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Homeowners searching for the Maine mortgage relief program often seek information about the Maine Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). It is critical to understand that this specific, federally-funded program is no longer accepting new applications. The program, created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and administered by Maine Housing, officially stopped taking new applications as of January 10, 2023.
The HAF program was designed to provide grants up to $50,000 to eligible homeowners who experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic. These funds helped with past-due mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and other housing costs.
While this pandemic-era fund has closed, it does not mean that help is unavailable. Maine has a robust network of state, federal, and non-profit resources dedicated to helping homeowners. For those facing financial difficulty, understanding these existing programs is the most important next step toward securing your home.
Facing mortgage trouble can be overwhelming. To cut through the confusion and connect with immediate, expert guidance, the most effective strategy is to start with two specific phone calls. These resources are free, confidential, and staffed by professionals trained to help Maine homeowners.
Call the Foreclosure Prevention Hotline
The first and most direct step is to contact the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection's Foreclosure Prevention Hotline. This state-run service is the central clearinghouse for trusted foreclosure assistance in Maine.
Connect with a Free HUD-Approved Housing Counselor
Your second call should be to a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved housing counseling agency. These non-profit organizations provide expert financial guidance to homeowners at no cost. A housing counselor acts as your advocate and strategist, providing invaluable support.
A HUD-approved counselor can provide a wide range of free services:
You can find a HUD-certified counselor through the Foreclosure Prevention Hotline or by searching directly on HUD's website. Key agencies providing these free services across Maine include:
Many homeowners hesitate to contact their mortgage lender when they fall behind on payments. However, proactive communication is one of the most powerful tools available to prevent foreclosure. Lenders are typically motivated to find an alternative, as foreclosure is a costly and time-consuming process for them.
Preparing for the Call
Before contacting your lender, it is essential to be prepared. A housing counselor can help you assemble the necessary information, which generally includes:
When you speak with your lender, ask to be connected with the "loss mitigation" department. This department specializes in working with borrowers to find alternatives to foreclosure. Several standard "workout" options may be available, depending on your circumstances.
Options to Stay In Your Home
These options are designed to help you keep your property by making your mortgage payments more manageable.
Special Programs for Maine Housing Borrowers
Homeowners with mortgages financed through Maine Housing may have access to unique assistance programs.
Options to Gracefully Exit Your Home
If keeping the home is not financially feasible, these alternatives can mitigate the damage to your credit.
Beyond direct lender negotiations, Maine offers a variety of programs to provide legal protection and financial support to homeowners.
| Resource/Program Name | Who It's For | Type of Help Provided | How to Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreclosure Prevention Hotline | Any Maine homeowner at risk of foreclosure. | Free advice, information, and referrals to | Call 1-888-664-2569. |
| HUD-Approved Housing Counseling | Homeowners needing financial guidance and negotiation support. | Free financial counseling, budget planning, and lender negotiation. | Find an agency via HUD's website or the hotline. |
| Maine Foreclosure Diversion Program | Homeowners who have been served with foreclosure court papers. | Free mediation with the lender to find alternatives to foreclosure. | Request mediation when you file an Answer with the court. |
| Pine Tree Legal Assistance | Low-income homeowners facing foreclosure or complex legal issues. | Free legal advice and representation in civil cases. | Contact a local office or call the Volunteer Lawyers Project. |
| General Assistance (GA) | Individuals and families unable to meet basic needs. | Vouchers that can be used for housing costs, including mortgage payments. | Apply in person at your local municipal or town office. |
| USDA Section 504 Home Repair | Very-low-income homeowners in eligible rural areas. | Low-interest loans and grants for essential home repairs. | Contact a local USDA Rural Development office. |
State and Legal Resources
These resources provide legal protections to ensure homeowners are treated fairly.
Municipal and Community-Based Aid
Local support systems can provide a direct financial lifeline.
Federal Programs for Specific Homeowners
Certain federal programs are targeted to assist specific populations.
Homeowners in financial distress are often targeted by predatory "foreclosure rescue" scams. Recognizing the warning signs is the best defense against these fraudulent companies.
Be extremely wary of any person or company that:
The most important thing to remember is that legitimate assistance from HUD-approved housing counselors and state-run hotlines is always free. If you encounter a potential scam, you can file a complaint with the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection. By relying on trusted, no-cost resources, you can safely navigate your options.
As of late 2025, the federally-funded Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), which powers this program, has likely exhausted its resources or is nearing its final deadline. Homeowners should immediately visit the official Maine Housing website to verify the current application status, as availability may be extremely limited or closed.
The Maine Mortgage Relief Program can provide funds for more than just your primary mortgage payment. Eligible expenses often include overdue property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, condominium or HOA fees, and utility payments. The goal is to provide comprehensive support to prevent homeowner displacement and foreclosure in Maine.
No, this is a key benefit. Financial assistance received through the Maine Mortgage Relief Program is a grant, not a loan. The funds are designed to help you catch up on housing costs and do not need to be repaid, providing direct financial relief to qualifying Maine homeowners.
Yes. The program is designed to prevent foreclosure from any eligible cause, including tax liens. If you own your home outright but are facing delinquency on your property taxes, you may still qualify for assistance through the Maine Mortgage Relief Program, provided you meet all other eligibility criteria.
To qualify, your household income must be at or below 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with priority sometimes given to those below 80% AMI. Income limits vary by county and household size. Check the official Maine Housing guidelines for the specific income cap applicable to your location.
Funds are not paid directly to the homeowner. Upon approval, the program makes payments directly to your mortgage servicer, local tax authority, insurance company, or utility provider. This ensures the assistance is applied correctly and immediately resolves the delinquency, helping you avoid foreclosure.
Applying for the Maine Mortgage Relief Program does not negatively impact your credit score. In fact, the program is designed to protect your credit by providing the funds needed to cure delinquencies and avoid foreclosure proceedings, which would severely damage your credit history.
No, the program is strictly for a homeowner's primary residence located within the state of Maine. Vacation homes, second homes, and rental or investment properties are not eligible for assistance under the guidelines of the Maine Mortgage Relief Program. You must occupy the property as your main home.
Applicants typically need to provide government-issued photo ID, proof of income (like pay stubs or tax returns), a mortgage statement or property tax bill, and utility statements. You will also need to sign an attestation form confirming a COVID-19 related financial hardship was the cause of your delinquency.
The Maine Mortgage Relief Program can assist with various types of home loans, not just those from large banks. This includes mortgages from credit unions, privately held mortgages, and contracts for deed. The critical factor is having a formal, documented home financing or ownership obligation.
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