Thousands of dollars in Federal Grant Assistance are available to help you recover. Whether it’s emergency rental aid or utility relief, 2026 programs are designed to provide a safety net for your family. See what you qualify for in minutes.
Apply for Assistance
For Delaware homeowners facing financial hardship, the Delaware Mortgage Relief Program has been a critical topic. If you are seeking assistance, it is vital to have the most current information. The primary mortgage relief program created in response to the pandemic is now fully subscribed and no longer accepting new applications for mortgage assistance.
This does not mean that help is unavailable. The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) and its partners continue to offer programs to help homeowners prevent foreclosure, manage payments, and address home repairs . Dealing with mortgage difficulties is stressful, but there is a path forward. This information will guide you through the active resources that can provide stability.
To understand the current landscape of housing aid, it is helpful to know the history of the Delaware Mortgage Relief Program (DE-MRP), also known as the Delaware Homeowner Assistance Fund (DEHAF) . This was a temporary emergency measure, not a permanent state initiative.
Federal Funding and Purpose
The program was funded by the federal Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Its mission was to support homeowners who experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic after January 21, 2020.
Types of Assistance Offered
The program provided comprehensive support for housing stability:
Program Closure
As a temporary federal program, the DE-MRP operated until its funds were exhausted. The DSHA has announced that the funding has been fully used, and the program is now closed to new mortgage assistance applications . This marks a return to a more traditional system where homeowners must seek specific programs for different needs.
If you are struggling with your mortgage, taking prompt action is the most important factor in achieving a positive outcome. The path forward can be simplified into two critical first steps.
Step 1: Contact a HUD-Approved Housing Counselor
Your first call should be to a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved housing counseling agency. These nonprofit organizations provide expert, confidential guidance at no cost . A certified housing counselor is your professional advocate.
A housing counselor will:
Engaging a counselor early significantly increases your chances of avoiding foreclosure. Below is a directory of HUD-approved agencies serving Delaware.
| Agency Name | Counties Served | Phone Number | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLARIFI | New Castle | 800-989-2227 | www.clarifi.org |
| First State Community Action Agency | Kent, Sussex | 302-674-1355 (Kent) 302-856-7761 (Sussex) | www.firststatecaa.org |
| Housing Opportunities of Northern Delaware, Inc. (HOND) | New Castle | 302-429-0794 | www.hond.org |
| Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware, Inc. | New Castle, Kent, Sussex | 302-652-3991 | www.ichde.org |
| NeighborGood Partners (formerly NCALL) | Kent, Sussex, New Castle | 302-678-9400 (Kent) 302-855-1370 (Sussex) 302-283-7505 (New Castle) | www.neighborgoodpartners.org |
| Neighborhood House, Inc. | New Castle | 302-658-5404 | www.neighborhoodhse.org |
| Telamon Corporation | Sussex | 866-844-8556 | www.telamon.org |
| YWCA Delaware | New Castle, Kent, Sussex | 302-224-4060 ext. 200 | www.ywcade.org |
Step 2: Communicate with Your Mortgage Servicer
You should also proactively contact your mortgage servicer—the company you send payments to. It is best to contact them before you miss a payment, but it is never too late to start a conversation.
When you speak with your servicer, you will discuss "loss mitigation" options. A housing counselor can be invaluable in these negotiations. Key options include:
While the broad DE-MRP grant program has ended, Delaware maintains a strong legal framework and targeted programs to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.
Delaware's Foreclosure Mediation Program
For homeowners who have received a foreclosure notice, the state's most powerful tool is the Delaware Automatic Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program . This mandatory program from the Attorney General's Office gives you a voice in the process.
For more information, contact the Attorney General's hotline at (800) 220-5424.
Other Assistance Initiatives
Several other resources exist to provide targeted relief:
Financial difficulty with a mortgage often goes hand-in-hand with the inability to afford necessary home repairs. While the DEHAF home repair grant is no longer available, Delaware offers a variety of other programs.
Statewide Emergency Repair Program (SERP)
This is the primary statewide program for low- to moderate-income homeowners facing an emergency that threatens their health or safety . The program is funded by DSHA and administered by the Milford Housing Development Corporation (MHDC).
County and Municipal Programs
Several local governments offer their own repair programs.
Federal and Alternative Options
The Delaware Mortgage Relief Program, also known as the DE HAF, was administered by the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA). The DSHA managed the application process and distribution of federal funds to eligible homeowners, working in partnership with various community organizations and housing counselors across the state to provide comprehensive support.
The financial assistance provided through the Delaware Mortgage Relief Program was structured as a grant that did not require repayment. These funds were paid directly to the mortgage servicer or other relevant parties on behalf of the homeowner, providing direct financial relief without creating additional debt for the recipient.
Yes, the program was designed to help homeowners catch up on various housing-related expenses, including delinquent property taxes and homeowner's association (HOA) fees. This comprehensive approach aimed to address multiple factors that could lead to foreclosure, providing a more stable foundation for homeowners recovering from financial hardship.
Mortgage relief programs, like the now-closed DE HAF, provided direct financial aid to pay for arrears. In contrast, the Delaware Automatic Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program is a legal process that facilitates a structured meeting between a homeowner and their lender to negotiate an alternative to foreclosure, such as a loan modification.
While the primary mortgage relief program is closed, seniors may qualify for other aid. Programs like the Statewide Emergency Repair Program (SERP) can help with critical home repairs to prevent displacement. Additionally, HUD-approved housing counselors can connect seniors with specific local resources and benefits available to them.
If you are struggling with utility payments in Delaware, you can contact the Delaware Division of State Service Centers for programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). A HUD-approved housing counselor can also help you create a budget and identify all available utility assistance options.
If direct negotiation with your mortgage servicer is unsuccessful, your immediate next step should be to contact a free, HUD-approved housing counseling agency in Delaware. These certified professionals can advocate on your behalf, explore other options, and provide expert guidance on foreclosure prevention and the state's mediation program.
Yes, eligibility for the Delaware Mortgage Relief Program was tied to income limits. Homeowners had to have an income at or below 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This requirement ensured that the federally allocated funds were directed to the households most financially impacted and in need of assistance.
While the federal Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program is closed, other federal options exist. The FHA, VA, and USDA offer various loss mitigation options for government-backed loans. Homeowners should contact their mortgage servicer directly to inquire about specific federal programs or modifications for which they may be eligible.
To prove financial hardship for programs like foreclosure mediation or when negotiating with lenders, you typically need to provide documentation. This often includes recent pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, a letter explaining your circumstances (e.g., job loss, medical emergency), and a detailed list of your monthly income and expenses.
You can secure free government grants for dental implants by targeting the right federally funded health centers and non-profit initiatives. We explain the eligibility requirements for these financial awards so you can stop worrying about the bill.
Amidst urgent housing needs, the idea of quickly securing a safe haven through an online Salvation Army hotel voucher might seem like an immediate answer. However, the reality of obtaining emergency lodging assistance often involves a more direct and community-focused approach that ensures the most effective help reaches those in crisis.
Imagine having the support to pursue your career dreams while knowing your child is thriving in a safe and nurturing environment. The Nevada Child Care Assistance Program offers just that – financial peace of mind for eligible families seeking quality child care.