About

NC Homeowner Assistance Fund

The NC Homeowner Assistance Fund was established through the 2021 American Rescue Plan to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, displacements and foreclosures for homeowners experiencing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The law allocates funding for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and eligible territories and tribal authorities to provide relief for our country’s most vulnerable homeowners. Based on guidance from the US Department of the Treasury, each state developed its own plan. North Carolina was allocated $273 million and developed the NC Homeowner Assistance Fund that is tailored to meet the needs of most North Carolina homeowners impacted by the pandemic, particularly those with low and moderate incomes. Please note that this program is for homeowners who are at least 30 days delinquent on their mortgage or housing-related payments. If you are current on your payments, but still need assistance, please review our Resources for other programs that may be able to help you.

NC Homeowner Assistance Fund Plan as approved by US Treasury

NCHAF Treasury Annual Performance Report (As of September 30, 2022)

Click here to see how we are doing

For qualified homeowners who are past due on mortgage and housing-related payments by at least 30 days, the fund offers:

Housing payment assistance for primary residence in North Carolina (for example, single-family home, townhome, condo or mobile home).
Assistance for mortgage reinstatement to catch up on late payments (first or second mortgages) or other housing-related costs due to a period of forbearance, delinquency or default.
Assistance covering other housing-related costs such as homeowner’s insurance, flood insurance, mortgage insurance, homeowners association dues/fees or delinquent property taxes to prevent foreclosure.

Assistance is available up to $40,000 per household. Funds are limited.

If you are experiencing financial hardship due to job loss/business closure, reduction in hours or pay, difficulty obtaining new employment, death of a spouse or co-borrower or increased expenses due to the pandemic, you could be eligible for assistance. Increased expenses can be due to health care, the need to care for a family member, increased child care costs due to school closures or increased costs associated with quarantine.

See If I’m Eligible

NC Housing Finance Agency

The NC Housing Finance Agency provides safe, affordable housing opportunities to enhance the quality of life of North Carolinians. Since its creation by the General Assembly, the Agency has financed more than 298,860 affordable homes and apartments, totaling $29.16 billion.

The Agency provides financing through the sale of tax-exempt bonds and the management of federal tax credit programs, the federal HOME Program, the State and National Housing Trust Funds, the Homeowner Assistance Fund and other programs.

Hear from Homeowners We've Helped

Below are some stories of North Carolinians who have been helped by the program. Click the eligibility link below to see if we might be able to help you.

“My social security disability income was reduced, and I was grieving a loss while ill with COVID-19. I was getting further and further behind until NCHAF helped me get back on track with my mortgage payments.”

Karen R., Nash County

“The COVID-19 pandemic was difficult on me physically and mentally. My case manager was responsive and provided helpful referrals to assist me in my time of need. The program not only saved my life, but also my children’s lives as well.”

North Carolina Homeowner

“I suffer from anxiety, and having NCHAF staff be responsive meant a lot to someone who is worried and unsure of the future. An open line of communication is valuable.”

Kevin W., Mecklenburg County

“I was completely hopeless and one day away from having to vacate my home of 18 years. NCHAF stepped in to help me avoid foreclosure so that I can keep a roof over our family.”

David O., Wilson County

“My bills were piling, and my financial resources were exhausted. I was able to prioritize other bills with tax assistance from NCHAF.”

Northampton County Homeowner

“My case manager was always helpful and glad to answer any questions. I was able to avoid foreclosure with the help of NCHAF.”

Guilford County Homeowner

“Having a limited monthly income has made things difficult. I did not know how I would catch up on my mortgage payments. NCHAF was a lifesaver for me.”

Pitt County Homeowner

“NCHAF contacted my mortgage company and got them off my back. I have colon cancer and recently my cancer has progressed. I could not work as much waitressing and with NCHAF helping me, I can stand up and breathe again.”

Tammie T., Guilford County

“I got the assistance I needed during a difficult time in my life. My case manager was responsive with getting me the answers I needed. I am so grateful.”

Jessica G., Mecklenburg County

“The physical and mental toll that the pandemic has taken on those of us in the medical field has been difficult. When I found out I was awarded with mortgage assistance, I said ‘Hallelujah!”

Karen M., Hoke County

“I like the NCHAF program, it gives our clients at Life Store Bank hope. Folks have been negatively impacted by the pandemic and late on mortgages. It gives them a chance to get caught up and NCHAF staff have been very responsive to clients providing financial assistance. It's wonderful that they have been helping our homeowners.”

Doug Matney, Credit Relations Manager, Life Store Bank

“My case manager was knowledgeable, had a positive attitude, and went above and beyond to assist me. I received assistance with property taxes, and it was a smooth process. I am so grateful for the help I received.”

Keishonna H., Brunswick County Homeowner

“I was happy to know there is a program out there for homeowners. This program helped us get back on our feet with tax payments while continuing to make our mortgage payments.”

Belinda T., Durham County Homeowner