Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund Reopens: Up to $60,000 for Eligible Homeowners

Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund Reopens to New Applicants

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) reopened the Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (OHAF) application portal on March 8, 2023, following a three-month intake pause. The agency estimated it had enough remaining funds — approximately $72 million — to assist roughly 700 additional eligible homeowners.

How Much Homeowners Can Receive

OHAF is a federally funded program, originally seeded by the American Rescue Plan Act's Homeowner Assistance Fund. Depending on income and need, qualifying Oregon homeowners can receive:

• Up to $60,000 in ongoing mortgage payment relief
• Up to $50,000 for past-due mortgage payments and related housing costs

Funds can be applied to delinquent mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners insurance, homeowners association dues, and certain utility costs.

Who Qualifies

To be eligible, applicants generally must:

• Own and occupy the property as their primary residence in Oregon
• Have experienced a financial hardship tied to COVID-19 on or after January 21, 2020
• Meet income limits — 150% of area median income for past-due relief, and 100% of AMI for ongoing payment assistance

OHCS said it would prioritize homeowners in active foreclosure and households from communities that have historically been underserved by mortgage markets.

Why This Matters

OHAF is one of several state-administered programs created under the federal Homeowner Assistance Fund, which provided nearly $10 billion nationwide. By the time Oregon reopened its portal, many state HAF programs had already closed or paused as funds ran low, making the reopening a meaningful second chance for Oregonians still recovering from the pandemic's financial impact.

How to Apply

Oregon homeowners can apply through the official Oregon Housing and Community Services website. OHCS urged applicants not to wait, noting that funds are limited and will close again once exhausted. Applicants are encouraged to gather mortgage statements, income documentation, and proof of hardship before starting the application.