Last Updated: 07/25/2023 9:00 a.m.
Thank you for your interest in the Homeowner Assistance Fund Rhode Island (HAF-RI) program.
As of July 25, 2023, the program has been closed to new applications.
Homeowners who have applied for assistance but have not yet been approved will be notified about the status of their application. Funds may not be available to fund all submitted applications.
If you have not yet applied to the HAF-RI program and are a Rhode Island homeowner currently struggling to make your mortgage payments and/or facing foreclosure, there are several options available to assist you:
- Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor or the RIHousing HelpCenter. The sooner you reach out the more options you may have. Dedicated housing counselors work with homeowners and their lenders to review and identify available options to avoid foreclosure. Options may include loan modifications, work-out agreements, repayment plans and/or referral to RI Legal Services.
- Directly contact your loan servicer about opportunities to restructure your mortgage.
- Contact your local Community Action Agencies (CAP) about available utility assistance programs.
Recertification Form
The recertification process will remain. Homeowners receiving Monthly Payment Assistance will be reviewed every 3 months to determine if they are still eligible.
Applicants who receive assistance via the HAF-RI program will be required to recertify on a quarterly basis that their employment and/or financial status as not changed. The recertification must be completed every 3 (three) months until assistance has ended.
If you are required to recertify your continued need for assistance, click here to download the Recertification Form. Sign and date this form to recertify HAF-RI eligibility.
For program related questions, please contact HAF-RI at haf@rihousing.com or 401-457-1222.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t need help with my mortgage, but I have fallen behind on my utility payments. What options do I have?
If you are a homeowner seeking help for utility costs, you may qualify for assistance under programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Will I receive assistance directly?
In almost all cases, program assistance will be paid directly to your mortgage servicer, utility provider or other entity owed housing-related costs.
Will HAF-RI assistance be considered taxable income by the IRS?
No. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has provided guidance indicating that assistance received through HAF is not considered taxable income for federal tax purposes. You should consult your tax professional with any questions or concerns.
Will certain homeowners be deemed higher priority to receive HAF funds?
Yes. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has stipulated that HAF funds must be distributed to homeowners using certain criteria such as, but not limited to, their income and if they are socially disadvantaged in any way. RIHousing prioritizes homeowners who are socially disadvantaged and homeowners who are facing foreclosure.
I’ve been denied assistance from the HAF-RI program but feel this is in error. Is there a way to appeal the decision?
If you would like to appeal the decision of your HAF-RI application, please fill out the Decisions Appeal Form. All appeals must be received within 30 calendar days of the decision.
IMPORTANT: Please upload any documentation to support your appeal to the ‘Documents’ section of your application at www.haf-ri.com under ‘Underwriter Requested Documents.’
Decision Appeal
Click here if you would like to appeal the decision of your HAF-RI application.
All appeals must be received within 30 calendar days of the decision.
Recertification Form
Applicants who receive assistance via the HAF-RI program will be required to recertify on a quarterly basis that their employment and/or financial status as not changed. The recertification must be completed every 3 (three) months until assistance has ended.
If you are required to recertify your continued need for assistance, please click here to download the Recertification Form. Sign and date this form to recertify HAF-RI eligibility.
About the Program
Launched on January 10, 2022, the HAF-RI program helps prevent mortgage delinquencies and defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacement of homeowners experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic. The statewide program helps eligible homeowners impacted by COVID-19 to catch up on mortgage and utility bills and other housing-related costs.
The HAF-RI program was suspended to new applicants in March 2022 due to a high volume of applications. The program has re-opened to new applications to allow eligible Rhode Island homeowners to access the program’s remaining funds
Homeowner Assistance Fund Rhode Island (HAF-RI) is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number HAF0142 awarded to the State of Rhode Island by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
