Assistance for Tribal Homeowners: Treasury's $9 Billion Homeowner Assistance Fund

The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act, provides $9.961 billion to support homeowners facing financial hardship associated with COVID-19. HAF funds were distributed to states, U.S. Territories, and Indian Tribes, making this one of the largest federal investments in homeowner stability in American history.

What the Fund Covers

Funds from HAF may be used for:

• Mortgage payments — Assistance with past-due and current mortgage payments to prevent foreclosure
• Homeowner's insurance — Help maintaining essential home insurance coverage
• Utility payments — Support for water, electric, gas, and other home energy costs
• Property taxes — Assistance with delinquent property tax payments
• Other housing-related costs — Additional specified purposes to maintain homeownership

Impact So Far

Through June 2024, HAF-funded programs have assisted over 549,000 homeowners, helping to prevent mortgage delinquencies and defaults, foreclosures, losses of utilities and home energy services, and displacement.

The data shows that the majority of HAF assistance reached economically vulnerable and traditionally underserved homeowners, including:

• Low-income homeowners
• Homeowners of color
• Female homeowners
• Tribal community members

Available data has shown that foreclosure filings have remained below pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating the program's effectiveness.

Tribal Government Assistance

The Treasury Department has provided significant resources specifically for tribal governments, including:

• Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds — $350 billion in emergency funding, with allocations to tribal governments
• Capital Projects Fund — Addressing infrastructure needs in tribal communities, including internet access
• Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund — General revenue enhancement for eligible tribal governments
• State Small Business Credit Initiative — $10 billion including funds for tribal small business credit expansion

How to Apply

Homeowners, including those in tribal communities, should contact their state or tribal HAF program administrator to apply for assistance. Each state and tribe has its own application process and eligibility requirements. Visit the U.S. Treasury HAF page for more information and to find your local program.

Note that the program is set to close out by September 30, 2026, so homeowners in need should apply as soon as possible.