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For homeowners facing financial hardship, the search for a Michigan mortgage relief program can be a source of significant stress and uncertainty. Navigating the possibility of delinquency or foreclosure requires clear, accurate, and up-to-date information.
While major statewide programs have evolved, a robust and accessible network of support remains available to help Michigan residents protect their homes. The key is understanding the current landscape of assistance and knowing precisely where to turn for effective, expert guidance.
The most prominent recent relief effort was the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF). Established using federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, MIHAF was a direct response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).
MIHAF was designed to mitigate financial hardships by providing grants of up to $25,000 per household. These funds were paid directly to servicers to cover a wide range of delinquent expenses, including:
To qualify, homeowners needed to demonstrate a pandemic-related financial hardship that occurred on or after January 21, 2020. They also had to occupy the property as their primary residence and have a household income at or below 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
MIHAF Program Closure
Crucially, the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF) is officially closed as it has exhausted all available funds. MSHDA is no longer accepting new applications for this program. This marks a transition away from the large-scale, temporary emergency aid created for the pandemic back toward the state's established, long-term support infrastructure.
This shift is not new; a prior program, the Step Forward Michigan Program, which was part of the Hardest Hit Fund, also concluded its operations in 2021. Homeowners must now engage with these permanent systems of support to find solutions.
With the closure of MIHAF, homeowners need a clear path to the resources that are currently active and available. The state’s support system is now centered on connecting residents with local and federal programs through expert navigators and counselors.
| Program/Resource | Administered By | Best For… | How to Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| 211 of Michigan | Michigan 2-1-1 | Connecting to a wide range of local resources for housing, utilities, and other needs. | Dial 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org. |
| Housing Counseling | HUD-Approved Agencies | Free, expert advice on foreclosure prevention, budgeting, and negotiating with lenders. | Use the HUD or CFPB counselor locator tool. |
| State Emergency Relief (SER) | MDHHS | Low-income households needing quick financial help for an immediate housing emergency. | Apply online via MI Bridges. |
| USDA Section 504 Program | USDA Rural Development | Very-low-income homeowners in eligible rural areas who need funds for home repairs. | Contact a local USDA RD office. |
Your First Connection: 211 of Michigan
In its official announcement about the closure of MIHAF, MSHDA directs homeowners to a primary resource: 211 of Michigan. This is the most critical first step for anyone seeking assistance. Michigan 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, and comprehensive information and referral service, not a direct funding source. It functions as a central hub, connecting individuals to a vast network of local non-profits and government programs.
A single call or visit to 211 can help a homeowner identify organizations in their specific area that offer mortgage delinquency counseling, rent payment assistance, and other housing-related support. In a complex system, 211 acts as the essential navigator, saving homeowners the stress of finding the right program on their own.
You can connect with Michigan 2-1-1 in several ways:
Expert Guidance at No Cost: HUD-Approved Housing Counselors
The single most powerful proactive step a homeowner facing foreclosure can take is to contact a HUD-approved housing counselor. These counselors are certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are specially trained to provide expert, independent advice. For homeowners seeking foreclosure prevention assistance, these services are provided free of charge.
A housing counselor acts as a crucial advocate, helping to balance the power dynamic between an individual homeowner and a large mortgage servicer. Their assistance is highly effective; according to MSHDA, more than 60% of people who work with a housing counselor are able to find a solution for their mortgage.
A counselor can:
To find a certified housing counselor, you can use the official search tools provided by federal agencies:
Beyond referral services and counseling, some direct financial aid programs remain available for eligible Michigan residents.
Michigan's State Emergency Relief (SER) Program
The State Emergency Relief (SER) program, administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), provides immediate, limited financial assistance to low-income households experiencing an emergency that threatens their health or safety. SER can help with mortgage payments, property taxes, or utility bills to prevent foreclosure or shut-off.
