Program helps Pennsylvania homeowners

Pennsylvania homeowners have a unique program available to help them when faced with financial distress. The Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) was created by Act 91 of 1983 by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. The program aims to protect families who are financially unable to make their mortgage payments and face foreclosure.

Under HEMAP, a loan is created to bring delinquent mortgage payments current and in some cases offer continuing payment assistance for up to 24 months. It is important to note that these funds are not a grant and do need to be repaid.

In order to be eligible for HEMAP a homeowner must meet several criteria. Applicants must be Pennsylvania residents who own and occupy the property and must be suffering financial hardship through no fault of their own (serious medical problem, divorce, or loss of employment due to layoff, strike or plant closing). Homeowners must have also received an Act 91 notice from their lender. Licensees and homeowners can find more information regarding HEMAP, including additional criteria and application information here. There is also a HEMAP Help Center site run by the Regional Housing Legal Services that provides additional information and resources.