This was a resource sent to us from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services:
Nebraska Homeowner Assistance Fund (NHAF). This is a program that can assist homeowners who experienced financial hardship related to COVID-19 from 01/21/2020 to now that are past due with either Mortgage payments, Property taxes, Homeowners insurance and Utility payments. A household can be eligible up to $40,000. Funding for the NHAF program is provided by the Homeowner Assistance Fund established by the U.S. Department of Treasury as part of the congressional American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).They have been allocated 40.3 million dollars and still have over 9 million dollars to be disbursed in Nebraska.
How do I apply for NHAF?
The application is available online at Nebraska HAF or may be completed with assistance by calling 1-844-565-7146.
What if I need help with the application?
Call center representatives will be available to assist with the application Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST.
What assistance is available?
Property related assistance is available for past due utilities/internet, property taxes, homeowners/flood insurance, HOA/condo fees, or title clearing. Assistance may also be available to prevent cancellation of homeowners/flood insurance.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants:
- An applicant means all homeowners and borrowers living in the home, plus the spouse of the homeowner (if married); all applicants must be included on the application.
- The homeowner, borrower, or spouse with the pandemic related financial hardship must be living in the home at the time of application and intend to continue living in the home as their primary residence.
- A homeowner, if not the person with the hardship, must be living in the home at the time of application and intend to continue living in the home as their primary residence.
- The home must be in Nebraska.
- The home must be the primary residence and have been purchased, owned, or inherited prior to the hardship.
- The home must be in the name of a person, not a trust, business, or LLC.
Mortgage:
- The mortgage lender or servicer must be participating in the program to receive mortgage assistance.
- If there is a mortgage on the home, it must have met conforming loan requirements at the time of origination.
- A manufactured home loan can be considered for assistance.
Income:
- The income of the homeowner, borrower, and spouse residing in the home must be equal to or less than 100% Area Median Income (AMI) for their county of residence. Here is the link for AMI: https://9242548.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9242548/HAF-Income-Limits.pdf
Does my hardship have to be related to Covid-19?
Yes. The homeowner, borrower, or the spouse living in the home must have suffered a financial hardship related to the pandemic, that caused a need for assistance. The hardship must have occurred after January 21, 2020. The hardship was due to a significant loss of income OR due to a significant increase in expenses. During the application process, the applicant will attest to their financial hardship.
What are some examples of how the COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively affected a household's income or assets?
- A reduction in hours or wages (including when resulting from a need to care for a sick household member or for children home from school or daycare) resulting in decreased income
- Laid off or pause in work
- Became sick with COVID-19 and was unable to work
- Loss of child support or spousal support due to any of the above
What are some examples of how the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused significant increases in expenses for a household?
- New or increased healthcare costs
- Remote or at-home work expenses
- Childcare or adult dependent care expenses
- Increased food or food delivery expenses
- At-home care for a household member ill from COVID-19
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including masks
- Air quality (filters, ventilators) expenses
- Alternative transportation expenses due to COVID-19 transportation limitations
- Increased utility bills due to staying at home as a result of COVID-19
- Increased utility or heating costs in light of pandemic- related heating costs increasing
What is the maximum amount of assistance I can receive?
The maximum assistance amount for the combined types of assistance is $40,000 per household.
Am I required to pay back the assistance I receive?
No. These funds will be disbursed to servicers on behalf of eligible homeowners in the form of a grant. Only in the instance of fraud or wrongful misrepresentation would an applicant have to repay the funds.
For more information contact:
Homeowner Assistance Fund - nhaf@nifa.org
Impala Cruz, Homeowner Assistance Fund Program Manager (402) 434-6930