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The Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Program is Closed. All program funding provided by the U.S. Treasury for the program has been reserved. The application portal is permanently closed and Arkansas HAF is no longer accepting new applications.
If you have any questions related to payment regarding your approved application(s), please feel free to contact our call center at 888.698.0964 to speak to a call center representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question below to view its answer.
Eligibility Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
To be considered eligible:
- Your household income must be at 150 percent of the Area Median Income or 100 percent of the median income for the United States, whichever is greater.
- You own and occupy the home as your primary residence.
- You can certify your financial hardship that began after January 21, 2020. (Includes a hardship that began before January 21, 2020 but continued after that date)
- Your property is located within the state of Arkansas.
- Your property is not vacant, abandoned or condemned.
- If applying for Arkansas HAF Mortgage Assistance:
- Mortgage is held by a lender/servicer with an NMLS number. This would include federally backed and privately funded mortgages. Private party mortgages are ineligible for assistance.
- Mortgage is two or more months past due when you submit your application.
- If approved for HAF reinstatement benefits, after your loan is paid current, you may be eligible for monthly payment assistance.
- If approved for mortgage assistance that must be combined with a loss mitigation to achieve an affordable payment, you agree to work with your servicer and a housing counselor to finalize the loss mitigation program.
- If applying for Utility/Internet/Broadband Payment Assistance:
- Homeowner is at least two installment payments in arrears on one or more of the following: utilities, such as electric, gas, home energy, and water, or internet service, including broadband internet access service.
If an eligible homeowner is on a payment plan for utility/internet expenses incurred prior to the application date, those expenses will be considered arrears and can be included as eligible expenses. - Homeowner can certify that assistance sufficient to resolve the delinquency is not available from Arkansas Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (“LIHEAP”) and, without HAF assistance, the homeowner is likely to lose services.
- Homeowner is at least two installment payments in arrears on one or more of the following: utilities, such as electric, gas, home energy, and water, or internet service, including broadband internet access service.
What expenses are eligible?
- Mortgage delinquency*
- Monthly Payment Assistance
- Utility and/or internet access services
- Property taxes, hazard insurance premiums, flood or wind insurance premiums, ground rents, condominium fees, cooperative maintenance fees, planned unit development fees, homeowners’ association fees or utilities that the servicer advanced to protect lien position (if included within escrow)
*may include additional principal to help the homeowner achieve an affordable payment when combined with a servicer’s loss mitigation program
What is the maximum amount of income I can earn?
The income limits vary based on county and the number of occupants in your household. When you apply online, after entering some basic information, you will see the income limitations specific to you.
What documents do I need to provide?
Please view the Arkansas HAF Checklist to review our required documentation.
What if I cannot get the required documents to finish the application?
We must have all documentation to finish your application. If you do not supply all the documents, you are at risk of being administratively withdrawn. Although, we will work with you to obtain all the information we need to complete the application.
I am in bankruptcy right now. Am I eligible for assistance?
An active bankruptcy does not make you ineligible for assistance. However, you may be required to obtain approval from the bankruptcy court to participate and receive assistance. Homeowners are encouraged to speak with their bankruptcy attorney and request permission from the court to participate in this program if they filed chapters 11 or 13. Click here to obtain an example of a motion for approval document to show your attorney.
Utility Assistance Questions
What is the Arkansas Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (“LIHEAP”)?
LIHEAP is a block grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). It is designed to lower the energy burden for low-income households, who pay a high proportion of household income for home energy costs, by paying benefits for home energy bills. LIHEAP assists households with heating costs during the winter season and cooling costs during the summer season. LIHEAP only assists residential applicants; businesses are excluded from receiving the benefit. LIHEAP in Arkansas is operated by a network of fifteen (15) Community Action Agencies (CAAs), which serves all seventy-five (75) counties. Arkansas LIHEAP offers two types of benefit payments:
- Regular: this benefit is based on household size and income.
- Crisis: the crisis benefit is a payment up to $500 dollars that depends on the amount of help a household presents as being necessary.
LIHEAP Eligibility in Arkansas is based on both 60% of State Median Income and 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. Review the LIHEAP Eligibility Chart below to see if your household is income eligible for benefits.
What is the Arkansas Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (“LIHWAP”)?
