Idaho Homeowner Assistance Fund

What is the Homeowner Assistance Fund?

The Homeowner Assistance Fund was created to help eligible Idaho homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments or other housing-related expenses because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find out if you qualify

Click the “Apply Now” button below to register and to start your application. Additional program requirements will apply, but in general help is available to Idaho households that:

Meet the program’s income limits;
Are behind on home or related payments;
Faced financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic after January 21, 2020;
Own and occupy a home in Idaho as a primary residence.

Apply Now

Get ready

If you think you qualify for homeowner assistance, there are a few things you can do before starting your application.

Gather information on your household income. This can include paystubs, W-2 forms, your most current tax return. For a complete list of documents we can accept, please see the frequently asked questions below.
Find out the name of the company that you send your mortgage payment to each month. If you don’t know or can’t remember, you can look at your mortgage statement for contact information or use the tools on this page. If you’re still having difficulty, you can email haf@ihfa.org call 888-991-2166.
Make sure you have an electronic copy of a government-issued ID.

Learn about other resources

Get your questions answered: Whether you own a home or rent a home, Idaho Housing’s HUD-approved counselors can help you successfully navigate any housing-related financial issues. The service is free and available to all Idahoans. Get started here.

HAF Servicer and Vendor Resources

To access service provider forms and learn more about becoming a service provider, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is covered by the Idaho Homeowner Assistance Fund?

The program can help reinstate a mortgage in delinquency or default. The financial assistance may also be used for homeowner expenses, including property taxes, hazard insurance premiums, HOA/condominium dues, cooperative maintenance fees, and, in some instances utilities.

Do I have to have been affected by COVID-19 to be eligible?

Yes. You must show that you have had a financial hardship that was directly or indirectly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is a financial hardship?

Financial hardship could include, but is not limited to: reduced income because of a job loss or reduced work hours or an increase in childcare, medical care or other household expenses because of the pandemic.

How much help can I get?

The amount of assistance will vary depending on your household’s situation. The maximum assistance a household can receive is $50,000.

I am behind on my mortgage, what should I do?

If you’ve missed house payments, the first step is to contact the company that you send your mortgage payment to each month and discuss the options that may be available. If you don’t know or can’t remember who you send your payment to, you can look at your mortgage statement for contact information or use the tools on this page.

What if I am a homeowner but my primary residence is not in Idaho?

To qualify for the Idaho Homeowner Assistance Fund, your primary residence must be in Idaho.

Is household income based on the entire household even if only one borrower is on the loan?

Yes. Income is based on the household, which includes the total income from adults who live in the home.

I am currently employed, but my income has been reduced. Am I still eligible to apply?

Yes. The maximum allowable household income depends on the county where you live. During the application process, you will use an online eligibility checker that will automatically calculate what your income limit is. You will need to provide proof of income for all the adults who live in the in your household.

What documents are acceptable as proof of income?

Acceptable documents can include paystubs, W-2 forms, your most current tax return, a Social Security statement, a pension or retirement statement, proof unemployment or disability compensation, or proof of alimony or child support. Depending on your circumstances, our customer service team will work with you to identify the best proof of income.

I am a homeowner, but my home is in foreclosure. Can I apply for help?

Yes. Please contact the company that you send your mortgage payment to each month and let them know that you are applying. Be prepared to provide any documents they request as quickly as possible.

I am a landlord. Can I apply for assistance for properties that I rent?

No. Only owner-occupied properties are eligible.

What types of properties are eligible for assistance?

Eligible owner-occupied properties include:

Single-family attached and detached properties.
Manufactured homes permanently attached to real property and taxed as real estate.
One- to four-unit properties in which the homeowner is living in one of the units as a primary residence.
Manufactured homes permanently attached to real property that are on a leasehold land, are subject to the mortgage lien and are insured by a title policy.
Single-family (attached or detached) properties that are on leasehold land, are subject to a mortgage lien and are insured by a title policy.

If my application is approved, how long will it take to receive financial assistance?

We will work closely with the company to which you make your payment and process payments as quickly as possible. You can help by correctly submitting all the documents required in the application.

How are payments made?

If your application is approved, the payment will be sent directly to the mortgage servicer, property tax authority, insurance company or HOA/condo association. Payments are made either by ACH/direct deposit or by check.

Do I have to pay back the assistance?

Homeowner Assistance funds are considered an interest-free loan that will be paid back when you sell or transfer ownership of the home. The loan will be forgiven if the net proceeds from a sale do not cover the amount of assistance you’ve received. The loan may be forgivable after 10 years.

Can I get help with upcoming house payments?

No.

I have a reverse mortgage, do I qualify?

Yes. Reverse mortgages may be eligible for assistance to pay past-due taxes, insurance or utilities.

HAF notifications

Disclaimer: Program details may be supplemented or changed by additional guidance from the Department of the Treasury or as Idaho Housing and Finance Association determines necessary. This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number HAF0017 awarded to the state of Idaho and administered by Idaho Housing and Finance Association by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Idaho Homeowner Assistance Fund Plan
Idaho HAF Term Sheet
Idaho HAF Annual Report