New York's COVID Mortgage-Relief Program

Learn about New York’s COVID mortgage-relief program. You might be eligible for up to $50,000 to pay your home loan and other housing-related costs.

By , Attorney · University of Denver Sturm College of Law

Update: The application period for the NYS HAF program, discussed below, is closed. However, you might qualify for other kinds of assistance. Click on the "Get Local Support Tab" at www.nyhomeownerfund.org to get information about talking to a free housing counselor or legal services provider.


In early 2021, President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law. This law created a Homeowner Assistance Fund, a federal program, to give $10 billion to the states to help households that are behind on their mortgages and other housing-related expenses due to COVID-19.

Eligible homeowners in New York who've experienced a financial hardship because of the pandemic can get a piece of the $539 million allocated to the state—up to $50,000 per household—from the New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund (NYS HAF) program. This program uses federal money to help low- to moderate-income homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments, property taxes, condo and coop fees, water or sewage bills, and manufactured home loans or monthly lot rents.

Help for New York Homeowners Under the NYS HAF Program

The NYS HAF program provides money to eligible homeowners in New York to:

  • cover overdue mortgage payments (unemployed homeowners might qualify for up to six months of future housing payments)
  • pay down the principal mortgage amount to make monthly payments more affordable
  • pay property taxes or sewage and water bills
  • pay condo and coop fees, and
  • cover manufactured home loans or monthly lot rents.

Eligibility Requirements for the NYS HAF Program

To qualify for the program, your household income must be equal to or less than 100% of the area median income (AMI). You must also be at risk of foreclosure (at least 30 days behind on your mortgage payments, property taxes, condo or coop fees, etc.) or displacement due to a financial hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. But if you're up to date on your monthly housing payments and currently unemployed, you can apply for up to six months of future housing payments. You also must own and occupy the property for which you're seeking assistance as your primary residence.

You might qualify for assistance in any of the following situations:

  • You're in a forbearance plan or were in a forbearance plan that has expired, including forbearances for first and second mortgages.
  • You didn't get a forbearance plan or missed the option to apply for one, and are delinquent on a first or second mortgage.
  • You're behind on payments for property taxes, water bills, or sewage bills.
  • You're a coop or condo homeowner behind on monthly carrying charges, like maintenance fees or homeowners' (HOA) association payments.
  • You live in manufactured homes and are behind on your home loan or retail installment contract you used to buy the homes.

Borrowers in default on a reverse mortgage can also qualify.

How the NYS HAF Program Works

Assistance is structured as a five-year, non-interest-bearing, non-amortizing forgivable loan. If the homeowner remains in the home for five years, the loan will be fully forgiven. But if you sell, refinance, or transfer ownership of the home within five years, you might have to repay the amount you received.

How to Apply for the NYS HAF Program

NYS HAF will start accepting applications on January 3, 2022. You'll have to provide some documentation with your application, like mortgage statements, proof of income (such as pay stubs or tax returns), and a government-issued ID (like a driver's license).

How Long Will New York's COVID Relief Program Last?

The application period will stay open for 30 days. If funds aren't fully allotted at the end of the 30 days, the application period will be extended for at least another 30 days.

NYS HAF expects to receive significantly more applications than the program can fund. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and some people will probably miss out on getting financial assistance. So, if you think you might qualify, it's best to apply as soon as possible.

Avoid Homeowner Assistance Fund Scams

If you get an unsolicited offer by phone, in the U.S. mail, through email, or by text message offering mortgage relief or foreclosure rescue services, be wary. Scammers are increasingly targeting homeowners who've been affected by COVID-19. The NYS HAF program is free. If anyone asks you to pay a fee to get housing counseling or foreclosure prevention services from this program, it's a scam. If you experience fraud associated with this program, be sure to report it.

Learn More

If you need more information, call 844-776-9423 or go to the NYS HAF website. The website includes an FAQ section and a step-by-step application guide. If you need help with your application, contact a HUD-approved housing counselor who will assist you at no cost. To find a counselor near you, go to the NYS HAF website or HUD's website or call 800-569-4287.