved for 45 days
Must be used within 10 business days of the projected closing date
This means buyers who prepare early — with income documentation, counseling completion, and lender selection — are the ones who secure the grant.
Using Workforce Housing Plus+ with FHA, VA, and Conventional Loans
The Workforce Housing Plus+ grant can be combined with FHA, VA, and Conventional loan programs to help eligible buyers maximize their home purchase assistance. To qualify for the grant, the loan must meet the following criteria:
Minimum term of 5 years
Fully amortizing loan (no interest-only or negative amortization loans allowed)
This ensures that the loan is structured for long-term stability and affordability, aligning with the goals of the Workforce Housing Plus+ Program.
Combining Workforce Housing Plus+ with Other Affordable Housing Products
A major benefit of the Workforce Housing Plus+ Program is that it can be combined with other affordable housing products currently available in Hampton Roads. This includes popular first time home buyer incentives such as VA housing assistance programs such as Down Payment Assistance (DPA), Closing Cost Assistance (CCA) grants, and the Community Heroes program.
By stacking these programs, eligible buyers can maximize their financial support, making homeownership more accessible and affordable. Coordinating these resources with your lender can help you leverage multiple grants and assistance programs effectively.
🔎FAQ
What is the Workforce Housing Plus+ Program?
The Workforce Housing Plus+ Program is a grant program offered by FHLBank Atlanta that provides up to $15,000 to eligible buyers to assist with down payment, closing costs, or counseling fees when purchasing a home.
Who qualifies for this grant?
Buyers with household incomes between 80.01% and 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), adjusted for family size, who are purchasing a primary residence. Both first-time and repeat buyers can qualify.
Can I use this grant with FHA, VA, or Conventional loans?
Yes, the grant can be combined with FHA, VA, and Conventional loans, but the loan must have a minimum term of 5 years and be fully amortizing. Interest-only and negative amortization loans are not eligible.
Can this grant be combined with other housing assistance programs?
Absolutely. The Workforce Housing Plus+ grant can be stacked with other affordable housing products available in Hampton Roads, including VA housing programs like Down Payment Assistance (DPA), Closing Cost Assistance (CCA) grants, and the Community Heroes program.
How quickly do I need to act to secure the funds?
Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Each lender has a $500,000 annual cap, so early preparation and application are crucial.
Is there a minimum contribution I need to make?
Yes, buyers must contribute at least $1,000 toward the purchase.
Final Thoughts
For Hampton Roads buyers earning up to 120% AMI, the Workforce Housing Plus+ Grant is one of the most powerful tools available. It fills the gap for moderate-income households who don’t qualify for traditional assistance but still need help competing in today’s market.
Because funds are limited and lender allocations run out quickly, the buyers who act early are the ones who secure the full $15,000.
📣 Feeling Stuck Trying to Afford a Home in Hampton Roads?
Rising prices and tight inventory make it tough for moderate‑income buyers to compete — especially when you’re trying to save for a down payment on top of everything else.
The Workforce Housing Plus+ Grant can give you up to $15,000 toward your purchase, but funds are limited and awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Thanks for Reading,
Liz Schuyler is a top Virginia Beach REALTOR® with RE/MAX Allegiance, licensed since 2001 and trusted across Hampton Roads. With 350+ homes sold, she helps clients Sell, Move, and Invest with confidence and strategy.
Comments