Do I Qualify - Block DDo I Qualify?DC homeowners may be eligible for assistance if they meet the following general criteria:  You are a District homeowner You have fallen behind on one or more of the following:Mortgage payments
Housing Association Fees and Charges
Property taxes
Homeowners’ Insurance
Utility payments
Internet/Broadband payments
 Your household is below the income limit for its size You must have an eligible loanIf seeking mortgage assistance, your original loan amount must have been not more than the conforming loan limit.  You must have experienced a COVID-19 related financial hardship |
What Do I Need - Block AWhat Do I Need to Apply?HAF is an innovative, user-friendly application that lets you easily apply for assistance from any electronic device. You will need proof of:  Identity and residency of homeowner applicants  Homeownership  Income  Housing assistance delinquencies |
What Assistance - Block B What Assistance is Possible?HAF provides grants to pay mortgage or other property payments to preserve homeownership and aid in wealth-building for District residents. The lifetime cap for HAF assistance is $120,000 per household. Other limits apply depending on the assistance type.  Mortgage AssistanceReinstatement (maximum assistance $100,000) Payment Assistance NOTE: your mortgage company must agree to participate in the program to receive mortgage assistance.  Property Charges AssistanceReinstatement (maximum assistance $100,000) Payment Assistance (maximum assistance $18,000) NOTE: your housing association, condo or coop must agree to participate in the program to receive assistance.  Utility AssistanceElectricity, gas, and water (maximum assistance $4,000) |
What Should - Block CWhat Should I Expect?Step 1: Create a Profile and Complete Pre-Screening QuestionnaireOnce you have registered, you will complete a pre-screening questionnaire. If you’re your answers indicate you are eligible to proceed, you will move on to the application. Throughout the process, you will be able to access your application and check the status at any time by signing into the application portal. Step 2: Complete ApplicationWhen applying, you will provide information and documents about your household, income, and property. You can save your application as a draft at specific points and return to it later. However, you can complete it faster if you have all documentation ready before beginning. Please review full list of Required Documents. You can submit pictures of your documents from your smartphone or tablet. It is essential that your documents are NOT BLURRY or CUT OFF. If you need help along the way, the fastest option is to use the "chat feature" or email [email protected] for technical assistance. You can also find a Housing Counseling agency for a virtual or in-person appointment to complete your application at haf.dc.gov. If you prefer a phone conversation, please call (202) 540-7407. Step 3: Attend Housing CounselingAt the end of your application, you will receive contact information for a Housing Counseling agency. Applicants with select circumstances will be required to meet with a housing counselor before HAF payments are made. However, we highly recommend all HAF applicants attend a personalized housing counseling session. Your application will continue to be processed during this time. Step 4: Eligibility & Benefits ReviewProgram staff will review complete applications. If you make 60% of Area Median Income or below, your application will be prioritized in the review process. Step 5: Provide Corrections if NecessaryIf an application requires edits or additional explanation, you will be contacted via email and given 15 calendar days to submit required information. Step 6: Eligibility DeterminationYou will be notified via email when an eligibility determination has been made. Appeal instructions will be included in the email, if necessary. Step 7: Service Provider Confirms InformationYour service provider must participate in the program, register as a DC Vendor, and confirm the amount owed. Step 8: Payments Are Issued to Service ProviderIf the applicant is determined to be eligible, the payments will be made directly to mortgage servicer, insurer, District of Columbia Treasurer, utility/internet provider and/or housing association. HAF will pay the amount quoted by the organization; any discrepancies will be resolved by the homeowner and the organization. The applicant will be notified via email when payments have been processed. |