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State agency to offer mortgage relief

LOCK HAVEN — It’s finally here.

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) will begin distributing funds to assist homeowners who have struggled to pay their mortgage due to COVID-19.

That’s the word from Clinton County Planner Katie De Silva.

De Silva made the announcement during a commissioners work session this week.

“You’ve heard about all the millions of dollars rolling out for this, for that, for the other thing through the American Rescue Plan,” De Silva said. “There is now another $350 million given to Pennsylvania for homeowners at last.”

Prior to this funding, De Silva said there was no assistance offered to homeowners who were affected by the pandemic.

She also stressed the program has nothing to do with the county government.

“Applicants should apply directly to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. They are putting this funding out,” she said.

If someone is eligible, De Silva said the funding could pay for up to 24 months on a homeowner’s mortgage — 18 months in arrears or 24 months in arrears. “But I doubt anybody is that behind,” de Silva noted.

The funding could also pay for up to six months going forward, De Silva said.

On a homeowner’s first mortgage, De Silva said PHFA could pay:

— Up to $5,000 in delinquent property taxes.

— Up to $3,000 in delinquent in insurance premiums.

— Up to $5,000 in delinquent homeowner fees or condominium fees.

— Up to $3,000 in delinquent utilities.

“So even if you have been able to keep up with your mortgage through all of this, you might be behind on your utilities or your taxes and they will cover that,” De Silva said. “The maximum payout for anybody would be $30,000.”

De Silva noted the requirements for Clinton County homeowners is very generous. This is due to the county’s average income being lower than across the state.

“It’s 150 percent of the area median income. If you make that you could be eligible,” she said.

For example, De Silva said a family of four would need to make less than $97,650. The lowest is $79,900, she said.

“And we know a lot of people in Clinton County make less than that and own a home,” she said. “So if you’ve had any kind of pandemic impact, and you prove your pandemic impact, you may apply.”

De Silva said the program will open on Feb. 1, but encouraged those interested to sign up prior to that date by visiting www.phfa.org and click on the “check my eligibility.”

“You just fill in your income levels. If you meet the income levels then you can proceed to further questions to determine if you’re eligible,” she said. “If you’re eligible, it’s all automatic, you should begin collecting the documents you need right away.”

De Silva said PHFA will want proof of income, proof of loss and other documentation.

“You have to register and then they’ll send you an email to allow you to apply,” she noted again. “That’s a security measure on their part. So you have to get their and register before.”

De Silva said those interested in applying don’t have to register before Feb. 1, but encourages those to do so anyway.

“It’s not going to be there forever, they will probably be barraged in the beginning,” she said. “So expect it to take some time before you have your funds.”

De Silva said those who have questions should visit www.PAHAF.org to learn more.

“The county doesn’t administer it, so I wouldn’t recommend calling us,” she said.

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