Homeowners get their turn at covid relief funds

Last year, state officials were able to channel federal covid-19 relief funding to Pennsylvania renters in need of financial assistance. Starting Tuesday, they will look to provide similar relief for homeowners.

“As Pennsylvania continues to manage out of the covid-19 pandemic, we continue to make key investments in areas where people have been hardest hit, including housing,” said Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward, R-Hempfield.

More than $350 million in American Rescue Plan funding was awarded to Pennsylvania through the U.S. Treasury Department’s Homeowner Assistance Fund, which supports homeowners whose household income is at or below 150% of the area median income.

The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund will provide eligible homeowners with financial help to prevent or ease mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, displacement and utility disconnections.

Applications will be available starting Tuesday, Feb. 1.

To qualify, homeowners must have experienced an income reduction or increase in living expenses after Jan. 21, 2020, because of the covid-19 pandemic. They must own and occupy their home as a primary residence. A full list of eligibility requirements can be found at PAHAF.org/am-i-eligible.

Available PAHAF assistance programs include mortgage reinstatement assistance, forward mortgage payment assistance, assistance related to housing property charges and utility payment assistance to avoid displacement. Funds will be distributed directly to mortgage lenders, utility providers and other authorized third parties, not to homeowners.

Homeowners and other interested parties are encouraged to visit www.pahaf.org or call 888-987-2423 to explore PAHAF resources and information.