HEMAP
(Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program)

Thousands of Pennsylvania families in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure have received help from the Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program.  The program was created by Act 91 of 1983 and is the only one of its kind in the nation.  It helps homeowners who, through no fault of their own, are financially unable to make their mortgage payments.

Program participants receive loans to help bring delinquent payments current, and may be eligible for continuing payment assistance for as long as 24 months.  Under the program, mortgage payments are made directly to lenders on the homeowner’s behalf.

The Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program is a cost-effective means to  prevent homelessness among Pennsylvanians.  By giving assurance of steady mortgage payments, it allows homeowners to seek education, job training and alternate employment when they most need it.

The program is funded by state appropriations and loan repayments.

Eligibility

To be considered for a HEMAP loan, homeowners must receive an “Act 91 Notice” from their lender informing them of their delinquent status and advising them that help may be available through the program. Deadlines fixed by state law require applicants to meet with designated counseling agencies within 30 days of receiving their Act 91 Notice in order to begin the assistance process.

 In addition, applicants must:

• Be Pennsylvania residents who own and occupy the property in foreclosure;
• Be at least sixty days delinquent in their mortgage payments;
• Be suffering financial hardship through no fault of their own; and
• Demonstrate reasonable prospects of being able to resume normal mortgage payments  after HEMAP loan assistance ends.

Procedures

The Credit Counseling Center will prepare the application and submit the initial paperwork to PHFA.

Foreclosure actions cease as long as the procedural time limits are met.

If you are interested in this counseling, call Joan Reading 215-396-1880.