July 10, 2026 | by Katie Claflin
Categories: Homeownership, Homes for Texas Heroes
TSAHC recently increased the income limits for both our Homes for Texas Heroes and Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Programs. This exciting change will allow more home buyers to qualify for our programs and enable TSAHC to better meet our mission to facilitate, preserve and expand housing opportunities for Texans.
We know many lenders, REALTORS, and home buyers may have questions about this programmatic update, so we’ve compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions below. If you have a question that’s not included, please contact our homeownership team at [email protected].
What is an income limit?
To qualify for our programs, your income must be less than a certain amount. The maximum income allowed varies based on the county where you are purchasing a home. This requirement ensures we are helping home buyers who need our programs the most.
How much did the income limits increase?
We increased the income limits for our Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program to 150% of the area median family income (AMFI) and the income limits for the Homes for Texas Heroes Home Loan Program to 170% AMFI. Here’s a list of the new income limits for the major metro areas in Texas. You may qualify if your income does not exceed the amounts listed below.
| Metro Area | Home Sweet Texas | Homes for Texas Heroes |
| Austin | $201,600 | $228,480 |
| Dallas | $181,650 | $205,870 |
| Fort Worth | $165,450 | $187,510 |
| Houston | $156,000 | $176,800 |
| San Antonio | $157,358.12 | $178,339.20 |
| El Paso | $152,250 | $172,550 |
Take TSAHC’s eligibility quiz to see if you meet the new qualifications. The quiz will reflect the individual income limits for each county in Texas.
Why did TSAHC increase its income limits?
Persistent high interest rates combined with high home prices have made buying a home more expensive than ever. Due to these ongoing affordability challenges, many families that may not have needed our programs before now need some assistance with their down payment and closing costs. Increasing our income limits helps us address this need head on and ensure that more Texans have the opportunity to become homeowners.
Why is the Homes for Texas Heroes income limit higher than the Home Sweet Texas income limit?
The affordability crisis is most acute for Texas public servants who work hard to keep our communities strong, but are finding it harder than ever to purchase a home in the communities they serve. Increasing our income limits to 170% AMFI for Texas Heroes recognizes the valuable contribution teachers, police officers, fire fighters, EMS personnel, corrections officers, and veterans make to our communities.
This expanded income limit will also better enable households with two Texas Heroes (or one Texas Hero and another working adult) to continue to meet our income requirements, thereby taking advantage of a program that was specifically authorized by the Texas Legislature to assist them.
Will this affect TSAHC’s ability to still serve lower income households?
No. The funding source for most of TSAHC’s down payment assistance options is unlimited, so we can serve as many home buyers as qualify for our programs. That also means there’s no chance we’ll run out of funds for our down payment assistance.
Did the income limits for the Mortgage Credit Certificate increase too?
No, the income limits for the MCC tax credit are set by the federal government at 115% AMFI. Home buyers that plan to combine an MCC with their down payment assistance must meet the MCC income limit, which is lower than the income limit for down payment assistance. The eligibility quiz will help you determine if you meet the income limits for both the MCC and down payment assistance options.
How do I apply for TSAHC's assistance?
The first step is to take the eligibility quiz (which is updated to reflect our new income limits). If you qualify, you’ll be provided a list of participating lenders in your area. Simply reach out to them and tell them you’d like to use TSAHC’s programs. Your lender will confirm that you meet the requirements and provide you with all the paperwork for your mortgage loan and down payment assistance.
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