Starting Tuesday, applications will open for the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund to assist those struggling with unforeseen financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PAHAF is for homeowners who meet the income guideline and need assistance to prevent and/or ease mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, displacement and utility disconnection.

Applicants who are eligible must meet the following criteria:

• Household income is equal to or less than 150% area median income, which varies by locality. Note: PAHAF priority will be given to households at or below 100% AMI.

• Homeowner owns and occupies the property as their primary residence.

• Property is in Pennsylvania.

• Homeowner experienced a financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020, including a hardship that began before Jan. 21, 2020, and continued after that date.

• Homeowner has not received the same assistance for mortgage payment, mortgage reinstatement, property charges, and/or utility payment from another federal, state, local, nonprofit or tribal source.

• Homeowner’s first mortgage is a conforming loan and meets the federal limits for the year in which the loan was taken.

Visit https://pahaf.org to learn more about the assistance available and to review the documents required to apply.