LIHWAP is a grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The program’s priorities are to provide restoration, prevent disconnection, and reduce arrearages of drinking water and wastewater. LIHWAP assists households with water and wastewater costs LIHWAP only assists residential applicants; businesses are excluded from receiving the benefit. LIHWAP in Arkansas serves all seventy-five (75) counties.
- Arkansas LIHWAP offers a one-time benefit payment of up to $2,000
LIHWAP Eligibility in Arkansas is based on both 60% of State Median Income and 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. Review the LIHEAP Eligibility Chart below to see if your household is income eligible for benefits.
I understand that homeowners must be able to demonstrate they applied for LIHEAP benefits, and they were either denied or require more assistance that LIHEAP can provide. How can I apply for benefits from Arkansas’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)?
Homeowners can apply for benefits from Arkansas’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by visiting their website at: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/incentives/liheap.aspx
How can I certify and prove that I have applied for benefits from Arkansas’s LIHEAP program?
Once you apply for LIHEAP, they will provide you a Notice of Action Form that will detail your award/denial. HAF will accept this as sufficient documentation to meet this eligibility requirement.
I am applying for utility payment assistance, and I am confused about how LIHWAP and/or LIHEAP effects my eligibility or if I need to apply for that program before I can be served under HAF.
Applicants are required to apply for LIHEAP benefits before they apply for HAF Utility Program assistance. Applicants are not required to apply for LIHWAP, although we strongly encourage them to do so.
LIHWAP payment assistance covers the following utility types: water and wastewater. LIHEAP payment assistance covers the following utility types: electric, fuel/oil, natural gas, propane, wood and/or pellets. It does not cover expenses such as internet, or broadband.
- If you need assistance for LIHEAP covered utility types, you must apply for LIHEAP before applying for HAF. If you applied for HAF and were deemed ineligible because you had not applied for LIHEAP, you may become eligible later if you provide documentation of application and award/denial.
- If you do not need payment assistance for the LIHWAP and/or LIHEAP covered utility types, but you need assistance for services not covered under LIHWAP and/or LIHEAP (internet, broadband, etc.) you may apply for HAF assistance.
- If you need payment assistance for a combination of utilities and internet/broadband services, you must apply for LIHEAP before applying for HAF. If you are deemed ineligible by LIHWAP and/or LIHEAP benefits, or they cannot resolve your entire delinquency, the HAF program may pay the entire remaining amount – up to maximum assistance of $2,500.
Mortgage Assistance Questions
My first and second lien mortgage loans are both delinquent, can I receive assistance for both loans?
Each applicant can only apply for assistance once; however, their first and second mortgage loans are eligible for reinstatement at the same time, when all other program criteria is met.
May I apply for mortgage assistance if my mortgage loan is current or past due for one payment?
No, the mortgage loan must be past due for two or more payments before homeowners can apply for mortgage assistance.
How much will the mortgage lender receive if I am approved?
The mortgage servicer/lender will receive the delinquent past due amount up to the awarded cap amount. If there are benefits remaining after the past due amount is paid, homeowners may be eligible to receive monthly payment assistance. These additional monthly benefits will help stabilize the household finances. If the past due amount is greater than the maximum benefit, or if the homeowner needs help to achieve a lower payment, homeowners must agree to work with their servicer and a housing counselor to complete a loss mitigation program that brings their loan current.
I inherited a home that is delinquent and at risk of foreclosure, and my name is not on the mortgage loan, what should I do?
If you inherited a home that is delinquent and at risk of foreclosure, and your name is not on the mortgage loan, we recommend you seek assistance from a legal services team. Click here for more information about free legal assistance: www.arlawhelp.org
My spouse recently passed away and s/he was the only person on the mortgage. The loan is delinquent and at risk of foreclosure, what should I do?
Individuals who are struggling to save their home from foreclosure due to death of a spouse who was the only person on the mortgage may seek assistance from a legal services team. Click here for more information about free legal assistance: www.arlawhelp.org
I recently got divorced and the home was awarded to me but my name is not on the mortgage loan. The loan is delinquent and at risk of foreclosure, what should I do?
