Homeowner Assistance Fund 

Single Family Housing Borrower 

Support Programs FAQs

Q: What is the Homeowner Assistance Fund, and does USDA Single Family 

Housing participate?

A: Established by the American Rescue Plan Act, the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) (available at this 

link: https://go.usa.gov/xzQt4 ) is administered by states, Tribes, and other entities who receive funding and 

program support from the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury). Among other things, the HAF helps 

homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19 avoid mortgage delinquencies and defaults, foreclosures, 

the loss of utilities, or displacement.

USDA’s Single Family Housing Direct (SFH-D) and Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Programs 

(SFHGLP) do participate, and our borrowers are eligible for assistance.

Q. Does my state participate in HAF?

A: You can check the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA, available at this link: 

https://www.ncsha.org/homeowner-assistance-fund/) to see if your state or territory accepts HAF applications.

For background, state Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs), housing authorities, Tribal authorities, and other 

eligible administrative entities submitted use-of-funds plans to Treasury. In 2021, those approved plans and 

program development funds were released to states, which then carved out programs to help borrowers.

Federal partners like USDA are coordinating with Treasury and state groups to provide counsel and 

guidance in both the development and administration of their specific programs. Many programs began 

accepting applications in early 2022.
Q. If my state participates in HAF, can I receive HAF funds for my USDA Direct or 

Guaranteed Loan?

A: Yes. HAF is available to both USDA SFH Direct and Guaranteed Loan borrowers. 

You can check the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA, available at this link: 

https://www.ncsha.org/homeowner-assistance-fund/) to see if your state or territory is accepting 

HAF applications.

• USDA SFH-D Loan Program borrowers: Your state housing finance agency (HFA) must first submit a 

Servicer Participation Agreement (SPA) through the USDA Servicing Office before your HAF payment can 

be processed. HAF program questions and applications can be emailed to sm.rd.so.haf@usda.gov. You 

also can contact us by calling 314-457-5200.

• State Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) can direct questions – and forward SPAs – 

to sm.rd.so.haf@usda.gov. 

• USDA SFH-D Loan Program borrowers currently participating in a HAF program can direct 

their questions to the RD Loan Servicing Office by calling 800-414-1226, or by sending an email 

to rdquestion@stl.usda.gov.

• USDA Rural Development state office-based questions can be directed to the RD Loan 

Servicing Office at 314-457-5200.

• USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) Borrowers: While HAF is a 

Treasury-regulated program administered by state HFAs and other entities, the SFHGLP does fully 

participate in the program through SFH-approved lenders or servicers.

SFHGLP-approved lenders or servicers can coordinate with their state HFA to receive and allocate 

funds to eligible SFHGLP borrowers. While the USDA SFHGLP does not control or influence mortgage 

servicing or subordinate regulations, we support approved lenders through servicing outreach calls, and 

by responding to lender inquiries. 

Together, America Prospers

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Q. What’s the difference between the USDA American Rescue Plan Act Direct 

Loan Refinance Program, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury Homeowner 

Assistance Fund?

A: The ARPA Direct Loan Refinance program (available at this link: https://go.usa.gov/xzUxd) remains SFHD’s flagship borrower refinance support vehicle. With the ARPA Direct Loan Refinance program, USDA 

maintains statutory authority to regulate and administer program funds, and will continue supporting 

states with resources. States and partners should continue to use all applicable programs and 

resources available – including HAF – to help distressed borrowers. 

Q. Where can a USDA borrower find more information about HAF?

A: These resources can help you learn more about HAF:

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://go.usa.gov/xzUaX

• NCHSA: https://www.ncsha.org/homeowner-assistance-fund/) 

• U.S. Department of the Treasury HAF Information: https://go.usa.gov/xzQt4