What Income Counts for Arizona DPA? 2026 Rules

Arizona DPA eligibility is measured against the income your lender calculates during qualification — for HOME Plus, that number must come in under $136,609 (2026). Which paychecks, side gigs, and bonuses count is determined by standard mortgage underwriting rules, and the details can move a borderline buyer from "over the limit" to "qualified."

The 2026 Limit and Who It Applies To

Quick Answer: HOME Plus uses one flat limit — $136,609 in all 15 Arizona counties — while PTHS in Pima County varies its limits by household size. Full county tables are in our income limits by county guide.

How the income is counted matters as much as the limit itself. Two households earning the same gross dollars can calculate differently depending on income type, history, and who is actually on the loan. Program rules differ on whose income counts — your lender will confirm whether your program measures the borrowers on the loan or the broader household.

Income Types and How Underwriters Treat Them

Income Type	How It's Typically Counted
Base salary / hourly	Current rate, verified with paystubs and W-2s
Overtime & bonus	Averaged, and only with a consistent history
Commission	Averaged over time; declining trends are scrutinized
Self-employment	Net income after expenses from tax returns, usually averaged
Second jobs	Counted with an established history
Rental income	Partially counted, with documentation
Child support / alimony	Can count if documented and continuing

Two takeaways jump out of that table:

1. Self-employed buyers are measured on net, not gross. A contractor grossing well into six figures may calculate far below the limit after legitimate business expenses.
2. New overtime and new side hustles may not count yet. If your recent gross looks too high because of a temporary spike, the calculated figure may still qualify.

If You're Close to the Limit

Don't self-reject based on your gross pay. Instead:

• Get a real calculation. A licensed loan officer can compute your qualifying income in minutes from your documents.
• Mind the timing. Income is verified when you apply — a raise that hasn't hit yet isn't counted until it does.
• Consider who's on the loan. In some situations, structuring the application differently changes the calculated income. This is a conversation for your lender, not a DIY decision.

Then estimate what your assistance would be worth with the DPA calculator, and confirm the full picture in our complete Arizona DPA programs guide.

Documentation You'll Need

• Recent paystubs and last two years of W-2s
• Federal tax returns (especially if self-employed or commissioned)
• Award letters for fixed income sources
• Documentation for support income you want counted

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my spouse's income count if they're not on the loan?

It depends on the program's rules, and this is one of the most consequential details in DPA qualifying. Ask your loan officer to run your specific scenario both ways before you assume you're over the limit.

Does overtime count toward the Arizona DPA income limit?

Overtime counts when it has a consistent, documented history. A few months of new overtime typically does not count yet.

I'm self-employed — what number do lenders use?

Net income from your tax returns, generally averaged. Gross receipts are not the figure measured against the $136,609 limit.

What happens if my income rises after closing?

Nothing. Eligibility is measured at qualification. Raises, new jobs, or windfalls after closing do not affect your assistance or its forgiveness schedule.

Get Your Number Calculated

Tanner Cook (NMLS #2090424) and Zac Cook (NMLS #2111496) at Cornerstone First Mortgage (NMLS #173855) calculate qualifying income for Arizona DPA buyers every week. Take the quiz and find out where you actually stand.