The deadline for homeowners to apply for COVID-19 financial assistance is Monday

WASILLA — Monday, April 4 is the deadline for those who wish to apply for Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s Alaska Housing Homeowner Assistance program.

Alaska homeowners facing pandemic-related financial hardships such as mortgage delinquencies are encouraged to apply immediately.

According to a recent press release, 8,582 applications have been submitted statewide as of Thursday, March 31.

“While it is not unexpected that a high percentage of current applications represent the larger population centers of Anchorage, Mat-Su, Fairbanks, Juneau, and the Kenai Peninsula, the opportunity for this program to offer relief to struggling homeowners all across the state is significant,” Alaska Housing Finance Corporation CEO Bryan Butcher stated in the press release

The Alaska Housing Homeowner Assistance program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and managed by AHFC, according to the press release.

Eligible applicants are required to provide proof of financial challenges that are directly related to the pandemic, such as a reduction or loss of wages, and they must not exceed income requirements based on their household size in their community.

Households at or below the 2021 U.S. median family income of $79,900 automatically meet program income requirements.

Over $9.9 billion in federal funds has been allocated across the U.S. and Alaska is one of 15 states allocated $50 million by the U.S. Treasury.

“The income ranges for Alaska Housing Homeowner Assistance are more generous than its rent relief predecessor, however, the requirements and nuances are much more complex with far more intricacies that must be considered as part of the review process,” Butcher stated in the press release.

For homeowners who may have fallen behind on mortgage payments, AHFC recommends two important steps: submit an application now for Alaska Housing Homeowner Assistance and immediately reach out to their mortgage servicer to discuss options that may be available.

The deadline to apply is Monday, April 4 by 11:59 p.m. AKDT.

For the most current information and resources regarding the Alaska Housing Homeowner Assistance program, visit alaskahousingtelief.org. For general information about other AHFC programs, visit ahfc.us.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com