The Guam Homeowners Assistance Fund Applications Open
The Guam Homeowners Assistance Fund HAF may be able to help homeowners who are having problems making mortgage, property tax, or utility payments as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. As of March 10, the program has granted $107,875.00 in mortgage payments to lenders and $10,133.00 in utility payments on behalf of homeowners. Another $3,902.00 in due property taxes also will be paid for property owners impacted by the pandemic, the release stated. The Department of Administration (DOA) is the lead government entity to administer and implement Guam’s HAF Program.
“Guam was awarded, last week Tuesday, $13.5 million to administer and implement the program on Guam,” said Audrey Topasña, Program Director for the HAF Program.
Find out if you qualify for these programs here
Guam’s Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program is a federally funded relief program to assist eligible homeowners. Guam’s HAF Plan proposes relief assistance programs aimed at preventing homeowner’s mortgage delinquencies, foreclosures, loss of utilities, and displacement of low- and moderate-income and Socially Disadvantaged Individuals. Proposed relief includes three programs Mortgage Assistance Program, Utility Assistance Program, and Property Tax Assistance Program.
“Please take the time to submit an application,” Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio said Monday. “We want to help you. We have folks that are standing by ready to try and determine your eligibility and in some cases, make sure that you have the adequate supporting documentation to get your relief. While our people have done what is necessary to keep themselves and their families safe, this relief offers stability through these unprecedented times. Through the HAF Program, our administration expects to provide a lifeline to more than a thousand households before the end of 2022.”
Guam Homeowners Assistance Fund – Three Types of Assistance
The Mortgage Assistance Program provides funds to prevent foreclosure and displacement of homeowners experiencing financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. HAF funds may be used to bring the mortgage account fully current, with no remaining delinquent amounts. Payment may also include any reasonably required legal fees. Payment assistance may apply until the maximum amount of assistance is reached. Each homeowner will be eligible for up to $15,000.00 through this program to be used only for the homeowner’s primary resident.
The Utility Assistance Program provides funds to resolve delinquent payments for utility services. HAF funds may be used to pay delinquent amounts in full, including interest or reasonably required legal fees, in which the delinquency threatens access to utility services. The assistance provided must bring the homeowner’s account current. HAF funds may be used to pay prospective charges for up until the maximum amount of assistance is reached, following approval if the homeowner is unable to make such payments. Eligible utility service is defined as power, water, and trash service. Each homeowner will be eligible for up to $15,000.00 through this program to be used only for the homeowner’s primary resident.
The Property Assistance Program provides funds for payment assistance on delinquent property tax to prevent homeowner tax foreclosures; homeowner association delinquency fees, condominium association fees or common charges; prospective homeowner association fees, condominium association fees, or common charges. HAF may be used to pay all or a portion of a homeowner’s property tax delinquencies and penalties. Each homeowner will be eligible for up to $15,000.00 through this program to be used only for the homeowner’s primary resident.
To qualify, you must have experienced financial hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic after Jan. 21, 2020. That includes job loss, reduction in household income, increased costs for health care, or other hardships caused directly or indirectly by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the agency’s website, your household income must also be equal to or less than:
- $79,900.00 for a single person household
- $81,850.00 for a two-person household
- $92,100.00 for a four-person household
- $110,500.00 for a five-person household
- $118,700.00 for a six-person household
For more information, contact the Guam HAF Program at 671-638-3814/5 HAF@doa.guam.gov or visit DOA’s website at www.doa.guam.gov.
