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Facing financial hardship and the risk of losing a home can be an overwhelming experience. For homeowners seeking a New York mortgage relief program, understanding the landscape of available support is the first step toward stability.
While some widely known programs have concluded, a robust network of state, city, and non-profit resources remains active. These organizations provide foreclosure prevention services, financial assistance, and expert guidance. The key is knowing where to turn first for trusted, effective help.
The Status of the NYS Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)
It is critical for homeowners to know that the New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund (NYS HAF) is closed. The program is no longer accepting applications or serving individuals on its waitlist. This federally-funded program was a temporary measure established to mitigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), it began accepting applications on January 3, 2022, providing up to $50,000 per household to cover mortgage arrears, property taxes, and other housing costs.
The HAF program became synonymous with mortgage relief for many New Yorkers during the pandemic. Its closure has created an information gap, and homeowners in crisis may still encounter outdated information. Before its conclusion, NYS HAF successfully assisted nearly 17,000 homeowners with approximately $465 million in awards. While its direct assistance has ended, the state’s long-standing support systems for homeowners remain in place.
For any New York homeowner struggling with mortgage payments or at risk of foreclosure, the most important resource is the New York State Attorney General's Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP). HOPP is a statewide network of more than 85 trusted, non-profit housing counseling and legal services organizations that provide expert assistance completely free of charge.
Why HOPP is Your First Step
The state’s mortgage assistance ecosystem is complex, with various programs governed by different agencies and eligibility rules. This system was not designed for individuals to navigate alone, especially under stress. HOPP was created to serve as a guided entry point, connecting homeowners with a professional advocate who assesses their unique situation and guides them to the most appropriate solutions.
Services Provided Through the HOPP Network
HOPP-affiliated experts are equipped to provide a comprehensive range of services to protect homeowners at no cost. These services include:
How to Connect with HOPP
Accessing this free, state-sanctioned network is straightforward through the Home owner Help NY initiative, the central hub for the HOPP network.
After an initial intake, homeowners are referred to a vetted, local organization in their county that is best equipped to handle their specific needs.
New York State Mortgage Assistance Program (NYS-MAP)
Administered by the non-profit Center for NYC Neighborhoods (CNYCN) and its lending subsidiary, Sustainable Neighborhoods LLC, NYS-MAP provides financial assistance to homeowners at risk of foreclosure.
The funding for NYS-MAP has historically been tied to legal settlements, and its availability can fluctuate. A HOPP advocate will have the latest information on its status.
Equitable Retention Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) Program
The ERMA Program is a specialized foreclosure prevention resource targeting some of New York's most vulnerable homeowners.
SONYMA Community Restoration Fund (CRF)
Operated by NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), the Community Restoration Fund offers a different approach. Instead of providing a direct loan, the CRF program acquires pools of defaulted mortgages from lenders. HCR then works directly with the homeowner to create a more affordable and sustainable mortgage payment.
Comparison of Active NYS Mortgage Financial Assistance Programs
| Program Name | Administering Body | Assistance Type | Maximum Amount | Key Eligibility Snapshot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYS Mortgage Assistance Program (NYS-MAP) | Center for NYC Neighborhoods | 0% Interest, Deferred Loan | Up to $80,000 | Statewide; for mortgage reinstatement/modification/arrears. Status dependent on current funding. |
| Equitable Retention Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) | Center for NYC Neighborhoods | 0% Interest, Deferred Loan | Up to $50,000 | Seniors (62+) and people with disabilities in specific counties at risk of foreclosure. |
| SONYMA Community Restoration Fund (CRF) | NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) | Acquires defaulted mortgages to create affordable payments | N/A (Loan Modification) | Homeowners with defaulted mortgages acquired by the fund. |
| NYC HomeFix Program | NYC HPD / CNYCN | Low/No-Interest Loan | Varies | NYC homeowners (1-4 family homes) for necessary home repairs. |
Homeowners searching for assistance may encounter the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA). It is important to understand that SONYMA's primary mission is to promote affordable homeownership by providing low-interest mortgage loans to qualified homebuyers, particularly those purchasing their first home.
