Bill · H.R. 10524· House(119-HR-10524)
HELPER Plus Act
- Introduced
- 9/21/2026
- Last activity
- 9/21/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Sponsored by
- Ryan Mackenzie
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill amends the National Housing Act to create a new mortgage insurance program called the HELPER Plus Act. It allows certain workers, including first responders, 911 dispatchers, child care workers, and correctional officers, to access FHA-insured mortgages. Eligible first-time homebuyers under this program can purchase a principal residence without paying any down payment. The bill also prohibits monthly insurance premiums for these mortgages while setting rules for up-front insurance premiums. Finally, it authorizes specific appropriations to fund the program through fiscal year 2032.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this make housing cost less?+6
The bill creates a specialized FHA mortgage program providing zero-down-payment options and eliminating monthly insurance premiums for essential public workers.
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+4
Young adults starting out in essential public service careers benefit significantly from zero-down-payment mortgage options.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+4
Eliminating down payment hurdles helps lower-income essential workers purchase their first home.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
The bill authorizes specific appropriations of public funds to establish and administer the new mortgage insurance program.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
No Down Payment Requirement: Under Section 2, adding subsection (z)(3)(A)(ii), eligible mortgagors are not required to pay any amount in cash or its equivalent on account of the property, and mortgages can be insured up to 100 percent of the appraised value. This allows qualified workers to buy a home without needing upfront cash for a down payment.
-
Elimination of Monthly Insurance Premiums: Under Section 2, adding subsection (z)(3)(B)(ii), mortgages insured under this program are not subject to a monthly insurance premium. This helps keep ongoing monthly housing costs lower for the homeowner.
-
Support for Critical Public Workers: Under Section 2, adding subsection (z)(1) and subsection (z)(4)(C), specific groups such as first responders, 911 call center operators and dispatchers, child care workers, and correctional officers or prison guards are given access to this specialized mortgage insurance program. This provides targeted housing assistance to essential workers who serve their communities.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Up-Front Premium Costs: Under Section 2, adding subsection (z)(3)(B)(i), the Secretary shall establish and collect an up-front insurance premium that may exceed 3 percent of the original insured principal obligation. This adds an extra financial cost that must be paid at the time the mortgage is handled.
-
Strict Employment History and Standing Rules: Under Section 2, adding subsection (z)(4)(C), applicants must meet rigorous work history requirements, such as being employed as a first responder for not less than 4 of the 5 preceding years, being in good standing, not being on probation or under investigation, and intending to continue for at least one year. Individuals who do not meet these precise work conditions are excluded from the program benefits.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Middle Class Households+4Good For Young Adults+4Good For Middle Aged+3Good For Union Workers+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing+6Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+2Reduces Government Spending-1
- 9/21/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Introduced in House