OKLAHOMA CITY— Homeowners who have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 have until Wednesday, March 20 to apply for grants through the Oklahoma Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). The application portal for the HAF program, located at ohfa.org/haf, will close to new applicants to avoid the overcommitment of funds.
Following the portal's closure, existing applications including those under appeal, will still be evaluated for funding. Applicants will be able to continue to log on to the application portal, ohfa.org/haf, to check the status of their application and scheduled payments.
Eligible Applicants and Eligible Expenses
Made available through the American Rescue Plan Act, HAF provides financial assistance to homeowners who have experienced significant financial hardship due to COVID-19. Eligible expenses to be paid with HAF funds include mortgage reinstatement, principal reduction, payment toward a partial claim or deferral, delinquent real estate taxes, restoration of homeowner’s insurance, and delinquent Homeowners Association dues.
Approved applicant households are eligible to receive a one-time grant award of up to $35,000 paid to vendors on their behalf.
“We’re encouraging homeowners who have experienced a significant financial hardship due to COVID-19 to apply for HAF assistance before the deadline,” said Valenthia Doolin, program administrator. “Our goal is to assist as many Oklahomans as possible before funds are expended.”
Program Statistics (As of February 12)
- Counties served – 68 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties
- Approved applications – 2,811
- Approved Applicants Identifying as Socially Disadvantaged - 45%
- Average award - $16,000
- $44.9 million has been granted on behalf of Oklahoma homeowners
- Another $23.1 million has been requested by 1,600 homeowners whose applications are under review
Other Options for Assistance
Homeowners who have fallen behind or are at risk of missing a payment on their mortgage can continue to get free help from certified housing counselors around the state to learn about options to keep their homes.
In addition to connecting with a certified housing counselor, Oklahoma homeowners should directly contact their mortgage servicers and lenders to see what types of mortgage assistance and foreclosure prevention programs are available. Homeowners who communicate with their lenders and servicers have some additional protections and usually have more time to determine their options.
For HAF program inquiries, call (405) 419-8202.
