Rockingham Selectboard Discusses Homeowners Assistance

On Tuesday, April 19, the Rockingham Selectboard met with Municipal Manager Scott Pickup to review financials and the Vermont Homeowner Assistance Program. Rick Cowan inquired about the delinquent tax liability line item and whether the $454,000.00 figure was accurate. Pickup explained that the figure included interest and penalties, and that it will continue to climb until the town holds a tax sale, but that it will alter over time. Cowan wanted to issue a news release about the Homeowners Assistance Program so that homeowners who were behind on their taxes knew about it.

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The Vermont Housing Finance Agency offers the Vermont Homeowner Assistance Program, which helps homeowners avoid foreclosure, eviction, and other penalties by assisting them with their primary dwelling. The help covers outstanding mortgage payments, homeowners association fees, property taxes, and utilities for homeowners who experienced financial difficulty as a result of Covid-19 after January 21, 2020. 

The Vermont Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) was supported by U.S. Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders, as well as Congressman Peter Welch. In a joint statement, the Vermont Delegation said: “As foreclosure moratoriums and forbearance agreements end, many Vermonters are facing an uncertain future. These funds will help homeowners harmed by the pandemic get caught up on their bills and move forward.”

Applicants must earn less than or equal to 150 percent of the area median income to be considered. Each county’s AMI is different, and you can find it here. The property must be in the state of Vermont and must be the applicant’s principal residence. Homeowners must have a COVID-19-related financial difficulty that occurs after January 20, 2020, such as job loss, income reduction, or increased costs due to illness or the need to care for a family member.

For more information on qualifications and to apply, visit the VHFA’s VHAP website or call the helpline at 1-833-221-4208 from Monday till Friday, 8 am–5 pm. For more details, reach out to [email protected].

For more information on getting a grant and also learning about refinance programs, take a look at this.