Update: The Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Program discussed below is permanently closed. However, if you're facing a foreclosure, you might still have time to work out an alternative with your loan servicer. Contact your servicer to learn about available options. Also, if you have questions about the foreclosure process in Arkansas or want to learn about potential defenses, consider talking to a foreclosure lawyer.
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 behind on their mortgages and other housing expenses due to COVID-19.
Eligible homeowners in Arkansas who've experienced a financial hardship because of COVID-19 can get a portion of the $54 million allocated to the state—up to $40,000 per household—from the Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Fund program. This program uses federal money to help homeowners in Arkansas make mortgage payments and pay other home-related expenses like delinquent property taxes, homeowners' association fees, and insurance.
The Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Fund program provides financial assistance to cover the following housing-related expenses:
To qualify for relief from this program, you must have suffered a financial hardship (a material reduction in income or an increase in living expenses) after January 21, 2020, because of the coronavirus pandemic. A hardship that began before January 21, 2020, but continued after that qualifies.
In addition, you have to meet some other guidelines:
If you're applying for mortgage reinstatement:
If you're applying for utility, internet, or broadband payment assistance:
Assistance is structured as a grant that you don't have to repay. Payments go directly to the loan servicer or other approved entity, not to homeowners.
To apply, go to apply.arkansashaf.com or contact the call center at 888-698-0964. If you're not able to apply online, the program's mailing address is:
Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Fund
1 Commerce Way, #12
Little Rock, AR 72202
The program's fax number is 855-461-3251. You'll have to provide some documentation with your application, like mortgage statements, proof of income (such as pay stubs and tax returns), and a government-issued ID (like a driver's license).
If you're denied assistance, you can appeal within 30 days of the denial letter's date.
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 Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Fund 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.
Call 888-698-0964 or go to the program's Resources website if you need more information.
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 HUD's website or call 800-569-4287.