The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF): Can It Pay Your Property Taxes?
Published by AuctionBlock.org — a mission-driven company dedicated to foreclosure prevention education
If you are behind on property taxes and worried about losing your home, there is a federal program that may be able to help: the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). Created by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, HAF allocated nearly $10 billion to states, territories, and tribal entities to help homeowners who experienced financial hardship during or after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here is what you need to know.
What Is the Homeowner Assistance Fund?
HAF is a federally funded program administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Each state received an allocation of funds and designed its own program with its own eligibility rules, application process, and benefit amounts.
Critically for homeowners facing tax foreclosure, most state HAF programs can pay delinquent property taxes. This is one of the most underutilized features of the program.
What Can HAF Pay For?
While the specific covered expenses vary by state, most HAF programs can assist with:
- Delinquent property taxes (the most relevant for our readers)
- Delinquent mortgage payments
- Homeowner association (HOA) fees
- Utility payments
- Homeowner insurance
- Other housing-related costs
The key point: if your state’s HAF program covers property taxes, they can potentially pay your entire delinquent tax balance directly to your county tax collector.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility requirements vary by state, but the general federal guidelines include:
Income Requirements
Most state programs limit eligibility to homeowners at or below 150% of the area median income (AMI). This is a relatively generous threshold — for example, in many parts of the country, a family of four earning $80,000 or more could still qualify.
Hardship Requirement
You must have experienced a financial hardship after January 21, 2020 (the date of the first confirmed COVID-19 case in the U.S.). Qualifying hardships include:
- Job loss or reduced income
- Medical expenses or illness
- Disability
- Death of a household wage earner
- Natural disaster
- Increased expenses due to the pandemic
Property Requirements
- Must be your primary residence
- Generally must be a 1-4 unit property
- Must be the property owner
- Some states have maximum property value limits
Priority Populations
Federal guidelines require states to prioritize:
- Homeowners with incomes at or below 100% AMI
- Socially disadvantaged individuals
- Homeowners who are most at risk of foreclosure or displacement
How to Apply
Step 1: Find Your State’s Program
Each state has its own HAF program with its own website and application portal. You can find your state’s program through:
- The Treasury Department’s HAF website
- Your state housing finance agency’s website
- AuctionBlock.org’s state pages (we link to each state’s program where available)
Step 2: Gather Documentation
Typical documentation requirements include:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of ownership and occupancy
- Income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns, or self-certification)
- Evidence of financial hardship
- Property tax statement showing the delinquent amount
- Mortgage statement (if applicable)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Most states accept applications online, though some also offer paper applications and phone-based assistance. The process varies from simple self-certification to more extensive documentation requirements.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Processing times vary dramatically by state — from a few weeks to several months. If your tax sale date is approaching, make sure to note the urgency in your application and ask about expedited review.
Step 5: Funds Are Paid Directly
If approved, HAF funds are typically paid directly to the county tax collector or mortgage servicer — not to you. This ensures the money goes where it is needed.
Important Warnings
Funds Are Running Out
HAF was a one-time allocation. Many states have already exhausted their funds or are close to doing so. As of early 2026, some states have closed their programs entirely, while others still have funds available but are spending them quickly.
If your state’s HAF program is still open, apply immediately. Waiting could mean the funds are gone by the time you apply.
Not Every State Covers Property Taxes
While most state HAF programs include property tax assistance, not all do. Check your specific state’s program to confirm that property taxes are a covered expense.
Application Does Not Stop a Tax Sale
Submitting a HAF application does not automatically stop or delay a tax sale. If your sale date is approaching, you need to take additional steps (contacting the county, requesting a continuance, etc.) while your HAF application is being processed.
What If HAF Is Not Available in Your State?
If your state’s HAF program has closed or does not cover property taxes, other options exist:
- County payment plans: Contact your county tax collector about installment agreements
- Property tax exemptions: Apply for senior, disability, veteran, or homestead exemptions
- State assistance programs: Some states have their own property tax assistance programs separate from HAF
- Nonprofit assistance: Organizations like AuctionBlock.org can help you find resources
The Bottom Line
The Homeowner Assistance Fund is one of the most powerful tools available to homeowners facing property tax delinquency. If you qualify and your state’s program is still open, it could eliminate your entire delinquent tax balance for a flat $4,999 fee, paid only upon successful recovery.
But time is running out. Funds are limited, and programs are closing. Contact AuctionBlock.org today for free help determining whether you qualify and navigating the application process.
AuctionBlock.org is a mission-driven company. All services are free. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.