Twenty percent of aspiring homeowners believe they’ll never be able to save enough for a down payment, according to Bankrate’s Down Payment Survey. You don’t have to rely solely on savings to buy a home, however. There are many forms of down payment assistance, in varying amounts, that could help you bridge the gap.

Down payment assistance programs are loans and grants designed to help homebuyers afford a down payment. Some programs also help with closing costs.

There are thousands of home down payment assistance programs nationwide. While a few programs exist at the federal level and some individual mortgage lenders offer them, most down payment help is offered at the local level through state, county and city government programs.

The amount of assistance varies by program.

For example, the state of Illinois’ Housing Development Authority, or IHDA, Access Mortgage programs provides up to $10,000 for eligible borrowers’ down payment and closing costs. And California’s MyHome Assistance Program offers a deferred- payment second mortgage for conventional borrowers to be used for down payment or closing costs.

Program Types

Grants: A homebuyer grant provides a one-time cash sum, often in the form of a no-interest second mortgage. The funds don’t have to be repaid. You can use the money to cover all or part of a down payment or closing costs.

Forgivable loans: A forgivable loan is technically a second mortgage, but it’s effectively a grant because you don’t have to repay it if you meet certain requirements. Generally, these include paying your mortgage on time every month and staying in the home for a specific period.

Low-interest loans: This type of down payment assistance also functions as a second mortgage, but with a more affordable interest rate. Along with making monthly payments for the first mortgage, you’ll repay the low-interest loan, typically over a few years.

Deferred-payment loans: Unlike a low-interest loan, a deferred-payment loan usually doesn’t charge interest. You’ll still need to repay it, but not until the loan’s term ends, you move house or refinance your first mortgage.

Individual Development Accounts: Also called a matched savings account, an Individual Development Account, or IDA, is a special savings account through which contributions are matched by private or public money. These programs typically come with strict income caps and employment requirements, and participants usually need to complete free financial literacy training.

Lender down payment assistance programs: Some mortgage lenders offer their own down payment assistance to eligible borrowers. Bank of America, Chase and Wells Fargo, for example, offer down payment and closing cost grants. Other lenders offer matched savings opportunities.

How to find them

Your state’s HFA: Every state runs an HFA that helps homeowners and renters. Contact your state’s HFA or visit its website to learn about your down payment assistance options.

Your city or county website: Many counties and cities offer down payment assistance. Check your municipality’s website for more.

HUD: Check the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s, or HUD, website for local homebuying programs by state.

Your lender: Your loan officer can help point you to an assistance program.

Down Payment Resource: Down Payment Resource, a private company, provides various resources for homebuyers, real estate agents and lenders, including an eligibility and assistance lookup tool.