Pandemic relief assistance is still available for homeowners who may be struggling to catch up on mortgage payments, utility bills, or other housing costs. Several states are beginning to distribute a new round of funds.

States have access to $9.961 billion in federal funding as part of the Homeowner Assistance Fund intended to help homeowners recover from the impact of the pandemic. The program was established to support homeowners facing pandemic-related hardship such as job losses, a decline in income, or costs to care for an ill family member.

The funding program is administered by states, territories, and tribes. Each decides how to distribute the funds to its homeowners, which can vary among those entities. Usually, a housing finance agency is responsible.

The National Council of State Housing Agencies has created a website that links to all current and developing state programs for accessing HAF eligibility requirements and provides more information to applicants.

Funding through HAF is available through Sept. 30, 2025.

Homeowners, renters, and property owners can still find several pandemic relief assistance programs. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s website offers several resources, including:

• Help for Homeowners, which details relief options for those struggling to make mortgage payments and steps for those exiting forbearance
• Rental Assistance Program, which links to federal, state, and local government offerings to help with housing expenses and avoid eviction
• Help for Landlords, a resource page that directs property owners to options if they’ve seen a drop in rental income due to the pandemic.

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  Source: 
  REALTOR® Magazine
• Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine by permission of the National Association of REALTORS®. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Link to original