Mortgage Navigator • Rhode Island DPA

Rhode Island down payment assistance, deep-checked against current state program sources.

A current inventory of state-run and state-administered assistance in Rhode Island, plus national DPA options. Funding and rate sheets can still change after this review date.

Reviewed September 11, 2026 • Joshua Dobson, NMLS #190260

Published Minimum FICO: Published minimum FICO is shown only where the administering agency currently publishes one. If a universal score is not established, Mortgage Navigator labels it product/program specific rather than inventing a number.

Quick comparison

ProgramPotential assistancePublished min. FICORepayment/ForgivenessBiggest catch
RIHousing 15kDPA$15,0006600% second, no monthly payments; due upon specified occupancy/title/sale/encumbrance triggersVerify live funding and current lender matrix before relying on the program.
RIHousing FirstGenHomeRI$25,0006600% assistance forgivable after 5 years of required primary occupancyVerify live funding and current lender matrix before relying on the program.
RIHousing Extra AssistanceUp to 6% of purchase price or $20,000, whichever is lower62015-year second mortgage; interest equals RIHousing first-mortgage rateVerify live funding and current lender matrix before relying on the program.
State program

RIHousing 15kDPA

RIHousing 15kDPA is a current state-administered homebuyer assistance option. Mortgage Navigator uses the administering agency as the controlling source and avoids filling changing details with stale third-party numbers.

Published minimum FICO: 660

Biggest catch: Verify live funding and current lender matrix before relying on the program.
State program

RIHousing FirstGenHomeRI

RIHousing FirstGenHomeRI is a current state-administered homebuyer assistance option. Mortgage Navigator uses the administering agency as the controlling source and avoids filling changing details with stale third-party numbers.

Published minimum FICO: 660

Biggest catch: Verify live funding and current lender matrix before relying on the program.
State program

RIHousing Extra Assistance

RIHousing Extra Assistance is a current state-administered homebuyer assistance option. Mortgage Navigator uses the administering agency as the controlling source and avoids filling changing details with stale third-party numbers.

Published minimum FICO: 620

Biggest catch: Verify live funding and current lender matrix before relying on the program.

National programs Rhode Island buyers should also check

National

National Homebuyers Fund

NHF multi-state assistance may be available through participating lenders. Current lender/product terms control credit, pricing, assistance and repayment or forgiveness.

Published minimum FICO: product/lender specific

Biggest catch: Compare first-mortgage pricing and DPA terms together.
National

Chenoa Fund

Chenoa Fund provides FHA down-payment assistance through approved lender partners. Current matrices control credit, pricing and second-mortgage terms.

Published minimum FICO: product/lender specific

Biggest catch: Current lender/program matrix controls.

Rhode Island's biggest DPA lesson

Rhode Island currently markets three distinct RIHousing assistance programs: 15kDPA, FirstGenHomeRI and Extra Assistance. The RI REALTORS grant is explicitly closed and is excluded from active options.

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Official sources