If you're behind on your mortgage, utility bills, or other housing costs because of a financial hardship, the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) may be one of the most valuable resources available to you. Understanding how it works — and how to navigate the application process — can make a real difference in whether you keep your home.
The Homeowner Assistance Fund is a federal program created through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The U.S. Department of the Treasury distributed funds to states, territories, and tribal governments, which then designed and ran their own local programs.
That last part matters: HAF is not one single program. It's a federal funding framework administered differently in every state. Eligibility rules, covered expenses, application processes, and available funding all vary depending on where you live.
The program was designed primarily to help homeowners who experienced financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic — though how strictly states define and apply that standard differs.
Depending on your state's program, HAF assistance can cover a range of housing-related expenses, including:
Not every state covers every category. Some programs prioritize one type of assistance over others. Knowing what your state's program covers is the first practical step.
While specifics vary by state, most HAF programs share a common eligibility framework:
| Eligibility Factor | General Requirement |
|---|---|
| Homeownership | Must be your primary residence |
| Financial hardship | Hardship connected to COVID-19 pandemic impact |
| Income limits | Typically tied to area median income (AMI) thresholds |
| Delinquency status | Many programs prioritize households at risk of foreclosure |
| Loan type | Generally applies to most conventional and government-backed loans |
Income limits are one of the most common gatekeeping factors. Most programs serve households at or below a percentage of their area's median income, though the exact threshold varies by state and sometimes by county. Your household size also factors into how that limit is calculated.
Hardship documentation is typically required. This might include proof of job loss, reduced income, medical expenses, or other financial disruption.
Because HAF is state-administered, there is no single national application portal. Here's how to locate and apply through the right channel:
The U.S. Department of the Treasury maintains a resource page listing HAF programs by state. You can also search your state's housing finance agency website directly. Search terms like "[your state] Homeowner Assistance Fund" or "[your state] mortgage relief program" typically surface the right pages.
⚠️ Important: Many state HAF programs have paused or closed applications as funding has been drawn down. Some states have exhausted their allocations entirely; others maintain waitlists or have reopened with remaining funds. Checking current program status before investing time in gathering documents is a smart first move.
While requirements differ, most programs ask for some combination of:
Having these documents organized before you start an application reduces delays.
Most state programs use an online portal, though some offer phone or in-person assistance — particularly for applicants who face language barriers or limited internet access. Take your time with the application; incomplete submissions are a leading cause of delays and denials.
HAF programs often pay servicers directly. Your servicer may need to confirm delinquency amounts or agree to accept the payment. Keeping open communication with your servicer during this process matters — they can also inform you of other loss mitigation options running parallel to your HAF application.
Processing timelines vary considerably by state and program volume. Some applicants receive decisions within weeks; others have waited months during high-demand periods. Most programs will notify you if additional documentation is needed.
If approved, funds are generally sent directly to the mortgage servicer, tax authority, or utility provider — not to the homeowner. This protects both the program and the homeowner by ensuring funds go toward the intended expense.
If denied, many programs have an appeals or reconsideration process. Denial reasons commonly include income over the threshold, incomplete documentation, or the home not being a primary residence.
If you're facing active foreclosure proceedings, timing is critical. Some HAF programs can pause or delay foreclosure while an application is being reviewed, but this is not automatic and not guaranteed. You typically need to notify both your servicer and the program that foreclosure is imminent.
Homeowners in active foreclosure should also explore parallel options, including:
HAF assistance, foreclosure prevention counseling, and servicer negotiations are not mutually exclusive. Pursuing more than one avenue simultaneously is common and often advisable.
Several variables determine what happens when any individual applies for HAF relief:
No two applicants face identical circumstances, and the combination of these factors produces different outcomes across different households. What applies to a neighbor in the same situation may not apply to you if your income, loan type, or state program differs.
If the application feels overwhelming, free help is available. HUD-approved housing counseling agencies can walk you through HAF applications, review your documents, and help you understand your broader options — without charging fees or pushing products. Finding an agency through the official HUD locator tool ensures you're working with a vetted, legitimate resource.
State housing finance agencies sometimes also offer direct assistance lines for HAF applicants, particularly for those facing foreclosure.
