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Homeowner Assistance Available for Those Experiencing Financial Hardships

Tompkins County is sharing details on New York State's Homeowner Assistance Fund (NYS HAF).

(Ithaca, N.Y., December 22, 2021) -- This fund has been created to support homeowners who have experienced financial hardship — either a loss of income or increase in living expenses — as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. 

Eligible homeowners with and without mortgages may receive assistance with the following items;

  • Mortgage arrears
  • Property tax arrears
  • Insurance and utility arrears
  • HOA and HOA maintenance arrears

Linked below are a list of documents that you may need to upload when you apply, along with the program flier. The anticipated application open date is January 3rd, but you may start collecting documents now. The program anticipates that applications will exceed the funding available, so interested people are encouraged to apply as early as possible. 

For more information, you can reach out to the NYS HAF call center at 1-844-77-NYHAF (1-844-776-9423).

To receive notification when applications open, visit the link below and enter your email at the bottom of the page where prompted. Additionally, an application guide is provided online.

New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund (nyhomeownerfund.org)

***Please note, it is important that you reach out to your lender or servicer ahead of applying to work out any loss mitigation options available to you. If there are none, then applying to this program is your next step. 

Additionally, there is assistance available for wastewater and drinking water bills to low-income households.

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) | The Administration for Children and Families (hhs.gov)

If you have any trouble seeking assistance with items specific to tax arrears, you can reach out to LawNY for assistance. 

LawNY, Ithaca, NY