top of page

TXHAF  Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for TXHAF program assistance?

​

Texas homeowners may be eligible for assistance through TXHAF if they meet the following:

​

  • Have fallen behind on one or more payments: mortgage, property tax, property insurance, homeowner/condo association fees, utility payments.

  • Household income at or below 100% Area Median Income (AMI) or 100% of the median income for the United States, whichever is greater.

  • Check your AMI here

  • Own and occupy their home in Texas as their primary residence.

  • Experienced a qualified financial hardship after January 21, 2020, such as lost income or increased expenses due to the pandemic.

  • The mortgage loan has to be in the name of a natural person, not an LLC, LP, or business.

What types of properties are eligible for assistance?

​

The TXHAF program currently does not cover expenses such as home repairs and does not cover home equity loans.

​

  • Single-family (attached or detached) property

  • Condominium unit

  • 1 to 4-unit property where homeowner lives in a unit as their primary residence

  • Manufactured home permanently affixed to real property and taxed as real estate

  • Mobile home not permanently affixed to real property

 

For any of the above property types, the original principal balance of the mortgage must not be more than the conforming loan limit.

What documents do homeowners need to provide?

​

Below are examples of documents that homeowners are required to submit with the application:

  • Identification cards

  • Signed program document

  • Mortgage statement

  • Proof of occupancy, such as a utility bill

  • Income documentation, such as pay stubs

What is the income limit for homeowners assistance in Texas?

​

Have household income at or below the United States median income or the Area Median Income where you live, whichever is greater. This starts at $90,000, but can be more depending on location and family size

What if I can’t afford to continue making my monthly mortgage payments?

​

If you qualify for the program and you can continue making your monthly mortgage payments after receiving program assistance, then the program will provide funding to “Reinstate” your mortgage. “Reinstate” means pay the total past due amount.

​

If you qualify for the program and you cannot afford to continue making your monthly mortgage payments after receiving program assistance, then the program will provide funding to “Reinstate” your mortgage. Additionally the program will provide up to three months of monthly payment assistance to qualified households.

​

If you cannot afford to continue making your monthly mortgage payments, please contact a housing counselor and/or your loan servicer to explore available options.

What is forbearance? Am I eligible for TXHAF assistance if my loan is in forbearance?

​

If you have a mortgage, the maximum amount of the mortgage loan at origination must be at or below the Maximum conforming loan limit secured by a single-family residence, a mortgage secured by a two-family residence, a mortgage secured by a three-family residence, or a mortgage secured by a four-family residence, as determined and adjusted annually under section

  • 302(b)(2) of the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act (12 U.S.C. 1717(b)(2)) and section

  • 305(a)(2) of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act (12 U.S.C. 1454(a)(2)).

 

A History of Conforming (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac) Loan Limits (hsh.com)

What about escrow advances paid by loan servicers for property charges?

​

Frequently, a loan servicer will collect property tax and insurance payments from the homeowner and maintain them in an “impound” or “escrow” account. An “escrow advance” is when the loan servicer pays these fees on behalf of the homeowner when there are not enough funds in the escrow account to do so.

What can the TXHAF funds be used for?

​

TXHAF funds can help qualified homeowners catch up on late payments on their mortgage, property tax, property insurance, homeowner/condo association fees, and utilities. Some applicants may also be eligible for up to three (3) months of future mortgage payment assistance.

Is assistance from the TXHAF program provided to homeowners as a grant or a loan?

​

The TXHAF funds are issued as grants that homeowners do not need to repay. The payments are made directly to the mortgage servicer or applicable property charge payee.

Can TXHAF help if the homeowner has already moved out of the property?

​

No. In order to be eligible for assistance, the homeowner must currently occupy the home as their primary residence.

Will Imminent Foreclosure on a property be prioritized in TXHAF process?

​

Homeowners facing “imminent foreclosure” except that a household applying only for Utility Assistance will be prioritized based on their mortgage status.

​​What is the difference between the Texas Utility Help or Texas Homeowner Assistance programs?

​

Please refer to this chart to compare the programs and determine which one is best for your household.

How many times can I apply for assistance?

​

An applicant/homeowner can only apply once for each of the following as long as the total amount of TXHAF assistance doesn’t exceed $65,000.

  • Mortgage

  • Property Tax

  • Property Insurance

  • Homeowner’s Association

  • Electric

  • Natural Gas

  • Propane

  • Water

  • Wastewater

Can I be reimbursed for a payment(s) I have already made, but could not afford?

​

No. The program cannot reimburse homeowners for payments made. Program assistance is only available to help homeowners with past-due payments and, if eligible, up to three (3) months of future payment assistance.

If approved, how quickly can I receive assistance?

​

After you submit your application, it will be carefully reviewed to see if it meets program eligibility requirements. Mortgage details will be confirmed with your mortgage servicer. If any documents or information is missing from your application, you will be contacted and asked to provide it. Once your application review is completed, you will be notified whether you qualify for program assistance. Application review times can vary. Homeowners can log into the portal at any time to check the status of their applications.

How are payments made?

​

Once a homeowner’s application is approved, payment is sent directly to the mortgage servicer, property tax authority, insurance company, homeowner/condo association, or utility provider. Payment is made by either ACH/direct deposit or check.

 

TXHAF is not able to make payments directly to homeowners.

bottom of page