Prince George's County just got a lot more generous for first-time home buyers. A brand-new program called HEP quietly launched on July 1, 2026, and it is offering $30,000 toward buying a home inside the Beltway — with no repayment required if you stay put for five years. Whether you are a public-sector worker, a longtime renter finally ready to own, or a family caregiver looking to plant roots, this program may have been built with you in mind. Read on to learn exactly how it works and whether you might qualify.
What Is the HEP Program?
HEP stands for the County's newest down payment assistance offering, launched alongside another new program called CWHAP. While both programs are fresh out of Prince George's County, HEP is the one we are focusing on here. Starting July 1, 2026, the county began offering $30,000 in down payment assistance to eligible first-time buyers who purchase a home located inside the Beltway — meaning inside Interstate 495 within Prince George's County lines.
That $30,000 is not a traditional loan where you make monthly payments. Instead, it is structured as a forgivable loan, which means the county slowly erases what you owe as long as you keep living in the home. Stick around for five years, and you owe nothing at all.
How Does the Five-Year Forgiveness Work?
Here is the part that makes HEP really appealing. The $30,000 is forgiven at a rate of 20% per year. That means:
- After year one, 20% is forgiven — you owe $24,000
- After year two, another 20% is forgiven — you owe $18,000
- After year three — you owe $12,000
- After year four — you owe $6,000
- After year five — the balance is completely gone
The key is that you need to stay in the home as your primary residence during those five years. If you sell or move out before the five years are up, you would likely owe back whatever portion has not yet been forgiven. But if you are planning to put down real roots — which most first-time buyers are — this is essentially a $30,000 gift from the county.
Who Is This Program Aimed At?
The HEP program is designed with three groups especially in mind:
- Public-sector workers — think government employees, teachers, and similar fields
- Former renters — people who have been renting and are ready to make the move to ownership
- Multigenerational caregivers — families where one member is caring for a relative and needs stable, owned housing
One important detail: unlike some assistance programs that require you to work in a specific job or have a particular occupation listed, HEP is not limited to a specific job list. That makes it broader and more accessible than you might expect. If you fall into one of those general groups and meet the other requirements, you could be in a strong position to qualify.
Income Limits and First-Time Buyer Requirement
HEP does come with an income cap. To qualify, your household income must be at or below 120% of the area median income for Prince George's County. This is a relatively generous ceiling — higher than many programs that cut off at 80% or 100% — so more middle-income buyers can qualify.
You also need to be a first-time home buyer. In most programs, that means you have not owned a primary residence in the past three years, even if you owned a home before that. If you are not sure whether you count as a first-time buyer under these rules, that is a great question to bring to a local real estate agent or lender who knows the program.
What Does "Inside the Beltway" Actually Mean?
The Beltway — Interstate 495 — loops around the Washington, D.C., metro area. "Inside the Beltway" means the home you purchase must be located on the inner side of I-495 within Prince George's County. This covers neighborhoods closer to Washington, D.C., including areas like Hyattsville, Riverdale, College Park, Bladensburg, and others nearby.
If you have been eyeing a neighborhood closer to D.C. but worried about affordability, this program is a direct push to make that possible. The county is intentionally investing in these communities, and $30,000 toward your purchase is a meaningful head start.
HEP vs. CWHAP — Which One Is Right for You?
Prince George's County also launched a second new program called CWHAP, which offers up to $50,000 in assistance. That is a bigger number, so why would someone choose HEP instead?
The main difference is flexibility. CWHAP is tied to a more specific eligibility list — certain job types or circumstances — while HEP casts a wider net. If you do not fit the narrower profile that CWHAP targets, HEP may be your path in. On the other hand, if you do qualify for CWHAP, the higher dollar amount might make it the better fit.
The good news is you do not have to figure this out alone. A knowledgeable local agent can walk you through both programs and tell you which one lines up with your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the HEP program launch?
HEP launched on July 1, 2026, making it a brand-new option for Prince George's County buyers.
Do I have to repay the $30,000?
Not if you stay in the home for five years. The assistance is forgiven at 20% per year, so after five years the full amount is erased. If you move out or sell before that, you would repay the portion not yet forgiven.
Is HEP only for people who work in specific jobs?
No. Unlike some programs tied to a particular occupation list, HEP targets public-sector workers, former renters, and multigenerational caregivers more broadly and is not limited to a specific job list.
How does HEP compare to the CWHAP program?
CWHAP offers up to $50,000 but has narrower eligibility criteria. HEP offers $30,000 with broader eligibility. Which one fits you better depends on your personal situation — talking to a local expert is the fastest way to find out.
Ready to Find Out If You Qualify?
Programs like HEP do not stay funded forever, and the details can change. If you are thinking about buying inside the Beltway in Prince George's County, now is a smart time to look into this. Take two minutes to see which Maryland programs you qualify for — it is free, fast, and could point you toward thousands of dollars in assistance you did not know was available.
This article is for education only and is not financial or legal advice. Program details change; verify with the program administrator. Not affiliated with any government agency or the Maryland Mortgage Program.