Louisiana distributed $25.4 million in mortgage assistance to 2,769 homeowners through the Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Fund. This is a federally funded relief program for homeowners affected by COVID-19 who are behind on their mortgage payments and at risk of foreclosure. Louisiana is one of the first states in the country to launch this program.
Governor John Bell Edwards said: “Our goal is to serve as many qualified homeowners as possible, but this is just the beginning. As such, we are encouraging homeowners affected by COVID-19 who meet the eligibility criteria to review the details and apply.”
Homeowners can check if they are eligible for assistance and apply by visiting haf.lacovidhousing.com.
The program, which will begin in January 2022 and will be funded through the U.S. Relief Plans Act, will provide $10 billion in federal relief to vulnerable homeowners nationwide. Louisiana will receive $146.7 million and can provide up to $25,000 for each eligible Louisiana homeowner. The Louisiana Department of Community Development administers the program.
Eligible homeowners are those who:
- Owns and occupies a home in Louisiana as their principal residence
- meet income requirements
- Must be 30 days or more past due on mortgage payments
- Experiencing financial hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic
“The state is taking several steps to establish efficiencies in the review process so funds get to approved homeowners more quickly, and we are working with partners to streamline and simplify the process. We continue to work with our lenders, statewide services for administration.”Our goal is to get this assistance to residents in need as soon as possible, and we will do whatever we can to make that happen.” I am doing things.”
Tenants who have been financially impacted during COVID-19 and are behind on rent payments may also be eligible for assistance through the Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Launched in March 2021 and funded through the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the U.S. Relief Plans Act, ERAP provides emergency services to residents of Louisiana’s 57 parishes whose housing has become unstable during the COVID-19 pandemic. offers rental and utility assistance.
To apply or learn more about HAF and ERAP, visit lacovidhousing.com. The program hotline is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- LA HAF Call Center 833.88.LAHAF (833.885.2423)
- ERAP Call Center 877.456.6555