Cobb County Government employee down payment grant

How the employee grant works

This is a grant, not a loan, layered onto the regular Cobb County DPA. You must use the Cobb DPA first mortgage (a 30-year fixed FHA, VA or Freddie Mac HFA Advantage loan), and the $10,000 comes in addition to that program's 1% or 2% grant. All of the base program's income, loan-size and credit rules apply.

Who counts as a county employee

Eligibility is limited to full-time employees of Cobb County Government, meaning the Board of Commissioners side, with 12 or more consecutive months on the job. The guide specifically excludes Cobb County School District staff and employees of cities in Cobb. Because Cobb County Police and Cobb County Fire are departments of county government, their full-time staff appear to fit the rule, but the guide doesn't name them, so confirm with HR. Teachers in the county school district don't qualify here; they should look at Georgia Dream PEN (see our teachers page), and Marietta City Schools staff have their own Marietta grant.

What it is not

It isn't a standalone program you can pair with any lender's loan, and it isn't open to new hires; the 12-month clock has to run first. It's also separate from Georgia Dream: the Cobb guide doesn't say whether PEN can be added to the Cobb first mortgage, so a participating lender confirms whether they combine.

Timing tip: if you're close to your one-year anniversary, wait until you pass it before applying. The guide requires 12 consecutive months of full-time work, so ask HR how they verify it and how any break in service is treated.

How to apply

1. Choose a lender approved for the Cobb DPA program.
2. Tell them up front you're a county employee.
3. Your HR department completes a verification of employment (VOE) form.
4. Close on a home in Cobb within the program's loan limits and move in within 60 days.

For a county deputy or firefighter, overtime can help you qualify; our overtime income guide explains how lenders count it. Local market details are on the Cobb County page, or check eligibility.

Common questions about Cobb County Government Employee DPA

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Our summary of the official program page as of November 2026. Money and terms change, so check the current details with the program or a participating lender. Georgia Down Payment Assistance has no connection to this program.