PAHAF applications reopen March 18, 2024 to help homeowners impacted by COVID-19

(Updated March 12, 2024)

The PA Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF) reopens Monday, March 18, 2024, after being closed to new applications for more than a year. Legal Aid of Southeastern PA may be able to help people in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties with their applications. Contact LASP at 877-429-5994 or lasp.org/apply.

Applications reopen Monday, March 18, 2024 for the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF)!

PAHAF helps homeowners struggling due to pandemic-related financial hardships. The financial assistance is available to eligible homeowners for mortgage and housing-related expenses. The program is intended to address delinquency and avoid default, foreclosure or displacement.

The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).

Funds are limited! Apply ASAP!

  • PAHAF funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible new applicants until the funds are spent. APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

  • Priority will be given to homeowners facing an imminent adverse action like a notice of foreclosure, sheriff sale or utility shut-off notice.

  • Submitting an application does not guarantee funding.

How to apply

How LASP might be able to help

Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP) may be able to help residents of Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties with the application process. Call our Helpline, 877-429-5994, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or apply online at lasp.org/apply.

Eligibility

  • Homeowner owns and occupies the property as their primary residence.

  • Property is in Pennsylvania.

  • Homeowner has experienced a financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic since January 21, 2020, and is seeking assistance with past due mortgage and housing-related expenses. This can include a qualified financial hardship that began before January 21, 2020 and continued after that date.

  • Homeowner is at least 30 days past due on the mortgage payments and/or housing-related expenses for which they are requesting PAHAF assistance, except for forward mortgage assistance, for which, as a standalone option, mortgage payments cannot be delinquent to receive funding.

  • Household income is equal to or less than 150% area median income (AMI). Click here to determine your income eligibility for PAHAF and review income prioritization details on the PAHAF website.

  • Homeowner’s first mortgage must have been, at the time of origination, not greater than the Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac conforming loan limit in effect at the time of loan origination.

  • Homeowner has not already received or applied for assistance for mortgage payment, mortgage reinstatement, property charges, and/or utility payment from another federal, state, local, nonprofit, or tribal source.

Required documents may include:

  • Copy of government-issued photo ID for all homeowner applicants

  • Copy of your Social Security or Tax Identification card, OR Submission of income tax related forms such as 1040s, W2s, 1099s, etc., showing the last four digits of your Social Security number or your Tax Identification Number

  • Proof of current income (such as previous year’s Tax Return, W2s, 1099s, etc.)

  • Proof of home ownership (example: copy of the most recently recorded deed, tax bill)

  • Attest to a COVID related material decrease in income or increase in expenses

  • Additional information you feel would be beneficial in explaining your situation

Income guidelines

Household income is equal to or less than 150% area median income (AMI).

What the funds may be used for

  • Mortgage reinstatement

  • Forward mortgage payment

  • Property charges

  • Past due property taxes, reverse mortgage insurance premiums, homeowner association (HOA) fees, condominium fees, or common charges that put ownership of the property at-risk

  • Delinquent utilities

  • Details: https://pahaf.org/whats-covered/

About PAHAF

The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund originally opened for applications in February 2022.

In February 2023, applications closed to allow PHFA to address a backlog of applicants. PHFA has now processed most pending applications and assessed remaining funds.

On March 18, 2024, PHFA is reopening the program to eligible new applicants until the remaining funds are spent.

About PHFA

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency works to provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and people with special housing needs. PHFA programs and operations are funded primarily by the sale of securities and from fees paid by program users, not by public tax dollars. The agency is governed by a 14-member board.

Scam alert

Please beware of potential scams. Report fraud to https://pahaf.org/report-fraud/.

Sources

Further reading on this topic

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