PHFA’s Successful Efforts in Assisting Homeowners via PAHAF
HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 10, 2023 — The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) is pleased to share a comprehensive update on the substantial progress made in assisting homeowners affected by the pandemic through the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF).
As part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Pennsylvania was allocated $350 million for the administration and distribution of funds to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities, and displacement of homeowners facing financial hardships due to COVID-related impacts.
Here is a breakdown of the monthly data for the PAHAF program from June to October, available on the PAHAF dashboard at www.pahaf.org/program-dashboard. Quarterly reports providing more detailed information are also accessible at www.pahaf.org/policies-and-reporting.
In October alone, the PAHAF program disbursed an additional $12.7 million to homeowners in need of pandemic-related assistance. The total number of households assisted has reached 13,595, with $129.8 million remaining to be disbursed.
To enhance efficiency, PHFA encourages applicants to re-register using the new software implemented to automate various processing steps for homeowners. Re-registering ensures that the most current documents are uploaded, allowing applicants to track their application’s progress accurately.
PHFA has employed various outreach methods, including emails, mailed letters in English and Spanish, outbound phone calls by PAHAF call center representatives, and 14 statewide community events, to encourage applicants to re-register. The agency seeks media assistance to broadly promote this re-registration effort.
Applicants can re-register directly at www.PAHAF.org/reregister or contact the PAHAF call center at 1-888-987-2423 for assistance from trained customer service personnel. The re-registration process takes approximately 30 minutes.
Important Note: Homeowners facing adverse actions such as foreclosure, sheriff sale, or utility shut-off should verify that their application notes the action and promptly notify the PAHAF call center. This allows the program to prioritize the application, determine eligibility, and disburse approved funds to prevent adverse action.
