Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund

On February 1, 2022, homeowners were eligible for financial assistance for qualified housing-related expenses, including both delinquent property taxes and delinquent payments for utility services. Governor Wolf announced the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF) which provides eligible Pennsylvania residents with financial assistance for home-related expenses. This program is targeted at helping people who are facing hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid mortgage delinquency, foreclosure, or displacement.

The Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority has partnered with Portnoff Law Associates (PLA) to collect all delinquent levee fees and PLA is considered a participating organization in this program. Therefore, the LCFPA is happy to announce that they can extend this assistance to rate payers adversely affected by the pandemic. Rate payers who have experienced hardship due to the pandemic and are currently delinquent on their levee fees may be eligible for this program assistance.

Which Homeowners are Eligible for PAHAF grants?

Pennsylvania homeowners whose household income is equal to or less than 150% of the area median income (“AMI”) are eligible. Priority is given to households at or below 100% AMI and Socially Disadvantaged^[2]households.  The assistance is available only to homeowners who own and occupy the property as their primary residence and only for property located in Pennsylvania.

PAHAF guidance suggests the funds provided under the program are structured as a non-recourse grant with no repayment terms meaning assistance granted does not need to be repaid by the recipient. Additionally, the guidance suggests that delinquent levee fees would be classified under the PAHAFs “condo/HOA” fee category and assistance is capped at $5,000 or 24 months, whichever would occur first.  This guidance limits eligible assistance to the 2020 and 2021 delinquent levee fees. Other restrictions may apply, and it is encouraged that interested parties access the PAHAF website at the below link for more information concerning eligibility.

How do Homeowners apply?

Homeowners may apply or learn more about the program by visiting https://pahaf.org/ or calling (888) 987-2423.  There is no cost to apply. Additionally, you can visit https://lcfpa.org/delinquent-payment-information/ for more information concerning your delinquent levee fee.