Eligibility is determined by both income and asset tests. The current non-cash asset limit is $15,000, but crucial assets like a primary home and one vehicle are excluded from this calculation. Homeowners can apply for SER online through the MI Bridges website or by visiting their local MDHHS office.
USDA Programs for Rural Homeowners
For homeowners in designated rural areas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development offers the Section 504 Home Repair program. This program is specifically designed to help very-low-income homeowners repair or modernize their homes or remove health and safety hazards.
The program provides two types of aid:
These funds are not for direct mortgage payment assistance but can alleviate financial pressure by covering the cost of critical repairs. Applications are accepted year-round through local USDA Rural Development offices.
A variety of non-profit organizations and local government agencies across Michigan are dedicated to foreclosure prevention. Engaging with these resources early can significantly increase a homeowner's options.
When exploring MSHDA's website, homeowners may encounter programs like the MI Home Loan and the MI 10K DPA Loan. It is vital to understand the purpose of these programs to avoid confusion.
These MSHDA programs are designed exclusively for homebuyers, not existing homeowners facing delinquency. Their purpose is to make homeownership more accessible by providing down payment assistance (DPA) and favorable mortgage terms to low- and moderate-income individuals purchasing a home. They are not relief funds available to help a current homeowner catch up on missed mortgage payments.
While the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF) has concluded, a powerful and accessible network of support is available to every Michigan homeowner facing mortgage challenges. The focus has shifted from a single emergency fund to a personalized approach that leverages the state's permanent support systems.
By taking proactive steps, homeowners can find the expert guidance and resources needed to navigate their situation and work toward a sustainable solution. The most effective strategy involves two clear, immediate actions:
The Michigan Mortgage Relief Program, officially known as the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF), is a federally funded initiative designed to help homeowners who experienced financial hardship. Its primary goal is to provide funds to help eligible residents catch up on mortgage payments, property taxes, and other housing-related costs to avoid foreclosure.
As of late 2025, the MIHAF portal is closed to new applications due to the exhaustion of initial federal funds. Homeowners should monitor the official Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) website for any announcements regarding potential new funding phases or alternative homeowner assistance programs that may become available.
Eligibility for the Michigan Mortgage Relief Program required homeowners to have a household income at or below 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Applicants also needed to demonstrate a qualifying financial hardship and use the property as their primary residence. The funds were available regardless of mortgage status.
The program offered comprehensive aid beyond just mortgage payments. The Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund covered delinquent property taxes, condominium or homeowners’ association fees, land contract payments, and overdue utility bills, including internet service. This broad coverage was designed to ensure housing stability for struggling Michigan families.
Yes, the Michigan Mortgage Relief Program had a maximum assistance cap. Eligible homeowners could receive up to $25,000 in financial aid per household. These funds were paid directly to the mortgage servicer, county treasurer, or other relevant service provider on behalf of the homeowner.
Absolutely. A key feature of the Michigan Mortgage Relief Program was its assistance for homeowners at risk of tax foreclosure. Even if you did not have a mortgage, you could apply for MIHAF funds specifically to pay delinquent property taxes and avoid losing your home.
Homeowners applied for the Michigan Mortgage Relief Program through a dedicated online portal managed by MSHDA. The process involved creating an account, answering eligibility questions, and uploading required documentation, such as proof of income, mortgage statements, and a photo ID, for review by a case manager.
To apply, residents needed to provide several key documents. This generally included a government-issued photo ID, proof of homeownership, income documentation (like pay stubs or tax returns), and copies of past-due bills for the assistance requested, such as a mortgage statement or delinquent property tax notice.
Yes, the program was inclusive of various homeownership structures common in the state. The Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund provided crucial financial relief for homeowners with land contracts, helping them cover overdue payments to prevent forfeiture and maintain possession of their property.
No, the financial assistance provided through the Michigan Mortgage Relief Program was not considered taxable income for the recipient. The funds were structured as a direct grant to resolve delinquencies, meaning homeowners did not have to report the assistance they received on their federal or state income tax returns.
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