What is the Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund

In January 2022, Governor Larry Hogan announced the launch of the Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund to provide aid to homeowners who have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19. Approximately $248 million in federal American Rescue Plan relief will be administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development through the program, part of $2.5 billion in federal and state pandemic relief managed by the agency. Maryland was one of the first states in the nation to have its program plan approved by the U.S. Treasury and open its online application portal to homeowners whose ability to pay their mortgages and other housing related costs was impacted by the pandemic. This aid will help program eligible homeowners bring their delinquent mortgages and other eligible housing related costs current, while also ensuring their future monthly payments are affordable and sustainable.

Aid from Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund can also be used to assist homeowners with other housing costs, including unpaid property taxes, condo and homeowner association fees, mobile home loan payments, land lease and ground rent delinquencies, and water and sewer fees. The fund also offers emergency home repairs through the WholeHome Grant. These grants help address immediate problems that may make the home unsafe or uninhabitable, including mold remediation, asbestos and lead paint removal, lack of heat or air conditioning, electrical repairs; plumbing and septic repairs, and other critical structural and maintenance issues.

Additionally, a portion of Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund resources supports approved housing counselors, pro-bono legal service providers, and other organizations offering case management and administration for distressed homeowners. Homeowners can contact a housing counselor in their community for help submitting their application. The counselors will help ensure the application is completed correctly, streamlining the process, and can also work with homeowners to identify other options for avoiding foreclosure and displacement.

may require refinancing or other mitigation measures, the program is designed to foster partnerships with mortgage servicers. Their participation is important to process applications and make sure homeowners promptly receive aid. The Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation within the Maryland Department of Labor is responsible for regulating the mortgage service industry in Maryland. That office has been vital to creating and growing these partnerships and assisting homeowners who have applied for the program and need help working with their servicer.

To be eligible to apply for the Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund, a homeowner must demonstrate a financial hardship related to COVID-19 after January 21, 2020. Their home must be located in Maryland and serve as their primary residence. Homeowners can check their eligibility, learn about the required documents, and apply online at homeownerassistance.maryland.gov. Homeowners that need assistance with their online application or cannot apply online can contact the Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund call center, toll-free, at 1-833-676-0119. Call center staff can help with an application over the phone or provide a referral to an approved housing counselor for further assistance. Distressed homeowners should not delay and are encouraged to seek aid promptly by applying for the program and connecting with a housing counselor.

Written by: Brandi Bottalico Director, Office of Public Information, Department of Housing and Community Development brandi.bottalico@maryland.gov