SONYMA's Connection to Foreclosure Prevention
SONYMA's main programs, such as "Achieving the Dream" and "Low Interest Rate," are designed for purchasing a home and often include down payment assistance. While SONYMA is not a source of direct mortgage relief for existing homeowners, it partners with the same non-profit housing counseling agencies in the HOPP network to provide homebuyer education and foreclosure prevention counseling. This connection further underscores the central role of these counseling agencies.
Mortgage distress is often compounded by the inability to afford critical home repairs or by a high property tax burden. Several specialized programs exist to address these related issues.
USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (Section 504)
This federal program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture helps very-low-income homeowners in eligible rural areas of New York maintain their homes.
NYC-Specific Home Repair Programs
For homeowners within the five boroughs, several programs managed by CNYCN and the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) offer low-interest financing for essential repairs. Programs like Home Fix, Resilient Retrofits, and Homes for the Future help homeowners address structural issues, improve energy efficiency, and protect against flood damage.
Property Tax Relief
Reducing a homeowner's property tax bill can free up crucial funds for mortgage payments. New York State and New York City offer several property tax exemption and credit programs, including:
Navigating mortgage distress requires clear, decisive action. Follow these steps to access the help available to you.
1. Make the Call. It's Free and Confidential.
Your first and most important action is to contact the New York State Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) hotline at 1-855-HOME-456. This connects you to a free, expert advocate who will guide you through every subsequent step. Do not try to navigate this complex system alone.
2. Gather Your Key Documents.
To make your meeting with a housing counselor as productive as possible, begin locating essential documents. This will help the counselor quickly assess your situation. You will likely need:
3. Work with Your Counselor to Build a Plan.
Be open and honest with your HOPP counselor or legal aid attorney. They will work with you to analyze your finances, communicate with your mortgage servicer, and determine the best path forward. This could involve applying for a loan modification, seeking financial aid from a program like NYS-MAP or ERMA, or preparing a legal defense against a foreclosure action.
4. Beware of Scams.
Be extremely cautious of any person or company that contacts you promising to save your home for an upfront fee. Legitimate, state-approved assistance through the HOPP network is always free. Scammers often target homeowners in distress. Never pay for a promise of help.
No. The New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund (NYS HAF), the official New York mortgage relief program, stopped accepting new applications in February 2023. All available federal funds have been fully committed to homeowners who applied before the deadline. Homeowners should now seek alternative assistance options.
The program provided crucial financial assistance to prevent foreclosure by covering mortgage arrears, delinquent property taxes, past-due water or sewer bills, and overdue monthly maintenance charges for co-op or condo owners. The goal was to resolve housing instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic for eligible applicants.
The financial award from the New York mortgage relief program was structured as a grant that does not require repayment. This homeowner assistance was provided as direct payments to the loan servicer or relevant authority on the homeowner's behalf, offering direct relief without creating new debt.
Homeowners who applied before the deadline can still check their application status through the official NYS HAF portal managed by Sustainable Neighborhoods. You will need the login credentials created during your initial application. Direct communication from the program administrator is the most reliable source for updates.
If you are facing mortgage delinquency, immediately contact your loan servicer to discuss loss mitigation options like a loan modification or forbearance plan. Additionally, connect with a free, HUD-approved housing counseling agency in New York for expert guidance on navigating your current financial hardship.
Yes, providing property tax relief was a key function of the NYS Homeowner Assistance Fund. The program could pay off delinquent real estate taxes for eligible homeowners to prevent a tax foreclosure sale, preserving homeownership for those who fell behind due to pandemic-related financial struggles.
Eligibility for the NYS HAF program was centered on New York homeowners who occupied the property as their primary residence. Applicants had to have experienced a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic and have household incomes at or below 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
While the NYS Homeowner Assistance Fund is no longer accepting applications, it originally did provide relief for overdue co-op or condominium maintenance fees. Homeowners in this situation now should contact their board or management company directly to negotiate a possible payment plan for their arrears.
You can find free, certified housing counselors through the NYS Department of Financial Services (DFS) or by searching the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website. These non-profit counselors offer confidential advice on foreclosure prevention, budgeting, and managing mortgage payments without charge.
As of late 2025, there have been no official announcements regarding a new, large-scale New York mortgage relief program similar to the HAF fund for 2026. Homeowners should monitor the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) website for any future housing stability initiatives.
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