Ohio Save the Dream: Up to $25,000 Mortgage Assistance
Ohio's Homeowner Assistance Fund provides up to $25,000 in emergency mortgage assistance for homeowners struggling with payments due to COVID-19 hardship.
About Ohio's Save the Dream Program
Ohio's Save the Dream program is the state's implementation of the federal Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). The program received $420 million to help Ohio homeowners who experienced financial hardship after January 21, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program provides up to $25,000 per household in mortgage payment assistance, helping homeowners catch up on past-due payments and avoid foreclosure. Save the Dream also covers property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, and certain utilities, providing comprehensive support to keep families in their homes.
Administered by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), Save the Dream prioritizes assistance to socially disadvantaged individuals and households earning less than 100% of Area Median Income, ensuring help reaches the most vulnerable Ohio families first.
What Does Ohio Save the Dream Cover?
Mortgage Reinstatement
Up to $25,000 to bring past-due mortgage payments current, including principal, interest, and escrow
Property Taxes
Delinquent property tax payments to prevent tax liens and foreclosure
Homeowners Insurance
Past-due homeowners insurance premiums and flood insurance
HOA/Condo Fees
Past-due homeowners association and condominium association fees
Utility Assistance
Past-due utility payments including electric, gas, water, sewer, and internet
Foreclosure Prevention
Direct assistance to stop foreclosure proceedings and reinstate loans
Ohio Save the Dream Eligibility Requirements
Ohio Homeownership
Must own and occupy a home in Ohio as your primary residence
Financial Hardship After January 21, 2020
Must have experienced financial hardship related to COVID-19, such as job loss, reduced income, increased medical expenses, or business closure after January 21, 2020
Income Limits
Household income at or below 150% of Area Median Income (AMI) for your county. Priority given to households at or below 100% AMI and socially disadvantaged individuals
Housing Payment Delinquency or Risk
Must be delinquent or at risk of delinquency on mortgage, property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, or utilities
Mortgage Requirement
Must have an active mortgage on the property (for mortgage assistance component)
Documentation
Ability to provide proof of income, hardship documentation, mortgage statements, tax bills, and other required documents
How to Apply for Ohio Save the Dream
Visit the Ohio Housing Finance Agency Website
Go to the official Ohio Save the Dream website administered by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) to start your application.
Visit Ohio Save the Dream WebsiteDetermine Your County's AMI Limit
Check the income limits for your county on the OHFA website. Limits vary by county and household size. You'll need to ensure your household income is at or below 150% of your county's AMI.
Gather Required Documents
Prepare documentation including proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns), mortgage statements, property tax bills, insurance bills, utility bills, hardship explanation, and government-issued ID.
Complete the Online Application
Fill out the Save the Dream application online. The application will ask detailed questions about your hardship, income, and housing expenses. Upload all required documents.
Wait for Review & Approval
Your application will be reviewed by OHFA and your mortgage servicer. Processing times vary. If approved, funds are paid directly to your mortgage servicer, tax collector, or other service providers.
Need Help with Your Application?
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies throughout Ohio can assist with Save the Dream applications at no cost. Call the OHFA helpline or visit their website for a list of approved counselors.
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Check Your Eligibility for More Programs
Ohio offers many other homeowner assistance programs beyond Save the Dream. See what programs you qualify for based on your situation.