Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)
The Maine Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) is a free, federal relief program for homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19 who are behind on their mortgage, housing, property tax or utility payments and are at risk of foreclosure. The program is funded through the U.S. Dept. of Treasury and administered by the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection.
The program can provide up to $25,000 per eligible household to be used for:
- Paying off past due mortgage payments;
- Providing financial assistance to reinstate a mortgage or to pay other housing-related costs related to a period of forbearance, delinquency, or default;
- Paying off past due homeowner’s insurance, flood insurance, and mortgage insurance;
- Paying off property taxes to prevent tax foreclosures;
- Paying off utilities, including electric, gas, sewage and water bills that are past due;
- Paying off past due amounts for internet services, including broadband internet access service;
- Paying off past due homeowner association or condominium association fees; and
- Paying off past due manufactured home loan debt (chattel loan or retail installment contracts).
Housing counselors can help homeowners who have fallen behind on mortgage payments to understand options based on their specific circumstances and can assist with finding a solution that works best for the individual.
Individuals must meet income limits as well as other conditions. For example, they must own their own home, which must be their primary residence, and for mortgage-related assistance, they must have exhausted all loss mitigation options available from their mortgage company. To complete an application, go to maine.gov/homeassist. For questions, email HAF@penquis.org or call 207-973-3500 or 1-800-215-4942.
