Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund Grant now open for resident applications
March 7, 2022
Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF)
Whitmer - Governor Whitmer Launches Program for Michigan Homeowners Experiencing Hardships
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.
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
- MSHDA opened the MIHAF program to the public on February 14, 2022
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
- Program questions please call Customer Service 844-756-4423 or email MSHDA-HO-HAF-Program@michigan.gov
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.
