Housing subsidies: how to combine several types of aid

Last updated: June 2026

Doña Marleny had been told at the compensation fund that her subsidy "wasn't enough" for the house she wanted. What no one explained to her was that the subsidy didn't have to be used alone. When she added up the government contribution, the fund's contribution, and her own severance pay, the calculation changed completely, and she was able to afford it. This sum has a name and a legal basis, but many families are unaware of it.

In short: the concurrence of housing subsidies It's the possibility of combining, for the same house, several forms of assistance from different sources: the national government subsidy, the one from your family welfare fund, the one from your department or municipality, and your own resources such as severance pay and loans. It's not a trick or a loophole; it's included in the housing policy. Here we explain how it works, what can be combined, and what mistakes can prevent you from getting in the loop.

What is the concurrence of housing subsidies?

Combining housing subsidies, simply put, means using more than one form of assistance to pay for the same home. The basic rule is simple: you cannot receive the same subsidy twice from the same entity, but you can combine subsidies from different sources.

That's why a family can receive both a subsidy from the national government and one from their family compensation fund. Each comes from a different budget and serves a similar but not identical purpose. When both are applied to the same purchase, the amount you have to pay out of pocket decreases, and that's sometimes precisely what unlocks the loan.

What subsidies and resources can be combined?

The idea is to assemble a puzzle with several pieces that fit together. These are the most common ones in Colombia.

• National Government subsidy. The contribution that the State provides through current housing programs, according to your Sisbén group and income.
• Compensation fund subsidy. If you're a member, your pension fund provides its own subsidy. See how to apply in our guide. housing subsidy from compensation fund.
• Departmental or municipal subsidy. Some municipalities and governorships have their own programs, such as those of the Habitat Secretariat in large cities.
• Your severance pay. The law allows you to use them for housing; we'll tell you how in How to use severance pay to buy a home.
• Mortgage loan or leasing. The part you finance with the bank or with the FNA housing loan complete the total value.

The order isn't rigid, but the logic is: subsidies and your savings reduce what you need to borrow, and credit covers the rest.

Is there a limit to the total amount of subsidies?

Yes. The government sets a limit on the total amount of subsidies a family can receive for a single home, and this limit is updated annually. Therefore, you shouldn't rely on random figures circulating online: the exact amount and current conditions are defined by the Ministry of Housing.

What you can be clear about is the principle: even if you combine several forms of assistance, the total cannot exceed that maximum or the value of the property. Before committing to a house, confirm the current limit in the Ministry of Housing portal or directly at your compensation fund, which knows the competition rules in detail.

How are subsidies applied to purchases?

Here's a point that confuses many families: the subsidy is almost never money that goes into your account to spend. It's a contribution applied to the final financing of the home, meaning it goes towards completing the purchase price along with your down payment and the loan.

In practice, the subsidy is paid to the project or the seller at the time of closing, not before. That's why you need to plan for multiple subsidies from the start: you have to apply for each one through its respective channel, secure your loan, and demonstrate that, all together, it covers the value of the house. If you want to see the full range of available subsidies, our page on [website/page name] is helpful. housing subsidies in Colombia.

What mistakes will disqualify you from the competition?

We've seen families lose an already allocated subsidy due to avoidable details. These are the most frequent pitfalls.

• Purchase before applying. If you sign the deed without having the subsidies allocated, you'll almost always be left out.
• Not verifying your information. Outdated information in the Sisbén system or on your pension fund may delay the allocation. Check your status before starting.
• Choosing a home that doesn't qualify. Each program has property value limits and requirements. Confirm that the house meets them.
• Letting deadlines expire. Subsidies have expiration dates; if you don't use them within the deadline, you lose them.

If you've already experienced rejection, don't remain in doubt: in Why was my grant application rejected? We explain how to understand the cause and what to do next.

Table: what can be added together when subsidies are combined

Each grant comes from a different source, which is why they can be combined. The fundamental rule remains the same: you cannot receive the same grant twice from the same entity.

Source or resource	Who delivers it	Can it be added to the others?
National Government Subsidy	State, through existing housing programs	Yes, with contributions from other sources
Compensation fund subsidy	Your family compensation fund	Yes, if you're a member
Departmental or municipal subsidy	Governor's office or mayor's office (e.g., Housing Secretariat)	Yes, depending on the program.
Severance pay	Your severance fund	Yes, they are our own resources.
Housing credit or leasing	National Savings Bank or Fund	Yes, complete the total value.

General application guidelines. The total amount cannot exceed the maximum limit or the value of the property; the maximum amount is set by the Ministry of Housing and changes annually. Confirm the current conditions before committing.

Frequently asked questions about the concurrence of housing subsidies

Can I receive the government subsidy and the savings fund subsidy at the same time?

Yes, because they come from different sources. The rule you can't break is receiving the same subsidy twice from the same entity. Combining the national contribution with that of your compensation fund is precisely what allows for multiple subsidies.

Does the competition apply to used housing or only to new housing?

It depends on the program. Some subsidies apply only to new homes, while others also apply to used homes, and the conditions change each year. Confirm with the program's official channel and at your local bank before choosing a property.

Will I receive the subsidy in cash?

No. The subsidy is applied to the closing of the property and is disbursed at the time of purchase, usually to the project or seller. It is not freely available funds.

Do I need a loan to use the subsidies?

Not always, but it's the most common scenario. If your savings and subsidies don't cover the entire cost, a loan or lease will cover the difference. That's why it's a good idea to have financing arranged while you're applying.

How Hepacom accompanies you

At the Hechos Para la Comunidad Foundation, we frequently see families who had the means to buy a house, but didn't know they could combine them. Housing subsidies are one of those tools that can transform "it's not enough" into "it can be done," provided it's planned in advance and with verified information.

We help you organize your situation, understand what support you could receive based on your case, and connect that path with your goal. decent housing in Colombia. Find more guides on housing and rights in our blog And if you need guidance, write to us at donaciones@hepacom.org.

Information guide. The official agency handles the process. Verify the limits, requirements, and current deadlines through official channels before making any decisions. Hepacom does not charge fees or manage subsidies or procedures.