PHFA’s COVID Homeowner Assistance Fund Now Accepting Applications

For Pennsylvania homeowners struggling with housing expenses, such as mortgage payments, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, relief may be available.

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency launched the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund on Tuesday and is now accepting applications to help commonwealth homeowners with their housing expenses. According to the PHFA, applicants must have a household income at or below 150% of the area median income and and are facing financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to provide eligible Pennsylvania homeowners with financial assistance to prevent and/or ease mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, displacement and utility disconnection.

To qualify for this assistance, eligible Pennsylvania homeowners must have experienced a reduction of income or increase in living expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic after Jan. 21, 2020 (including a hardship that began before Jan. 21, 2020, but continued after that date). They also must currently own and occupy their home in Pennsylvania as their primary residence. The homeowner cannot receive the same assistance for mortgage payment, mortgage reinstatement, property charges, and/or utility payment from another federal, state, local, nonprofit or tribal source. In addition, the program has specific income requirements to be eligible.

Applications may be completed fully online, eliminating the need to go to the PHFA offices. In-person assistance is available via the office by visiting www.pahaf.org or by calling the PAHAF call center at (888) 987-2423