Individuals who are struggling to save their home from default or foreclosure due to property settlement conditions related to divorce may seek assistance from a legal services team. Click here for more information about free legal assistance: www.arlawhelp.org
My spouse is incarcerated and s/he is the only name on the mortgage. The loan is delinquent and at risk of foreclosure, what should I do?
Individuals who are struggling to save their home from default and foreclosure due to incarceration of a spouse who is the only name on the mortgage loan, should seek assistance from a legal services team. Click here for more information about free legal assistance: www.arlawhelp.org
What should I do if I have an unaffordable mortgage payment and need help to get a lower, more affordable payment?
Homeowners who need help to get a lower, more affordable mortgage payment will be directed to work with Credit Counseling of Arkansas (CCOA) while their loan is under review for HAF benefits that will be combined with a servicer’s loss mitigation program. (CCOA is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency that works with the Arkansas HAF Program. Homeowner counseling performed by CCOA on behalf of the Arkansas HAF Program is provided at no-cost). Homeowners must be willing to work with their servicer, Arkansas HAF and CCOA to achieve an affordable payment.
My home is currently on the market or in the process of sale. Can I still apply for assistance for my delinquent mortgage/utility/internet bills?
If your property is listed for sale or approved for a short sale or deed-in-lieu, it will be deemed ineligible for assistance under HAF.
General & Technical Support Questions
What is the Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Program?
The State of Arkansas has been allocated approximately $54 million as part of the American Rescue Plan signed into law by President Biden. It is intended to help low-to-moderate income households catch up on their delinquent mortgages and certain other homeowner expenses.
How many times can I apply for the assistance?
Each applicant only can apply to the program once.
How will payment be handled?
Payment will be provided directly to your mortgage servicer or utility/internet provider.
How long does it take to get approved?
The approval process typically takes around 30-45 days.
Is this payment a grant or do I need to pay it back?
This is a grant based on federal funding provided for distribution by the State of Arkansas. You will not be required to repay.
What documents do I need to provide?
Please view the Arkansas HAF Checklist to review our required documentation.
What if I cannot get the required documents to finish the application?
We must have all documentation to finish your application. If you do not supply all the documents, you are at risk of being administratively withdrawn. Although, we will work with you to obtain all the information we need to complete the application.
If I am denied, can I reapply for the assistance?
Upon denial, all applicants have the right to appeal within 30-days of the date of the denial letter. Please be advised that not all denials are eligible for appeal. Example: If the property is not located in Arkansas or if the loan is not past due for two or more payments at the time of application – the file is not eligible for appeal.
I have started my application, but I plan to leave town. Will my application be available in 2 weeks?
Yes, although after 10 days of inactivity you will receive an email of incompleteness and run the risk of becoming inactivated.
How do I check the status of my application?
To review the application details and detailed status, please log into your account using the link apply.arkansashaf.com or contact our call center at 888.698.0964.
How do I know if I will receive Monthly Payment Assistance from the HAF Program?
ADFA will notify all eligible homeowners when they are approved to receive monthly payment assistance. Monthly benefit payments begin after the homeowner’s loan has been reinstated with HAF benefits. Household income information is used to determine the number of monthly payments a homeowner is eligible to receive.
Do I have to pay taxes on the benefit assistance I receive from the Homeowner Assistance Fund program?
ADFA does not provide tax advice to homeowners regarding Arkansas HAF benefits. Homeowners should consult a tax professional regarding tax liability. Homeowners may obtain additional information from the IRS regarding their determination of tax liability for Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) benefits. Go to: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-21-47.pdf to read the IRS publication regarding tax liability of the program.
Is there a cost to participate in the Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Fund?
There is no cost to participate in the Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Fund. You will never be asked to pay a fee to apply for or receive assistance. If you believe you have been inappropriately approached by a non-Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Fund representative offering financial assistance and asking for a payment or requesting your personal information, please notify us immediately at 888.698.0964.
I’m in the application portal and am having technical issues. Would should I do?
If you are having issues with the appearance or behavior of the application portal, try to clear the browser cache.
I received a text message from 501-791-9182 regarding my application. Is this legitimate?
Yes, this is the official number Arkansas HAF uses to send SMS text messages to applicants. You may also receive phone calls from our call center at 888.698.0964. If you believe you have been contacted by a non-Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Fund representative offering financial assistance, asking for a payment, or requesting your personal information, please refrain from responding and call us immediately at 888.698.0964.
