Learn About Ohio Heroes
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency's (OHFA) Ohio Heroes rewards Ohio residents who serve the public with a discounted mortgage interest rate.
Who Is Eligible for Ohio Heroes?
You may qualify for an OHFA homebuyer program if you meet the criteria listed below:
- You meet income and purchase price limits.
- You meet debt to income ratios for your loan type.
- You meet the credit score requirements.
- Conventional, USDA and VA Loans: 640 or higher
- FHA Loans: 650 or higher
- You work in one of the following careers:
- Veterans, active duty military members or members of reserve components (including surviving spouses)
- Police officers, firefighters, volunteer firefighters, EMTs and paramedics
- Physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses (RN and LPN) and STNAs
- Teachers (pre-K through grade 12), administrators and counselors
You can choose to include down payment assistance in your Ohio Heroes loan.
* Please view a complete list of eligibility criteria.

What Are the Benefits of Ohio Heroes?
The Ohio Heroes program is a mortgage program offered by The Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s (OHFA) and rewards Ohio residents who serve the public with a discounted mortgage interest rate including FHA and Conventional loans.
Those in the following professions qualify for this program:
- Veterans
- Active-duty military members or reservists (surviving spouses included)
- Police
- Paid and volunteer firefighters
- Emergency medical technicians
- Paramedics
- Physicians
- Nurse practitioners
- Registered nurses
- Licensed practical nurses
- State tested nurse aides
- Pre-K through grade 12 teachers, administrators, and counselors.
You can choose to include down payment assistance in your Ohio Heroes loan. Down payment assistance is forgiven after seven years. If you sell or refinance your home within seven years, your down payment assistance may be forgiven if you sell then buy another home in the state of Ohio. Refinanced loans do require a prorated recapture of the down payment assistance. Grant money is available for income-eligible applicants, that does not have to be repaid.
Homebuyer Education
Qualified buyers are required to complete free homebuyer education. OHFA's streamlined education program allows you to complete a course offered by any U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved counseling agency in Ohio. Please note, OHFA homebuyer education is not completed until after homebuyer has submitted their loan application with their loan officer. Homebuyer Education is not required for borrowers who are only registered for our MTC Basic program.