Mortgage Payment
Assistance Programs

Eligibility varies by program but generally requires: (1) financial hardship due to job loss, medical emergency, divorce, or disaster; (2) income at or below 150% of area median income for HAF; (3) the property is your primary residence; (4) your loan balance is within conforming limits (for most programs). Contact us for help determining your specific eligibility.

HAF programs can provide up to $80,000 or more per household, depending on your state's allocation and program rules. Most programs cover up to 12–18 months of mortgage payments, including past-due amounts. Other programs like FHA Partial Claims can cover the entire arrearage. The amount varies significantly by program and individual circumstances.

It depends on the program. HAF assistance is typically structured as a grant that does not need to be repaid as long as you remain in the home for a specified period (usually 1–3 years). FHA Partial Claims must be repaid when the mortgage ends. Lender modifications permanently change your loan terms so the reduced payment is your new permanent payment — not a loan to repay.

Yes. Many programs specifically target homeowners already in foreclosure. HAF funds can reinstate mortgages by paying the full past-due amount. FHA and VA have special programs for borrowers in default. The key is acting quickly — once the auction date is set, your window narrows significantly. Call us immediately if you're in foreclosure.

HAF applications typically take 30–60 days for review. Lender loss mitigation applications must be reviewed within 30 days under CFPB rules. Emergency situations can sometimes be expedited. The timeline depends heavily on how complete and well-documented your application is at submission.

Yes. In most cases you can and should apply for all programs you may qualify for. For example, you can apply for HAF assistance through your state while simultaneously applying for a loan modification with your servicer. The programs are complementary — HAF can cover payments while your modification is being processed.

Generally, no. HAF assistance and most government mortgage relief is not considered taxable income. Loan modifications that reduce principal may trigger cancellation of debt income in some cases, but the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act and insolvency exclusion often eliminate that tax liability. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

Most HAF programs have an appeal process. Common denial reasons include incomplete documentation, income exceeding limits, or the property not being your primary residence. You can often correct these issues and reapply. If HAF isn't available, you still have other options: lender modification, forbearance, repayment plans, and private hardship programs.