Strafford News

City of Dover issued the following announcement on March 22.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provided $50 million to New Hampshire, funding the New Hampshire Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). The HAF offers aid to eligible residents struggling to pay their mortgage, property taxes, utility bills, and other housing costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state contracted with the New Hampshire Finance Authority to administer the program.

Eligible homeowners can receive up to $20,000 assistance for mortgage loan reinstatement for delinquent mortgage payments, and property charges, such as delinquent property taxes, homeowner insurance, and homeowner/condominium association fees/dues. They can also receive up to $3,000 for utility bills, such as electricity, gas, heating fuel, water, sewer and internet bills.

Cumulative HAF assistance of less than $5,000 will be given as a grant. For $5,000 and above, funds will be provided through a two-year non-interest-bearing forgivable grant. The grant is due in full upon sale, cash-out refinance or transfer of ownership within two years of HAF assistance. If these events do not occur, the grant will be forgiven.

Eligibility requirements include New Hampshire property ownership that is the owner’s primary residence, coronavirus pandemic-related income reduction or expense increase since Jan. 21, 2020, and income equal to or less than 125% of area median income.

To apply and view a complete list of available assistance and eligibility requirements, go to homehelpnh.org. For application assistance, financial counseling, and other resources, call 800-974-1377 ext. 1014, or visit homesahead.org. For assistance due to immediate threat of foreclosure, tax deed, or sheriff’s sale, contact New Hampshire Legal Aid at 603-224-3333 or NHLegalAid.org.

For those seeking emergency rental assistance, visit homehelpnh.org.

More information about this program and many other assistance programs can be found at DoverCares.

Original source can be found here.