Georgia Protector, Educator, and Healthcare (PEN) Grant Checklist

A step-by-step checklist for consumers applying for the Georgia PEN Grant Program in 2025.

Confirm Your Eligibility

Ensure you are employed in a qualifying profession, such as law enforcement, education, healthcare, or firefighting.
Verify that your household income meets the program’s limits, which vary based on family size and county.
Confirm that your credit score meets the minimum requirement for the program, typically 640 or higher for FHA, VA, and USDA loans, or 660 for conventional loans. Your assigned Loan Officer may provide additional guidance.
Verify that the property you plan to purchase is within the program’s price limits and will serve as your primary residence.

Provide proof of employment in a qualifying field, such as a letter from your employer or certification of employment.
Collect proof of income, including recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, or other income verification documents.
Gather your tax returns for the past two years, including all schedules and attachments.
Obtain recent bank statements for the last two to three months for all financial accounts.
Prepare property details, such as the address, purchase agreement, and sale price.
Compile any additional documents requested by your Loan Officer, such as verification of debts, liabilities, or proof of assets.

Your assigned Loan Officer will guide you through the Georgia PEN Grant application process.
Schedule a meeting or phone call with your Loan Officer to confirm your eligibility, review program details, and outline the steps required to complete your application.
Ask any questions about the program benefits, required documentation, or application timelines.
Follow your Loan Officer’s instructions to gather and submit all required materials accurately and on time.

Collaborate with your Loan Officer to accurately complete your application for the Georgia PEN Grant.
Submit all required documents to verify your eligibility for the program’s down payment and closing cost assistance.
Review the completed application with your Loan Officer to ensure it is accurate and error-free before submission.
If necessary, attend a homebuyer education course to meet the program’s requirements.

Sign all necessary documents provided by your Loan Officer to secure your participation in the program.
Prepare for any additional costs not covered by the grant, such as closing fees or prepaid expenses.
Receive confirmation of your enrollment and detailed instructions on how the grant assistance will be applied to your home purchase.

Ensure the purchased property remains your primary residence for the duration required by the program guidelines.
Notify your Loan Officer immediately if you plan to sell, refinance, or make changes to your mortgage, as these actions could impact your program benefits.
Stay updated on program requirements or changes to maintain compliance and retain your assistance benefits.