Senator Felder Encourages Struggling Homeowners to Apply for $539 Million Homeowner Assistance Fund

Senator Simcha Felder (D-Brooklyn) is encouraging New York homeowners who are struggling financially due to the pandemic to apply for the New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund (NYS HAF). NYS HAF is a $539 million federally funded program to help low- to moderate-income homeowners who are at risk of default, foreclosure, or displacement because of a financial hardship caused by the pandemic. Homeowners can apply by visiting www.nyhomeownerfund.org or calling 1-844-77-NYHAF (1-844-776-9423).

“Homeowners have struggled throughout the pandemic with little or no government help. They have begged for assistance with their mortgages, taxes and bills and I am pleased that this program is finally available to those in need,” said Senator Felder.

Applicants may receive up to $50,000 in financial assistance to catch up on missed mortgage payments, property taxes and water/sewer bills. They can also get help reducing mortgage debt to make monthly mortgage payments more affordable; and for homeowners who are unemployed, they can receive assistance with up to six months of future housing payments. The program is also open to owners of cooperative or condo units who are behind on maintenance fees.

Senator Felder is also warning homeowners to be careful of scams. Applying for HAF is free and homeowners should be on guard against anyone charging a fee to apply for HAF or promising that they can make sure you will be awarded HAF money.

“The program is expecting to receive more applications than it can fund, so I am strongly urging New York homeowners to apply as soon as possible!” concluded Senator Felder.