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Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)

The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) provides financial assistance to help homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After June 30, 2023, Mass HAF will no longer accept new applications.

To receive updates about the Homeowner Assistance Fund, determine homeowner eligibility and complete the application, please visit the HAF application website.

Beginning on July 1, 2023, the state-funded Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program will become available to low-income homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure. At that time, eligible homeowners may apply for RAFT through the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Emergency Housing Payment Assistance Portal.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and/or suicidal thoughts, please call or text 988, which is the national suicide and crisis number. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also access the chat feature on the website.

If you are looking for qualified professionals for mental health assessments and/or mental health referrals, please contact the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline by calling or texting 833-773-2445 (BHHL). The helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also access the chat feature on the website.

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Overview of the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)

Mass HAF will provide up to $50,000 in financial assistance to eligible homeowners who have missed at least 3 home mortgage payments to help them avoid foreclosure. If a homeowner's application is approved, funds will be provided to a homeowner’s mortgage servicing company (the company that collects their mortgage payments) in order to apply it to the housing loan).

The Massachusetts HAF Program is being administered by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) and the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (MassHousing), in collaboration with the Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance (A&F), the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED), the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and the Massachusetts Division of Banks (the Division).

The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) was created by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Read more about the Homeowner Assistance Fund Guidance from the U.S. Treasury.

Massachusetts Homeowner Assistance Fund Summary

The dashboard below provides a visual overview of the HAF to date.

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How to Apply

Please visit the Homeowner Assistance Program website to check eligibility and to apply for benefits.

After June 30, 2023, Mass HAF will no longer accept new applications.

If you need assistance applying to the Mass HAF program, in-depth counseling, or legal services please contact your local housing counseling agency. To determine your HCA, enter your Massachusetts zip code in the HCA finder tool.

Income Limits and Eligibility

To qualify for HAF assistance, homeowners will need to complete an application and demonstrate that they:

Have experienced a COVID-related impact to their finances on or after January 21, 2020 that caused them to miss 3 or more mortgage payments. The hardship could include job loss, reduction in income, reduction in hours worked, increased costs due to healthcare, increased costs due to the need to care for family members, or other issues which have impacted the household’s income.

Are owner-occupants of a single-family home, condominium or 2- 3- or 4-family home located in Massachusetts. (Funds may not be used for owner-occupied properties of 5 or more units, investor-owned properties, or vacation homes.)
Are using the home as their primary residence
Have an income equal to or less than 150% of Area Median Income (this differs by region and household size).
Have a conforming loan and not a jumbo loan. Click here for a list of conforming loan limits by origination year.

If a homeowner is eligible for the Mass HAF program, Mass HAF will pay up to $50,000 in assistance. The homeowner’s servicer (whoever they pay their mortgage to) may be able to help with a plan to help the homeowner get caught up on the remaining amount owed. If a homeowner owes more than $50,000, they are encouraged to still apply. The most important thing is to start an application.

In accordance with Federal HAF Rules, at least 60% of funds must be used to assist homeowners having incomes equal to or less than 100% AMI for their household size.

If you are facing an imminent foreclosure within the next 7 days, the Massachusetts Division of Banks may be able to help.