PAHAF: The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund, Explained
By Stop Foreclosures PA • Updated July 17, 2026
The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF) was a federally funded program that helped Pennsylvania homeowners hurt by the pandemic catch up on mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and other housing costs — with assistance that did not have to be repaid. The program's federal funds were limited, and PAHAF stopped accepting new applications when funding was exhausted; check pahaf.org or call 888-987-2423 for the program's current status before ruling it out.
Whether or not PAHAF reopens, Pennsylvania homeowners behind on their mortgage still have several strong assistance options. Here's the complete picture.
What PAHAF Covered
At full operation, PAHAF provided qualifying homeowners (income limits applied) with grants toward:
- Delinquent mortgage payments and reinstatement
- Delinquent property taxes
- Homeowners insurance and utility arrears
- HOA or condo fee arrears in some cases
Still Available: HEMAP — Pennsylvania's Permanent Assistance Program
Unlike PAHAF, the Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) is a permanent state program run by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency since 1983. If you receive an Act 91 notice, you have 33 days to meet with a credit counseling agency and apply. HEMAP makes a repayable loan that brings your mortgage current when your hardship is temporary and recovery is realistic. See our full Act 91 / HEMAP guide for the step-by-step process.
Other Help That Doesn't Depend on PAHAF
- Free HUD-approved housing counseling: 1-800-569-4287 or hud.gov/findacounselor — counselors negotiate with servicers at no cost to you
- Court foreclosure diversion/conciliation programs: mandatory in Philadelphia for owner-occupied homes; available in many other counties
- PHFA counseling and programs: phfa.org or 1-855-827-3466
- Free legal help for qualifying homeowners: palegalaid.net
- Servicer loss mitigation: loan modifications, forbearance, repayment plans — you can apply directly at any time
When Assistance Isn't Enough
Assistance programs work best when your hardship is temporary. If the numbers simply don't work anymore — the payment is unaffordable long-term, or arrears have grown too deep — the goal shifts to protecting your equity and credit. Selling before the sheriff sale accomplishes both: the foreclosure stops, the debt is paid, and any equity comes to you instead of being consumed by auction-day costs.
We help Pennsylvania homeowners compare all three exit paths — cash sale, creative finance, and as-is listing — side by side, free, within 24 hours.
Facing foreclosure right now?
We'll lay out your options — cash offer, creative finance, or as-is listing — within 24 hours, free and with no obligation.
Call (215) 392-8767