USDA Refinance Options
USDA refinance is not a generic cash-out program. Current rules provide specific refinance paths for existing USDA loans.
Three refinance options
Current Chapter 6 includes non-streamlined, streamlined and streamlined-assist refinance structures.
Existing loan must be USDA
The current refinance matrix says only loans already financed or guaranteed by USDA are eligible for these USDA refinance options.
Current seasoning
The existing loan must have closed at least 180 days before submission to USDA.
No cash-out from equity
Current USDA rules do not permit cash-out from collateral equity. Borrower reimbursement of eligible prepaid closing costs and escrow overages is treated separately.
Rate and occupancy
The new loan must use a fixed rate at or below the current rate, the household must meet applicable adjusted-income limits, and the borrower must occupy the property.
Streamlined-assist benefit test
Current USDA refinance guidance requires at least a $50 monthly reduction in principal, interest and the monthly annual-fee component for streamlined-assist.
USDA rule, GUS result, or lender overlay?
If a lender says this cannot be done, identify the exact layer before treating the answer as universal. Use the USDA decline framework →
Official USDA baseline
USDA Chapter 6 — Refinance Matrix · USDA Loan Origination Resources
Educational summary. Current handbook, GUS findings and approved-lender requirements control the actual transaction.