Wyoming Mortgage Relief: Homeowner Assistance Fund Offers Up to $35,000 in Aid

Wyoming homeowners who fell behind on their mortgage, utilities, or property taxes because of a COVID-19 financial hardship have been able to tap the Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program for up to $35,000 in one-time relief. The federally funded program is administered by the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS), with support from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, and was established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Program closing to new applicants

On October 4, 2024, the Wyoming Department of Family Services announced that the HAF Program would stop accepting new applications on October 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. The closure was driven by the depletion of the federal funds allocated to Wyoming for program operations and administration, including IT systems. DFS said it would continue processing all applications received before the deadline.

What the HAF program covers

Eligible homeowners can receive a one-time grant of up to $35,000, paid directly to a mortgage servicer or vendor on the homeowner's behalf. Eligible uses include:

• Mortgage reinstatement and past-due mortgage payments
• Up to three consecutive months of forward mortgage payments
• Partial claims assistance
• Past-due utilities such as electricity, energy, water, and sewer
• Past-due property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Homeowners association (HOA) dues

Internet costs, reimbursements for amounts already paid, and deferral payments are not covered.

Who qualified

To be eligible, applicants generally had to:

• Own a home in Wyoming (including properties on the Wind River Reservation) and occupy it as their primary residence
• Have a total household income at or below 150% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size
• Have experienced a qualifying COVID-19-related financial hardship on or after January 21, 2020
• Not have previously received a HAF award (aid is a one-time benefit)

Eligible property types include single-family homes, condominiums, manufactured and mobile homes permanently affixed to real property, and 1-4 unit properties where the owner occupies one of the units.

How applications were processed

DFS reported typical processing times of roughly three to six weeks, with non-delinquent cases often resolved in three to four weeks and delinquent mortgage cases taking longer due to lender verification steps of up to 30 days.

What homeowners should do now

New applications are no longer being accepted. Homeowners who applied before October 31, 2024 should watch for communication from the state about their status. Questions about an existing application can be directed to DFS at homeowner.assistance@wyo.gov. Wyoming homeowners still struggling with housing costs may want to explore other resources through DFS's housing, utilities, and energy assistance programs, or consult a HUD-approved housing counselor for foreclosure prevention help.