Reinstatement & Monthly Assistance Questions
How does the Arkansas HAF Program determine the number of monthly assistance payments an eligible homeowner will receive?
The Arkansas HAF Program determines the number of monthly assistance payments an eligible homeowner will receive based on the household income reported at the time of application and the availability of funds after the mortgage loan is reinstated.
Are all homeowners eligible to receive monthly assistance payments after they have been approved for mortgage reinstatement?
No, eligible homeowners are only able to receive monthly assistance payments if there are funds remaining after their mortgage loan has been reinstated. Each monthly assistance payment is equal to a full mortgage payment. The Program does not make partial mortgage payments.
Does the Arkansas HAF program provide monthly payment assistance to a homeowner if their loan is current?
No, the homeowner’s mortgage loan must be two or more months past due when a homeowner submits their request for assistance from the Arkansas HAF program. Homeowners who previously received HAF benefits to reinstate their mortgage loan are ineligible for additional HAF assistance. Homeowners who are struggling to make their payment after receiving a HAF reinstatement should contact their servicer for loss mitigation assistance.
Are homeowners eligible for Mortgage Reinstatement assistance if they accept a loss mitigation solution from their servicer that eliminates the past due balance and brings their loan current?
No, homeowners are not eligible for Mortgage Reinstatement assistance if they accept a loss mitigation solution from their servicer that eliminates their past due balance and brings their loan current during the time Arkansas HAF is reviewing their loan for assistance.
What happens to a homeowner’s monthly benefit payments if their loan is transferred to a new servicer during the period of assistance?
If a homeowner’s loan is transferred to a new servicer during the period of monthly payment assistance, the Arkansas HAF program will work with the existing and new servicer to determine if they can provide funds for all approve benefits.
What is the maximum amount of mortgage assistance an eligible homeowner can receive from the Arkansas HAF program?
The maximum amount of mortgage assistance that can be provided to an eligible homeowner is $50,000. This includes benefits associated with homeowner’s mortgage reinstatement and monthly payment assistance, or principal assistance, as available.
Can a homeowner apply for mortgage assistance, if they previously received mortgage reinstatement assistance from the Arkansas HAF program?
No, homeowners who previously received mortgage reinstatement assistance from the Arkansas HAF program are ineligible for additional assistance. Homeowners who previously received HAF benefits to reinstate their mortgage loan are ineligible for additional HAF assistance. Homeowners who are struggling to make their payment after receiving a HAF reinstatement should contact their servicer for loss mitigation assistance.
What should a homeowner do if their mortgage loan servicer tells them they have not received the reinstatement and/or monthly payment benefits provided by the Arkansas HAF Program?
Homeowners whose mortgage loan servicers tell them they have not received the reinstatement and/or monthly payment benefits from the Arkansas HAF Program, should call the HAF program’s Customer Service Department at 888-698-0964 to report this information. The Arkansas HAF Program will immediately contact the mortgage loan servicer and begin working to resolve this condition. Homeowners should allow 10-15 business days for resolution of this condition.
If a mortgage loan servicer fails to respond to the Arkansas HAF program and more than 15 business days have lapsed since our first contact attempt, the Arkansas HAF program will notify the homeowner of the non-responsive situation and may recommend they take other actions to help resolve the condition.
What should a homeowner do if they continue to receive delinquency notices from their mortgage servicer after they have been approved for HAF program benefits?
Homeowners should contact the Arkansas HAF Customer Service Department at 888-698-0964 to report this information. The Arkansas HAF team will contact their servicer to determine why benefits have not been applied to the loan.
What should a homeowner do if they receive a notice of foreclosure or foreclosure sale after being approved for HAF program benefits?
Homeowners should contact the Arkansas HAF Customer Service Department at 888-698-0964 to report this information. The Arkansas HAF team will contact their servicer to determine why benefits have not been applied to the loan.
Does a recreational vehicle (RV) meet the definition of a dwelling for the Homeowner Assistance Fund Program?
No, a recreational vehicle (RV) does not meet the definition of a dwelling for the Homeowner Assistance Fund Program. Persons who reside in their recreational vehicle are not eligible for assistance from the Program.
The Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Fund is administered by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority.