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Navigating the financial pressures of homeownership can be a significant challenge, especially when faced with unexpected income changes or rising household costs. For many Arizona residents, the search for mortgage relief can feel overwhelming. This often leads to a complex web of federal, state, and local programs with different names, purposes, and eligibility requirements.
This guide serves as an authoritative and comprehensive resource to bring clarity to this landscape. It is critical to understand that the most prominent recent program, the federally funded Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), has concluded its operations in Arizona. However, this does not mean that support is unavailable.
This report provides a definitive overview of all currently active assistance programs in the state. It begins with a final status update on the closed HAF program to eliminate confusion. This is followed by a detailed exploration of the active state, county, and federal resources available to both struggling homeowners and aspiring first-time buyers.
The term "mortgage relief" does not refer to a single program in Arizona. Instead, it encompasses a broad category of support systems that are intentionally decentralized. This approach leverages local expertise and addresses specific community needs.
Federal funds and policies often flow down to state agencies. These agencies, in turn, partner with county governments and local non-profit organizations to deliver assistance directly to homeowners. For a resident seeking help, this means the right program depends heavily on their geographic location and specific circumstances.
Two Primary Categories of Assistance
The available assistance can be broadly divided into two primary categories:
Arizona's Housing Support Ecosystem
Navigating these options requires an understanding of the key governmental and non-profit entities that form Arizona's housing support network:
To provide the clearest possible guidance, it is essential to first address the status of the program many homeowners may be searching for. The Arizona Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), administered by the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH), is now closed and is no longer accepting new applications.
The closure of this major federal program has created an information vacuum. Outdated websites referencing HAF can lead to confusion and may be exploited by predatory "foreclosure rescue" scams. Understanding what HAF was, and confirming its conclusion, is the first step toward finding legitimate, active help.
Historical Context and Purpose of HAF
The Homeowner Assistance Fund was a federal program established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. It provided nearly $10 billion nationally to help homeowners who experienced financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds were distributed to states, territories, and tribal governments to administer locally.
Arizona's HAF allocation totaled over $196 million, managed by the Arizona Department of Housing. The primary goal of the program was foreclosure prevention—keeping Arizona families in their homes by mitigating the financial impacts of the pandemic.
Types of Assistance Provided by HAF
The Arizona HAF program covered a range of housing-related expenses, with assistance up to $40,000 per household paid directly to the mortgage servicer or other relevant entity. Covered expenses included:
Past Eligibility Requirements
While the program was active, Arizona homeowners had to meet several criteria to qualify:
Although the HAF program has ended, a diverse ecosystem of state, county, and specialized programs remains available. These programs are tailored to different needs, from helping first-time buyers to providing emergency relief for those at risk of losing their homes.
| Program Name | Primary Beneficiary | Type of Assistance | Key Eligibility Criteria | How to Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona is Home | First-Time Homebuyers | Down Payment, Closing Costs, Rate Relief | Income ≤ 120% AMI; Not owned a home in 3 years | Approved Lenders (e.g., CPLC, Trellis) / AzIDA Network |
| Pima County CAA | Low-Income Homeowners | Emergency Mortgage/Utility Payments | Pima County resident; Proof of low-income status & hardship | Call Pima County CAA: 520-724-2667 |
| Maricopa County Programs | Low/Moderate-Income Buyers/Owners | DPA, Closing Costs, General Assistance | Varies by program (e.g., Home in 5, income limits) | Maricopa County Human Services / Approved Lenders |
| USDA Section 504 | Very-Low-Income Rural Homeowners | Home Repair Loans & Grants | Rural residence; Very-low-income status; Age 62+ for grants | Local USDA Rural Development Office |
| City of Phoenix DPA | First-Time Homebuyers in Phoenix | Down Payment & Closing Costs | City of Phoenix resident; Income ≤ 80% AMI | HUD-approved counseling agency & application process Export to Sheets |
The 'Arizona is Home' Program: A Pathway to Homeownership
The state's current flagship housing initiative is the 'Arizona is Home' program. It is crucial to understand that this program is designed to help people buy a home; it is not an emergency relief program for existing homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments.
This program is a collaboration between the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) and the Arizona Industrial Development Authority (AZIDA). It provides enhanced down payment assistance (DPA), mortgage interest rate relief, and funds for closing costs to qualifying homebuyers.
Eligibility for 'Arizona is Home'
Eligibility is primarily based on two factors: homeownership history and income.
Application Process
The application process for 'Arizona is Home' is decentralized and depends on the applicant's location:
County-Level Emergency Relief: Direct Local Support
For homeowners facing an immediate financial crisis, the most direct support often comes from county-level programs. This assistance is typically limited and intended as an emergency safety net, so it is imperative for residents in need to act quickly.
Pima County
The Pima County Community Action Agency (CAA) is the primary resource for residents facing a housing crisis, providing emergency mortgage and utility assistance to low-income families.
Maricopa County
The Maricopa County Human Services Department offers "Rental & Mortgage Assistance" through its network of Community Action Program (CAP) offices.
Federal and Specialized Programs
Beyond state and county initiatives, several federal and city-level programs offer more targeted assistance.
USDA Rural Development Section 504 Program
For homeowners in designated rural areas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers the Section 504 program for home repairs.
City of Phoenix Homeownership Programs
The City of Phoenix Housing Department administers its own set of programs to promote homeownership within the city.
For homeowners already behind on their mortgage, navigating the path forward can be daunting. However, a clear, strategic sequence of actions can significantly improve outcomes. This involves direct communication with your lender, consultation with expert counselors, and, if necessary, legal services.
The First Step: Contacting Your Mortgage Servicer
The single most important action a homeowner in distress can take is to contact their mortgage servicer. The servicer's phone number is on every monthly mortgage statement. Lenders are often equipped with programs to help borrowers through difficult financial periods.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) encourages homeowners to reach out to their servicers. You can use online tools to see if your mortgage is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, which may open up specific assistance pathways:
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling: Your Most Valuable Ally
After contacting your servicer, the next step is to engage a HUD-approved housing counselor. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds a nationwide network of non-profit agencies that provide free or very low-cost services from trained, certified professionals.
A housing counselor acts as an expert guide and advocate. Their services can include :
Homeowners can find a local HUD-approved agency by calling the national toll-free hotline at 800-569-4287 or by using the online search tool on HUD's website.
Legal Assistance and Your Rights
In complex situations, seeking legal assistance is a critical step. Legal aid organizations can help homeowners understand their rights under Arizona law.
Avoiding Foreclosure Rescue Scams
Homeowners in distress must be vigilant against predatory scams. The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI) provides clear warnings about the red flags of these scams:
Homeowners who believe they have been targeted by a scam should file a complaint with DIFI and the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
Navigating financial hardship as a homeowner is stressful, but it is a challenge that does not have to be faced alone. While the major COVID-19 relief program has concluded, a robust ecosystem of support remains active in Arizona.
The most crucial takeaway is that proactive engagement is the key to a positive outcome. The path to stability begins with a few clear, immediate actions.
While the journey through financial uncertainty can be difficult, understanding the resources available is the first and most powerful step toward regaining control and securing your housing future.
No, the primary statewide Arizona mortgage relief program, the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), is now closed to new applications. Homeowners should focus on alternative resources, such as contacting their loan servicer directly or seeking assistance from a HUD-approved housing counselor for current foreclosure prevention options.
Your first and most critical step is to contact your mortgage servicer—the company you send payments to. Federal rules require them to discuss workout options with you. Acting quickly demonstrates that you are proactive and can open up solutions like forbearance or loan modification before you fall too far behind.
Yes, veterans facing mortgage difficulties may find help through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA offers assistance to help veterans avoid foreclosure. You can contact a VA loan technician at (877) 827-3702 to discuss your specific situation and available homeowner assistance options.
Working with your lender on a relief option like forbearance or a loan modification is generally less damaging to your credit score than missing payments or going into foreclosure. While there may be a temporary impact, preventing delinquency is the best way to protect your long-term credit health.
Yes. While the HAF program was COVID-related, current foreclosure prevention options are not tied to the pandemic. Resources like HUD-approved housing counseling and lender loss mitigation programs are available to homeowners facing financial hardship for any reason, such as job loss, medical issues, or divorce.
Some local programs may provide aid for delinquent property taxes to prevent a tax lien foreclosure. This type of assistance is typically managed at the county level. Homeowners should contact their county treasurer's office or a local HUD-approved counseling agency to inquire about available tax relief programs.
HUD-approved counseling agencies are funded by federal grants, allowing them to provide expert services at no cost to you. These nonprofit counselors can create a budget, explain your options, and negotiate with your mortgage servicer on your behalf, serving as an unbiased and professional advocate.
Yes, assistance is available for manufactured housing. Many lender modification programs and HUD counseling services apply to homeowners with manufactured homes, provided the home is affixed to a permanent foundation and titled as real property. Check with your lender and a housing counselor for specific eligibility.
Forbearance is a temporary pause or reduction of your mortgage payments for a specific period, with the missed amount repaid later. A loan modification is a permanent change to your loan terms, such as lowering the interest rate or extending the loan term to make payments more affordable.
A legitimate program, especially from a government-approved agency, will never ask for an upfront fee. Be wary of anyone guaranteeing they can stop a foreclosure or telling you not to contact your lender. Always verify an organization's credentials with HUD or the Arizona Attorney General's Office before proceeding.
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