Prince George's County quietly launched a brand-new program on July 1, 2026 that most buyers haven't heard about yet. It's called HEP, and it puts $30,000 toward your home purchase — then forgives every penny of it over five years. No repayment. No catch. If you work in the public sector, you've been renting and are ready to own, or you're a multigenerational caregiver moving in to help family, this program was literally built with you in mind. Let's break down exactly how it works and whether it might be right for you.
What Is the HEP Program?
HEP is a Prince George's County down payment assistance program that launched on July 1, 2026. The county offers $30,000 to eligible first-time home buyers to help cover the cost of purchasing a home. What makes HEP stand out is its forgiveness structure — you don't have to pay that money back as long as you stay in the home and meet the program's requirements.
This is the second new program PG County rolled out in 2026. The other one is called CWHAP, which offers $50,000 but is limited to a specific list of jobs. HEP is different — it casts a wider net and isn't tied to a narrow job category.
The Beltway Rule: Where Can You Buy?
Here's one of the most important details: HEP is for homes inside the Beltway in Prince George's County. That means the property you're buying needs to be located within the loop of I-495. If you've been house-hunting in PG County, this will shape your search. Neighborhoods like Hyattsville, Seat Pleasant, Capitol Heights, Landover, and parts of College Park fall in this zone — areas that are close to DC and often more affordable than you might expect.
If you're not sure whether a home you're looking at qualifies geographically, that's something a local real estate agent familiar with the program can help you confirm quickly.
How the 5-Year Forgiveness Works
This is the part that really gets people excited — and for good reason. The $30,000 is forgiven at a rate of 20% per year. That means:
- After year one, $6,000 is forgiven
- After year two, another $6,000 is forgiven
- By the end of year five, the entire $30,000 is gone — you owe nothing
You do need to stay in the home during that five-year period. If you sell or move out before the five years are up, you'd likely have to repay whatever hasn't been forgiven yet. But if you stay put, the county is essentially giving you $30,000 — free and clear.
Compare that to programs that forgive over 10 years, and you can see why HEP is worth paying attention to. Five years is a much shorter runway to full forgiveness.
Who HEP Is Designed For
The program targets three main groups of buyers:
- Public-sector workers — people who work for government agencies, schools, or similar employers
- Former renters — people who have been renting and are now ready to make the move to homeownership
- Multigenerational caregivers — people who are buying a home specifically to live with and care for a family member
That third category is especially notable. Multigenerational caregivers are a group that most down payment assistance programs simply ignore. If you're moving in with an aging parent or bringing an adult child with a disability into your home, HEP sees you — and it's offering real financial help.
Unlike the county's CWHAP program, HEP does not require you to work in a specific job or profession. The public-sector focus is part of the program's spirit, but it isn't a rigid gatekeeper for everyone who applies.
The Basic Eligibility Rules
A few key requirements apply to HEP:
- You must be a first-time home buyer (generally meaning you haven't owned a home in the past three years)
- Your income must be at or below 120% of the area median income for Prince George's County
- The home must be located inside the Beltway in Prince George's County
The video doesn't quote specific dollar income limits because those figures can change — and you should always verify current numbers directly with the program administrator or a lender who works with HEP. What matters right now is that 120% of area median income is a relatively generous ceiling. Many middle-income buyers in PG County will fit under it.
HEP vs. CWHAP: Which One Is Right for You?
Prince George's County now has two new programs running side by side, and it's worth understanding how they compare:
- HEP — $30,000, forgiven over 5 years, inside the Beltway, open to public-sector workers, renters, and multigenerational caregivers, not tied to a specific job list
- CWHAP — $50,000, but limited to buyers in specific job categories
If you work in one of the jobs CWHAP covers, you may want to explore that program first because the grant amount is larger. But if you don't fit a narrow job category, HEP gives you a real shot at significant help. Your real estate agent and lender can help you figure out which program you're more likely to qualify for — or whether you might stack benefits from multiple sources.
The Four Steps to Move Forward
According to the video, here's the order of moves to make if HEP interests you:
- Do a quick eligibility check to see which programs you may qualify for
- Connect with a lender who is familiar with PG County assistance programs
- Work with a local real estate agent who knows the inside-the-Beltway market
- Start your home search with your assistance amount already in hand
Getting pre-qualified first — before you start touring homes — puts you in a much stronger position and helps you move fast when you find the right place.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did HEP launch?
HEP launched on July 1, 2026. It is one of two new down payment assistance programs that Prince George's County rolled out at the same time.
Do I have to work a specific job to qualify for HEP?
No. Unlike the county's CWHAP program, HEP is not limited to a specific job list. It targets public-sector workers, former renters, and multigenerational caregivers broadly — making it accessible to more buyers.
What happens if I sell my home before the five years are up?
If you move or sell before the full five-year forgiveness period ends, you would likely need to repay the portion that hasn't been forgiven yet. Staying in the home for the full five years is how you get the complete $30,000 forgiven.
How is HEP different from CWHAP?
HEP offers $30,000 with a five-year forgiveness timeline and is open to a broader range of buyers. CWHAP offers $50,000 but requires the buyer to work in a specific qualifying job category. Both programs require the home to be in Prince George's County.
Ready to See If You Qualify?
HEP is one of the most accessible new programs to hit Prince George's County in a long time — $30,000, forgiven in five years, with no narrow job requirement blocking the door. If you've been renting in PG County and wondering if homeownership is within reach, this program is worth a serious look.
Take two minutes right now and see which Maryland programs you qualify for — it's free, it's fast, and it could change what's possible for you this year.
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.