PHFA Begins Accepting Mortgage and Rent Assistance Applications
The Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Econic Security (CARES) Act, passed in March, provided $3.9 billion for Pennsylvania and is intended to help people hurt economically during the pandemic. In late May, the General Assembly directed $175 million of these CARES dollars to PA Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) to provide assistance for struggling renters and homeowners. The portion for mortgage assistance equated to $25 million and rent assistance is at least $150 million.
On June 17th, a press release was provided outlining the CARES financial assistance details for renters and homeowners.
Beginning July 6th, PHFA will begin accepting applications for mortgage and rent assistance.
Pandemic Mortgage Assistance Program
Who Can Apply?
- Homeowners who, as a result of COVID-19, became unemployed after 3/1/2020 or had their annual household income reduced by 30% due to reduced work hours and wages.
- There are certain eligibility requirements that should be considered and are outlined by PHFA here, but some key aspects include:
- Unemployment related to COVID-19 must have occured after March 1, 2020 or household income must have been reduced by 30% or more.
- Subject property must be owner-occupied and located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- Mortgage must be at least 30 days delinquent and due between March 2020 and December 2020.
- Annual household income must not exceed the Area Median Income for the county of residence.
How Can I Apply?
- The acceptance period for applications starts July 6th, 2020 and ends on September 30th, 2020.
- Whether the application is submitted online or by mail, supporting documentation will be required.
To apply online, click here.
To apply via USPS, click here to download the application to print and mail to PHFA: PHFA/PMAP, PO Box 15530, Harrisburg, PA 17105-5530
For a full fact sheet on the Pandemic Mortgage Assistance Program, click here.
The CARES Rent Relief Program (RRP)
Who Can Apply?
- Renters who have experienced job loss or a reduction in annual income due to the Coronavirus pandemic; and
- Landlords that have lost rental income because a renter has experienced job loss or a reduction in income as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
How Can I Apply?
- There are three application documents that must be completed and mailed in to be considered for the program:
- All three application documents must be printed and mailed to the specified county contact from the PHFA's list.
- For Allegheny County renters, your application documents must be mailed to Allegheny County Department of Economic Development at: One Chatham Center, Suite 900, 112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Visit COVIDrentrelief.alleghenycounty.us for more information on their specific guidelines for the application process.
For a full fact sheet on the Cares Rent Relief Program (RRP), click here.
If you have additional questions or concerns about your eligibility for either program, please feel free to contact us. Additionally, you can reach out to the PHFA directly by calling 855.827.3466 or by visiting their website at www.PHFA.org.
