Ohio Heroes · Teachers & school staff
Ohio Heroes for teachers and school staff
Ohio pre-K to 12 teachers, administrators and counselors can get a discounted OHFA rate and 3% to 3.5% down payment help through Ohio Heroes.
Who is covered
OHFA lists teachers from pre-K through grade 12, administrators and counselors as eligible. OHFA does not publish how employment is verified or whether there is a minimum time on the job, so your lender confirms what it needs.
Ohio Heroes is a 30-year fixed OHFA mortgage with a discounted interest rate for Ohio teachers, police, firefighters, EMTs, healthcare workers and veterans. You can add optional OHFA Down Payment Assistance of 3% (conventional) or 3.5% (FHA, VA, USDA) of the purchase price, forgiven after seven years. OHFA does not publish the size of the rate discount, so a participating lender quotes it.
New teacher? Compare Grants for Grads
If you earned your degree in the last 18 months, OHFA's Grants for Grads also offers a discounted rate plus 3% to 3.5% assistance. That assistance is forgiven after five years if you stay in Ohio, two years sooner than the standard seven. OHFA does not say whether it combines with Ohio Heroes, so have a lender compare them.
How your school income counts
For the income limit, all income of the borrowers who will live in the home counts, not just your teaching salary. Check your county's limit for your household size before you shop.
Papers to pull together
- Last three years of tax returns and W-2s
- 30 days of pay stubs
- 30 days of bank statements
- Your Social Security number
- Proof of your school role, in whatever form your lender asks for
Reader questions
Do counselors and principals qualify?
Yes. OHFA's list includes pre-K to 12 administrators and counselors as well as teachers.
Do I have to teach in a public school?
OHFA's consumer page lists pre-K through grade 12 teachers without saying public or private. A participating lender confirms whether your school role qualifies.
Can I use the help for closing costs?
Yes. OHFA Down Payment Assistance can cover the down payment, closing costs or other pre-closing costs, but not the earnest money deposit.
