S. 978In committeeJobs & the economy
Zero-down FHA home loans proposed for first responders and teachers
Data as of July 11, 2026
Senate bill S 978 would let eligible first responders and teachers buy a first home with no down payment through FHA.50-second read · 5 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
S 978 would create a five-year FHA loan program allowing qualified first responders and teachers to purchase a home with zero down payment. Instead of recurring monthly mortgage insurance fees, borrowers would pay a single upfront insurance premium at closing. Each person may use the program only once.
Who does it affect?
The program covers full-time police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and public or private K-12 teachers who have never owned a home. Part-time workers in those fields are not eligible.
Why does it matter?
Removing the down payment requirement changes the financial threshold for homeownership among workers in these fields. Shifting mortgage insurance to a one-time upfront premium rather than monthly payments alters the long-term cost structure of qualifying loans.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- ~$1M+ admin funding, 2026–2032
- Loans backed by FHA insurance fund
- No direct government loan spending
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- Senate committee — You are here
- Senate vote
- House
- President's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
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Official title
HELPER Act of 2025
- Introduced:
- March 12, 2025
- Latest action:
- March 12, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.