Important Information for MassHousing Borrowers

Massachusetts Homeowner Assistance Fund (Mass HAF)

The Massachusetts Homeowner Assistance Fund (Mass HAF) was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to help Massachusetts homeowners impacted by COVID-19.

Mass HAF is no longer accepting applications.

For questions on applications submitted before July 1, 2023, please email MassHAF@mhp.net or contact the call center at 833.270.2953, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m to 8 p.m. (interpreter services are available).

Additional Housing-Related Resources for Homeowners who are having difficulty paying their mortgage

• If your foreclosure is scheduled in the next 7 days, you should reach out to the Massachusetts Division of Banks (DOB) to request assistance in preventing your foreclosure. Click here to find out how to contact the DOB.
• Beginning on July 1, 2023, the state-funded Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program became available to low-income homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure. Eligible homeowners may apply for RAFT through the Emergency Housing Payment Assistance Portal.
• To find a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency in Massachusetts click here
• To apply for Rental Assistance, click here
• For information about Utility Assistance, click here
• For Legal Assistance Available in Massachusetts click here
• For Language Assistance click here

Mental Health Resources

• If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and/or suicidal thoughts, please call or text 988, which is the national suicide and crisis number. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also access the chat feature on the website: https://988lifeline.org/contact-the-lifeline/
• If you are looking for qualified professionals for mental health assessments and/or mental health referrals, please contact the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline by calling or texting 833-773-2445 (BHHL). The helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also access the chat feature on the website: https://www.masshelpline.com/contact/

Making your payment

Our online mortgage servicing portal, www.MassHousing.com/connect, is operational so that you can make your payment electronically, view your payment history or check on disbursements from your escrow account.

If you cannot electronically transmit your payment, you may also mail your payment in the envelope provided along with your billing statement. Please note mailed payments will take longer to process. Please do not attempt to drop off a payment in person at our offices.

Enhanced Unemployment Mortgage Payment Protection Benefits - MI Plus

Many MassHousing customers have their mortgages insured by MassHousing's Mortgage Insurance Fund. Loans with MassHousing Mortgage Insurance carry an enhanced benefit, MI Plus, for borrowers experiencing a temporary loss of income due to unemployment. If you have MassHousing mortgage insurance, complete the benefits application online or call us at 888.843.6432 #3 to discuss your options.

Temporary Changes to MI Plus Eligibility

As part of its response to the COVID-19 crisis, MassHousing has announced the following changes to eligibility requirements for MI Plus benefits:

• No waiting period: the requirement that a borrower must have made six months' of regularly scheduled payments to qualify for MI Plus benefits has been waived
• Eligibility extended: MI Plus benefits are available to borrowers with active MassHousing mortgage insurance. This was previously limited to the initial 10 years of a loan's term.

If you have MassHousing mortgage insurance and believe you are eligible for MI Plus mortgage payment protection benefits, complete the benefits application online or call us at 888.843.6432 #3 to discuss your options.

Having difficulty making your payment?

If you are unable to make your mortgage payment, MassHousing has experienced and dedicated staff who will work with you to find the best options. Please call us at 888.843.6432 or email us at hocustomerservice@masshousing.com so that we can assist you.

Options if you cannot make a payment

If you are unable to make a mortgage payment, please contact us at 888.843.6432. Our staff will discuss your circumstances and review the options that may be available to you.

Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)

Beginning on July 1, 2023, the state-funded Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program will become available to low-income homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure. Eligible homeowners may apply for RAFT through the Emergency Housing Payment Assistance Portal.

Why is MassHousing not offering payment forgiveness?

MassHousing services your mortgage for federal agencies such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae and we are contractually obligated to follow their guidelines, which do not provide for payment forgiveness. However, each federal agency has a variety of loan modification programs designed to help you bring your account current. Rest assured that MassHousing's experienced HomeOwnership Retention staff will work with you to provide the best possible terms to bring your account current at the conclusion of your forbearance plan.

MassHousing is committed to serving our customers. We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available.

Protecting your personal information

MassHousing is committed to protecting your privacy.

If we ever reach out to you, we won't ask for personal or financial information or access codes through email, text or unsolicited calls. See our Privacy Policy for more information.

Be Aware of Scams

Scam artists take advantage of vulnerable consumers during disasters and times of economic turmoil. Scammers have stolen millions of dollars from distressed homeowners by promising immediate relief from foreclosure, or demanding cash for counseling services.

HUD‐approved counseling agencies provide these services for FREE. If you receive an offer, information, or advice that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you have any doubts, contact MassHousing. Don't let scammers take advantage of you, your situation, your house, or your money. Keep in mind, MassHousing is not responsible for paying damages resulting from a scam. Remember, help is FREE.

How to Spot a Scam

Beware of a company or person who:

• Asks for a fee in advance to work with MassHousing to modify, refinance, or reinstate your mortgage.
• Guarantees they can stop a foreclosure or get your mortgage modified.
• Advises you to stop paying MassHousing and pay them instead.
• Pressures you to sign over the deed to your home or sign any paperwork that you haven't had a chance to read, and you don't fully understand.
• Claims to offer "government‐approved" or "official government" mortgage modifications.
• Asks you to release personal financial information online or over the phone and you have not been working with this person and/or do not know them.

How to Report a Scam

• Go to www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint to submit a complaint and get information on how to fight back.
• Call (888) 995‐HOPE (4673) and tell the counselor about your situation and that you believe you were scammed or know of a scam.

If you have a Non-MassHousing Mortgage

If you are a homeowner whose mortgage is not serviced by MassHousing and have concerns about paying your loan, contact your loan servicer to discuss your circumstances and options.