Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund Launched: $242 Million for Homeowners with Pandemic Hardship
Find out if you qualify for this program here.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) launched a new program today to aid homeowners with additional financial support to help Michiganders pay their bills and stay in their homes.
The Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF) uses federal resources allocated under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to provide financial assistance to homeowners who have fallen behind on homeownership-related expenses. The MIHAF program can help with delinquent mortgage, property tax and/or condominium payments, payment of escrow shortages, and past-due utility payments, including gas, water, electric, and internet or broadband.
“Over the years, we’ve made great strides to keep families in their homes, and this additional financial support will build on our efforts that put Michiganders first,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The program offers homeowners much-needed relief to help them overcome those financial obstacles while also providing a strong degree of housing security – a vital measure that can positively impact every part of our lives.”
The U.S. Treasury allocated a total of $242,812,277 to Michigan for the MIHAF program, which MSHDA anticipates will help more than 8,300 homeowners across the state. Half of the funds have been allocated by the state Legislature, and the remaining approximately $121 million must be approved at a later date.
The Homeowner Assistance Fund was established under section 3206 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the ARP) to mitigate hardships associated with the coronavirus pandemic by providing funds to prevent homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosure, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacements of homeowners experiencing financial hardship on or after January 21, 2020 or for those homeowners who experience a coronavirus pandemic financial hardship that began before January 21, 2020 but continued after that date.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury notified MSHDA on April 14, 2021 that it will allocate $242,812,277 to the State of Michigan. This number was based on unemployed individuals and the number of mortgagors with delinquent mortgage payments.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has designated the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (the Authority or MSHDA) as the operating agency to set up the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF) program in accordance with the guidance provided by the Treasury.
Find out if you qualify for this program here.
Who Is Eligible?
- Homeowners with household incomes less than 150% of Area Median Income (AMI)
- Homeowners who own and occupy the property as their primary residence
- Homeowners must have and explain a financial hardship directly related to COVID-19 on or after January 21, 2020
Up to $25,000 Grant Per Household to Pay:
- Delinquent mortgage/housing expenses, including property tax and insurance escrow shortages
- Delinquent land contract payments, mobile home consumer loan payments or mobile home park lot payments
- Delinquent property taxes
- Delinquent condominium/homeowners’ association fees
- Delinquent homeowner’s insurance,
- Delinquent utilities, gas, electric, water, sewer
- Delinquent internet broadband services
How Do I Apply?
- Use the secure online application portal CLICK HERE to submit your application for assistance.
- This is the best way to apply for those who have a smart phone, tablet, or computer.
- First review the Acceptable Documentation List and be prepared to provide supporting documentation, such as photo ID, social security number, monthly income/benefit statement, and delinquent housing expense statements.
- Check the status of your submission HERE
Find out if you qualify for this program here.
Prioritization of Households
The Federal Homeowner Assistance Fund Program requires a prioritization of assistance for both households with incomes equal to or less than 100% of Area Median Income (AMI) and those identified as Socially Disadvantaged Individuals (SDI). SDI households may have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias within American society because of their identities as members of groups and without regard to their individual qualities. Social disadvantage must stem from circumstances beyond their control.
All MIHAF applications will be reviewed and determined eligible on a first come, first serve basis.
MSHDA’s program Term Sheet provides greater details on the MIHAF program.
Become a MIHAF Partner
LENDING PARTNER:
Lenders, mortgage companies, reverse mortgage companies and mortgage servicers can become a MIHAF PARTICIPATING PARTNER by completing the MIHAF Collaboration Agreement and MIHAF Service Provider Contact and ACH Instructions below.
SERVICE PARTNER:
County Treasurers, land contract holders, mobile home lenders. mobile home parks, condominium/homeowners’ associations, homeowner’s insurance company, utilities, gas, electric, water, sewer, and internet/broadband services can become a MIHAF PARTICIPATING PARTNER by completing the MIHAF Provider Participation Agreement and the MIHAF Service Provider Contact and ACH Instructions below.
MIHAF Partner Agreements
- MIHAF Collaboration Agreement (Lending Partners Only)
- MIHAF Provider Participation Agreement (All Servicer Partners)
- Service Provider Contact and ACH Instructions (All Partners)
- MIHAF Partner Instruction Letter
- MIHAF Grant Agreement
- Current List of Partners
MIHAF Partner Marketing Toolkit
The Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF) Marketing Toolkit is now available to help organizations inform and engage eligible homeowners. This toolkit includes flyers, FAQ information, social media content for Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, along with other resources for effective marketing campaigns to reach those in need.
